What Would You Say Is Essential Tools For Collecting Stamps.

One thing that I find to be indispensable is my Linn's Stamp Identifier to help with some of the really obscure stamps.

I'd add having a mentor, an experienced collector to answer questions. Or join an online group like this and start reading.

I found out she was seeking info cause her 10 year old is interested and wants to start collecting.  She is interested in stamps with flowers, ships and butterflies.  I showed her the forums here, stamp smarter, a couple different ways to store them (stockbooks/sheets, guage tool, etc.), and things like that. Gave them a few of my stock sheets to go into a 3 ring binder and some butterfly stamps I had. 

I found out she was seeking info cause her 10 year old is interested and wants to start collecting.  She is interested in stamps with flowers, ships and butterflies.  I showed her the forums here, stamp smarter, a couple different ways to store them (stockbooks/sheets, guage tool, etc.), and things like that. Gave them a few of my stock sheets to go into a 3 ring binder and some butterfly stamps I had. 

Primary Tool = Knowledge

Rogdcam, true, knowledge is the tool. Im far from knowing anywhere near what some here knows. I will get there though someday, but I am further then I was

My favourite Dealer actually talks himself out of sale by advising me not to go hi tech unless I find low tech things like Magnifying glasses no longer meet my needs. I would say start with a pair of Tongs from a tool store. Magnifying glass, Jewellers loupe, or pick counter, mounts appropriate to your budget, An album, empty clean bags and envelopes. Some other bits like perf gauge and a black dish and lighter fuel for watermarks can quickly become neccessary. I find a colour charts useless, and a watermark detector light almost so. Nice tins to store stuff in are far more useful. Why do I buy my tongs at a tool store? Because they are cheaper and just as good, just make sure you get a pair that won't leave marks or scratches on the stamp.

Forgot. A catalogue for your area of collecting!

all of the above are good advise for an older serious collector.
young people should not be overwhelmed with tools catalogs or especially albums. stock pages tongs and a glass are a good start. as or if there interest expands that is the time to explain the other tools and resources of the hobby. encouragement and exposure to a local youth stamp group and a knowledgeable caring mentor will go a long way to help if available. going to a local show is also to be encouraged, but do not push your interests on a child interested in butterflys cars or sand dunes. explain if asked questions, but briefly. remember its a hobby and needs to be enjoyed as one at whatever level of understanding. nuff said.

rmatossian, in answer to your question, my OttLite is an older model of the Tru Color Task lamp. It has a pull out magnifier and is mounted on a swivel base. It's great for my needs.