As the title states, I am purchasing a PS Vita either today or tomorrow. I have never had a hand held gaming device ever before. So this is all new to me. So I know about the memory cards for the Vita obviously, but what about any other accessories I may need?  Does it come with a charging cable?  What about a case or protective holder for it?  Anything I need to be aware of for this purchase?   Any help will be appreciated, thanks.

I'm selling mine currently.

my best advice is to get PS+ because Sony literally put all Vita games on there after time. you never need to buy a game haha
There are also some great indie games! (you can get them all on PS3 though)

get a case too!

Yes I was just looking at futureshop.ca and going through the cases. They're pretty cheap so I'll pick one up as well. Also, I already have PS Plus and Vita games already downloaded on my PS3, just have to transfer them over when I get the Vita.  lol 

Definitly need this of this is your first handheld:

All the cool kids have one

1. Get some screen protectors. Its the one thing i regret not getting when I got my Vita.

2. If you play a lot at home buy some trigger grips. This will help if you feel the Vita is either uncomfortable to hold or think the rear touch pad will get in the way. 

3. Get a protectie case that can also function as a stand. This helps if you want to watch Youtube or Netflix but don't want to have to hold you Vita the entire time.

4. Don't waste your time and money buying a card less than 32gb if you have or plan on getting PS+. I know it's expensive but in the end you'll be glad you did it. I wasted $70 buying a 4gb then 16gb when I should have just saved up for the 32gb.

5. Buy Persona 4 Golden. And Killzone Mercenary. And Gravity Rush. And Rayman Legends. And LittleBigPlanet Vita. And NFS: MW. And Sly Cooper.

If you want a cool skin and protective case for your Vita you could always buy the LE Muramasa Rebirth. http://www.amazon.ca/Muramasa-Rebirth-Blessing-Amitabha-Collectors/dp/B00C2U6HR6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381337979&sr=8-2&keywords=muramasa+rebirth

No need for a protective case. They make the vita uncomfortable and it's harder to press the buttons (although for me it was)
here you can see you don't need a case, unless you like cases.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCP1vthhnPU

But I would buy a travel bag (maybe above meant with case this, so then I recommend a case) so you can put your vita and all your games and extra memory cards in it. It only has 1 flaw and that is, when you lose it you lose more than just your vita. So don't lose it :p

And definitely PS+ You are basically set with all the free games, you may need to buy a new game once and a while if you can't wait. Like I did with killzone merc and this friday with dragon's crown.

I also recommend a 32GB or a 64GB memory card because of ps+ and all the great indies on the vita, I know it's pricey. But you'll be better of if you don't like MC swapping every time you wan't to play a game that's on another MC

You have everything you need with the console already.

Things that are great to have along side of it are;

A 32GB memory card
A PS+ subscription
A protective case. (serch for reviews on the best one on Youtube)
A protective layer for the screen, one that sticks airtight 100% (no bubbles and such, again search Youtube)
If you're taking it with you on vacations and such, you can buy a recharge unit. That way you can recharge the PS Vita even if you're not close to an electricity source.

first buy screen protectors for the front and back(usually come in pairs of two)
try to get the biggest memory you can afford...you will run out of space before you know it(and seeing as you have PS+ that will be very soon :p
buy a protective case
and a back usb part of the charger...they damages quite easily....

It comes with everything actually, but if you intend to play at the late hours in bed, I guess a good pair of headphones are a good idea.

Memory cards are currently on sale at Best Buy, if you're in the market for those.