Hello Harrison,
I don't think anyone can give you a definite answer. It so much depends on what you already know, on your skills, your way of learning and working etc.
My personal opinion:
Building kits is a fast way to get something going, but from most kits you can't expect detailed explanations of the operation. If you want to go for kits, a Google search for >learning electronics kits< gives some results.
If you are looking for online self-teching courses in electronics, do a Google search for >learning electronics online<.
Buying tools and material in advance is a good ideda so you will have ecerything at hand when needed. Only you should first select one or two courses to follow and find out what tools and materials are required. Most courses will list the required tools and components.
Again, what you'll need depends on what you are going to do and in which way. One example: You could start by breadboarding your circuit on protoboards (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadboard) either of the pluf-in variant using pluggable wires of different lenght to connect your components or you could skip this step and start by soldering on solder type protoboard/breadboard. You could even use cardboard (
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7763928_make-electrical-circuit-paper-clips.html).
Even if you use plug-in breadboards, sometimes some soldering is required (e.g. to attach wires to components that don't fit on the breadboard). So my personal list of tools to have is:
- soldering iron (15 W - 40 W), preferably with adjustable temperature
- a spool of solder wire
- linemans pliers
- small (fine) wire cutter
- assorted screwdrivers
- helping hand tool
- multimeter
- magnifying glass (optional, for small components and fine work)
Buying online or in stores?
If your looking only for the price, just compare online and real world stores. There is no general rule which one is less expensive. Also take into consideration that for buying online you'll have to add postage. Another thing to keep in mind is your degree of experience. For starters I suggest you find a good real world store and get some advice from a salesperson who can aid you in selecting the right tools and materials and - hopefully - protect you from investing too much money in useless features.
Regards,
Harald
P.S.: One fun way of learning a piece of electronics every day is an electronic advent calendar like this:
http://www.order.conrad.com/cgi-per...&gesamt_zeilen=0Tsuche--adventskalender&shop= -> - unfortunately this one is in German and i couldn't locate an english equivalent on short notice.