Well done Lowena for picking up the needles! I like knitting in the winter months, as I can sit in front of the telly to do it.
Don't worry too much about complicated needles and expensive notions. As Plosh says it's best to stick to a straight pair of needles of a length which best suits you, and a ball of yarn.
Personally, I would start with a scarf, or a shawl, which needs little shaping. Toys are quite difficult IMO, and can be very complicated.
There are some great Youtube videos - (I like Very Pink Knits), and you can refer to these as you knit.
Any probs just ask. I'm not a great knitter, just quite persistent, but I am always willing to help if I can.
Jessie