SparkFun Arduino Starter Kit

Description: The Arduino Starter Kit is a great gift for beginners and weathered professionals alike. Included is a multitude of inputs, outputs, and sensors to get you started in the wonderful world of Arduino. Checkout all the included goodies:

Included:

• Arduino Duemilanove ATmega328 - the latest Arduino USB board, fully assembled and tested.
• 6' USB A to B cable - USB provides power for up to 500mA (enough for most projects) and is ample length to connect to your desktop or laptop USB port.
• Miniature breadboard - Excellent for making circuits and connections off the Arduino. Breadboard may come in various colors.
• Male to Male jumper wires - These are high quality wires that allow you to connect the female headers on the Arduino to the components and breadboard.
• Flex Sensor - Originally designed for the Nintendo Power Glove, now you too can measure flex!
• SoftPot - Measure position along the softpot by looking at the change in resistance. It's like a touch sensitive volume slider.
• Photocell - A sensor to detect ambient light. Perfect for detecting when a drawer is opened or when night-time approaches.
• Thermistor - A sensor for detecting ambient temperature and temperature changes.
• Tri-Color LED - Because everyone loves a blinky. Use this LED to PWM mix any color you need.
• Basic LEDs - Light emitting diodes make great general indicators.
• Linear trim pot - Also known as a variable resistor, this is a device commonly used to control volume, contrast, and makes a great general user control input.
• Buzzer - Make wonderful, brain splitting noises, alarms, and possibly music!
• 12mm button - Because big buttons are easier to hit.
• 330 Ohm Resistors - 5 current limiting resistors for LEDs, and strong pull-up resistors.
• 10k Ohm Resistors - These make excellent pull-ups, pull-downs, and current limiters.

 

Most of the included parts (but not all as some are not sold separately) are listed in the related items below.
If you're looking for a great way to get started with Arduino the Inventors kit below is an excellent place to start as it includes a printed manual.