John,

Here's another vote for a good headset from the start. Get an ANR
model! By all means! You'll enjoy flying so much more. And i second the
recommendation for Lightspeeds.

Beyond that, a logbook, a kneeboard and charts are probably essential.
Should you have a PDA, that will serve as an E6-B equivalent.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)