This is my list of things I think you should have if you're attempting any PICAXE / Microcontroller projects. It's taken me a while to realise just what is useful, hopefully this list will help you too. Having the proper tools and equipment really does make a difference!!! Honest.

You've probably seen lots of these kinds of lists but I can tell you that I went from having none of this stuff (really) to all of it in a short space of time. (I did have a desk)

PATIENCE
This is the most important thing. You need lots of it. I'll admit that I don't like soldering, really don't. It takes ages (or it seems to), it smells horrible, it's fiddly and you burn your fingers... and then at the end you find nothing works so you have to check all of the joints. But it has to be done. If you don't have the patience to carefully plan and build your project then you're doomed...yes dooooomed.
WORK SPACE
Having a clean work space is important.

In no particular order;

MULTIMETER

SOLDERING IRON

DESOLDERING GUN

CHIP REMOVER

WIRE CUTTER

When I first ordered my 28X1 project board I ordered a few LEDs to go with it. After spending a bit of time making the LEDs flash in lots of fun ways I realised that I needed some other components.

PROTOTYPING BOARDS

JUMPER WIRES

WIRE (lots of colours)

RESISTORS