What are must haves for baking from scratch?

I want to start baking from scratch but every time i get the urge to try something i never have everything the recipe calls for. So what are some things I should always have stoked in my pantry? I want to make every thing from cookies to cakes and icing anything i can!! Not just food but kitchen tools to. And if anyone has tips for a beginner that would be helpful also thank you!