Speedlite Only Or Speedlite + Other Bits $$$ ?

[David]

Made a decision to get a Canon Speedlite 430 EX and went looking for quotes thinking you pay out x dollars, and they give a speedlite you can attach to your cameras shoe or run away from the camera on a cable and..BUT no (apparently) you have to pay more for the 'options' The suggested other purchases on one site were -----

1. Flash Diffuser: Softbox Diffuser (10.00)
2. Off Camera Shoe Cord : DC E3 Off camera shoe cord (125.00), and
3. Canon Speedlite Bracket: Canon Speedlite Bracket 5B-E2 (349.00)

All listed as 'options' along with the flippin speedlite.

Cant I just buy the flippin Speedlite and mount on top of my camera shoe for portrait shots indoors or providing more even light in a rainforest ? or do I have to have the other bits (1-3) as well to be able to manipulate the lighting effect of the speedlite better .

IF Im only going to be doing the occassional family happy snaps and occassionally using it to light up a rainforest scene better do I really need all that other stuff ?

What body ? a Canon 400D.