Not much of a gadget person here, either. I agree with all that has been said so far. My only other recommendation would be is when purchasing rulers, make sure they are all the same brand regardless of size. A 6 x 24 is a must and if you can find one in a brand you like that is wider, go for that - it won't hurt. I'd love say an 8" wide x 24 but not willing to part with the $$ and can't find a brand I like in that size as well. If you have a tendency to do lots of HST's in your quilts, invest in a rotating cutting mat (with a coupon, of course). Makes life MUCH easier! If you have a tendency to use a lot of 12 inch blocks in your quilts, a 12.5" square ruler to help with squaring up those blocks.
If you are a hand quilter, a good thimble is a must. I use a Thimblelady stainless steel thimble which can be had pretty reasonably. Their fitting process is easy and very accurate.