FischerTechnik construction toys
FischerTechnik toys can be found at Caboose Hobbies in Denver, or online at multiple vendors - the advertisements on a google search for "fischertechnik" are a good place to start.

Industry Robots Industry Robots Kit $150-$200
Profi Mechanic and Static Kit $90 - $120
Profi Pneumatic or Pneumatic II       $110 - $135
Creative Box 1000         
$130
Mini motor set                                       $36 - $40
Power motor set                                  
$36 - $40


   
Tools


Staple Gun (Heavy Duty)
(Similar to Stanley TR200 Pro Sharp Shooter Stapler / Nail Gun)
$25 - $40
Dremel 335-01 Plunge Router Attachment             

(Amazon.com has good selection of Dremel accessories as does Home Depot in the store)
$22 - $30




Dremel MS400 MultiSaw Attachment $25 - $45


Dremel 692D 6 Pc Router Bit Set $30 - 50

Electronics



PIC Programmer Experiment Board (Kit) K8048
Available from Apogee Kits
$40
Space Wings Kit
Available from robotstore.com
$20



Books

Build Your Own Metalworking Shop from Scrap
(7 book set)
by Dave Gingery
Available at Lindsay Books
$60
OR
Any one book within this set (set starts with Charcoal Foundry, then Metal Lathe) $10 each approx

CNC Robotics: Build Your Own Shop Bot
by Geoff Williams
Available at Barnes and Nobles

  
Money - Very versatile, as always.  Here what I'd likely spend it on:
 




A Plastic Injection Molding Machine!
I've had a book on how to build this for years and I'd like to finally make it.




SCUBA diving.  I've been certified for a year now, gotta keep going.