I recently received a bunch of little PICAXE chips to work with, and after downloading the software, building an easy cable and an easy circuit, I'm off and away!
I was surprised at how well everything seems put together. The chips are even internally coupled so you don't have to worry about the dreaded ESD getting you! They also have a visual flow-chart programming mode with is also really great in educational environments.
http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/
