The Baking Basics
When you go through my baking pages, you'll notice that most of my cupcake and cake decorating designs require the same icing tips. This means that it doesn't cost a fortune to make beautiful cupcakes! From the list below, the ones that I use most regularly are 134 (grass), 68 (leaves), 2C (basic cupcake swirl), 6 (fine lines) 47 (basket weaves) and 18 (small star). Each individual tip costs around $2.00, and can be purchased online, or at any Michael's store. Although there are many baking brands that are great, I really like Wilton because of their huge assortment and availability.
In terms of basic baking tools, this chart sums it up really well. These tools are (in chronological order): measuring spoons, measuring bowl, a glazer, icing bags and tips, a food scale, a large bowl, measuring cups, a baking sheet, cupcake liners, a whisk, a spatula, a wooden spoon, a circular baking pan, a rolling pin, cupcake tins, and a scoop. I personally never really use a scale, because I find the water displacement measure works better, but they are handy to have on hand in the kitchen. Other things that are required for most of my designs are food colouring (again, I prefer Wilton), and a tiny spoon for drizzling. I would also suggest investing in a big box of toothpicks, as you need these to check on your creations while they are in the oven.
Below is a picture of my favourite food colouring kit. Between these eight colours, you pretty much get everything that you might need! You can always mix and match colours to create new ones, or lighten them up by using less. To use these dense gel food colours properly, dip a toothpick into the colouring, and then into the icing. Repeat this process (never dipping on the same end in the dye after its been in the icing, due to contamination issues), until you have reached your desired colour.
The last thing that every great baker needs, is a cute apron! For me, aprons are more about enjoyment and spirit than functionality, though if you're concerned about getting your clothes dirty I would suggest seeking a more industrial apron than the one I have.