I'd just echo what others have said really...
You'll soon pick up on items to keep in your caching bag... Mine usually has the following in, and I travel light:
Batteries, batteries and batteries, anti bacterial hand gel (I don't want to eat my sandwiches after rummaging in hedges!) pens, pens, pens, spare log book in case one is full, tweezers - NOT for removing tricky log books, I have a tendancy to fall over while caching and tweezers are to remove bramble thorns from my hands - trust me - I need them!!
I also carry water, a mini first aid kit and my lunch!
I don't swap items now, but when I did, I always loved going to the "party favours" section in "a leading supermarket" for items to swap - bouncy balls, finger monsters, blah blah blah
Geocaching for dummies... nah - unless you're three years old, I found it rather partonising and told me too much abut how caching came about. I also think that reading it is a bit like training in first aid... they can teach you the theory, but you need to get out there and DO it to learn it!!
Events are fab ways of picking up tips... I don't know if there are regular local events where you live, but if there are, go along - everyone will be really friendly - I almost guarenteee it!
Most of all, have fun and enjoy it!!
Now doing small hills!
Still blonde under the hair dye ;-)