Measuring Cups and Spoons

This isn't going to be so much a review of the ideal measuring utensils. More like some thoughts on these critical pieces of of kitchen equipment and some tips and things to keep in mind when selecting and using them.
Measuring spoons and cups can have a very high degree of variation, especially if you buy cheap or novelty measuring spoons or cups. The accuracy of your measuring equipment will usually not affect cooking results, but in baking it definitely can! That's why you'll want to sift flour before you measure it, or at least "fluff up" with a fork or whisk. Many recipes are based on a flour measure where the flour is spooned into the cup and leveled, rather than scooped out of the bag. Scooping compacts the flour so it gives you a little bit more, and can result in drier finished baked goods.
Stainless steel measuring spoons are the best option for ease of cleaning and durability. I especially like those that are long and narrow for reaching into spice jars. A couple brands to look for- Amco, Cuisipro, and MIU France. If you do a lot of baking and cooking it's handy to have a couple sets and store them upright in a cup so you can grab the one you need and not be fiddling with the whole set on a ring.
Endurance is another good brand for stainless. I prefer stainless for my dry measuring cups as well, although the option to microwave (for melting bits of butter) can make plastic a good option too. You may want one set of each. Just be sure any plastic ones are dishwasher safe. The handles should nest well together for storage and not be too heavy so the cup won't sit upright when empty. The measurements should be clearly and brightly marked as well. Pyrex makes a cheap classic four piece plastic set.
You'll want a set of liquid and dry measuring cups. Although they technically hold the same volume, you can't level dry ingredients in a liquid measure, and it's difficult to fill and pour liquids from a dry measure. The ubiquitous glass Pyrex liquid measures are the standard. They have a great pour spout, are well labeled with English and metric, are virtually indestructible, and cheap. Just remember to read the liquid level with your eye. OXO makes an angled measuring cup that eliminates the need to bend over or lift the cup. It's plastic and has a non-slip rubber handle which may be useful for those with little hands in the kitchen.
Of course, you can avoid the entire measuring cup issue by using weight instead of volume to measure your ingredients. I've started doing this, since recipes outside the US are written this way, and it's actually quite easy with less washing up to do, since you can just throw the applesauce, honey, peanut butter, orange juice, whatever, right into the mixing bowl set on the scale until you have what you need.