Hi Skygazer,
I have a couple of breadboard/development boxes from Parallax and an EasyPIC 2 board from MikroElectronika. However, I have used small plugin style breadboards. Lately, I have been getting small (3.8" x 2.5") boards made by ExpressPCB for some of my prototype projects. $59 US for 3 boards and I get them in 3 days! Most of the things that I build for customers are real small and fit on these size boards. I try to use them over and over again to try out designs and programs. I used to do a lot of wirewrap and point to point wiring but I'm getting really lazy in my old age (60). I think anyone that is serious about making PIC projects should get something like an EasyPIC board. They are relatively inexpensive and have both an RS232 programmer and a USB programmer right on the board. There are LEDs, switches, A/D pots, and plug in accessory boards to make your life easier. However, aside from all of that, I guess its what can you afford and what are your future plans.
HTH,
BobK