[Al Skierkiewicz]

Each designer has a their own list of stuff. Since mine is mostly analog...
a handful of NE5534 OpAmps
LM317 Voltage regulators (they can be programmed for different outputs with two resistors)
a handfull of electrolytic caps, 10, 100, 500 mfd and some .01 .1 ceramic caps
A nice bench power supply, either buy or build, two outputs, 0-15 volts @1 amp at least.
Can never have enough push button switches
A nice Fluke VOM, spend the money you will use it for the rest of your life.
Catalogs and data sheets if you can get them.
Load up on 1N4148 diodes they are cheap
1N4001 diodes if you plan on doing much in power supply design
A nice drawer cabinet to put everything in. If you can't find it you will never use it.