Stressing over your holiday gift list? In a time when nearly everything seems to cost more than it used to, we think you’ll agree that the best presents are the kind that solve problems.
Homeowners, renters, enthusiastic creatives, and reluctant DIYers all need tools at their disposal to tackle whatever life throws at them in the coming year. If you’re in the market for gifts that strike a balance between thoughtful and practical, we’ve compiled suggestions for friends and family in all phases of life.
Tool gifts may seem unsentimental, but no one ever fixed a leaky faucet with a three-candle. Help your loved ones live out their DIY dreams or prepare for unexpected repairs this Christmas.
People new to independent living often assume that a phone call to maintenance staff will solve any issues that arise. Help them stay prepared for those small after-hours annoyances and empower them to make the space their own (without losing their deposit).
For new renters, a few basics can make a big difference. We suggest:
For a bit more money, a good basic toolkit will include all of these components alongside some nice-to-have extras.
If your loved one already has a kit on hand, a stud finder may be your answer. They’ll thank you all year long when their flat screen stays securely anchored to their apartment wall.
The person in your life who just became their own maintenance man needs significantly more tools on hand. The ideal gift will anticipate the unexpected and keep them from scrambling when issues inevitably arise.
Safety equipment is an often-overlooked part of tool collections, and people who don’t have it on hand will sometimes try to proceed without it in a pinch. Remove that temptation by surprising the first-time home buyer in your life with:
Battery-powered tools are great for giving homeowners the freedom to work indoors and out without fighting with extension cords — just be sure any tools you gift them are compatible with what they already have. A variable speed drill or circular saw are excellent budget-friendly tools that will come in handy for a wide range of home projects.
If you want to spend a bit more and know the homeowner in your life is building a tool library from scratch, a couple hundred bucks will get you a kit complete with 5-6 basic power tools, batteries, a charger, and a carrying case.
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Make electrical work safer with a GCFI outlet tester.
What do you get the person who is building a backyard yurt out of recycled pallets? Accomplished DIYers likely already have a working tool collection and some built-in preferences, so the more you know about their projects and interests, the easier it will be to choose the perfect gift.
That said, certain things never go out of style for people who enjoy working with their hands. Consider gifting:
Folks who work with reclaimed wood will also likely be delighted by an oscillating sander or a jigsaw that allows them to make non-straight cuts for unique projects.
Someone in the thick of a big renovation project probably has a lot of different needs. Find out what kind of work they’re doing and what their plans are for their home.
Whether they are repairing drywall, hanging cabinets, or laying tile, there is a whole world of specialty tools that drastically simplify renovation work. If you’re interested in making a bigger purchase, you might consider a:
We recommend corded tools for renovation work, since they have considerably more amps than their battery-powered counterparts.
For more budget-friendly options, we suggest:
Renovators may benefit particularly from gift cards. Their needs are likely to change at different phases of the project and will probably include materials that won’t fit nicely under the tree. Gift cards can also go towards the cost of tool rentals, which may be a better option than purchasing specialty tools that won’t see much use beyond the project at hand.
Home Repair Lab’s project classes and private lessons are another great way to make a meaningful contribution to a renovation project by equipping your loved one with money-saving skills. Vouchers are available for specific classes as well as custom dollar amounts to help ensure they get what they need from their time in the lab.
Save yourself from gift wrapping that bucket of spackle or stack of 2x4s — sometimes the best present is letting the recipient choose how to allocate resources.
We get it. Let’s hop on a quick call to help you feel confident about your next step.
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