What do I need to buy if I want to start learning how to draw?

Here is my answer to What do I need to buy if I want to start learning how to draw?

Get a sketchbook, a pencil and practice all the time. That said I like to use a 2mm lead holder with 4B lead. Staetdler makes one with a point sharpener in the end. I like it because I can carry it with me and I don't have to worry about sharpening. It even works out to be less expensive if you compare the cost of drawing pencils and how much gets wasted in sharpening! A kneaded eraser is pretty great to have. I use the black hard bound sketchbooks 9x12 or sometimes 6x8. You don't need anything special but getting new toys certainly can be inspiring and keep you going.