It's not essential to have a lot of equipment for preserving, much of the items suggested are standard in most kitchens, but a few specialist bits of kit will make life easier.

Essential

Do you need ideas for a tricky to buy for preserving person, or just want to treat yourself? Maybe you'll be inspired by the list below:

Preserving Pan
An absolute essential, and ideal if you need a gift for someone who has been struggling along making preserves in a normal size saucepan. Quite a pricey gift, but a good preserving pan will last a lifetime.

Sharp Knife
Nothing makes life easier when preparing fruit and vegetables for preserving than a decent knife that can be resharpened again and again. Sheffield steel are undoubtedly the best.

Le Parfait jars are great for using when preserving, as their rubber seal and clip mechanism ensure a perfect airtight seal. They can often be picked up cheaply second hand and with a bit of cleaning and reconditioning come up as good as new.

Le Parfait are French jars which have been designed specifically for canning and making preserves. Their thick glass enables them to withstand boiling in a water bath during the canning process.
I also find them useful for when you want a presentable looking jar, rather than a reused jam jar, or if a good seal is essential, as during all the shaking while making sloe gin.