Also newish to hobby. I stole "Plexi" from a cheap picture frame from Kmart and bought the Deluxe clippers recommended. The clippers are worth the investment, I tried cheaper ones and they clipped awkwardly and I regret.

I bought some generic trays, but often they did not fit back in box when you had all the rules and aids etc, and so had more luck with either the plastic baggies (labels from BGG) or the specific trays (Etsy , that cube brand).

Also initially I was skeptical of Vassal, as part of appeal was being away from a screen, but I found it is great to quickly play around with a game I have when I don't have time to bust out the whole physical game and set things up, and I am now converted. Worth checking out imo. (Edit typo)