Make a DIY Gift With These Kits and Tools
Sometimes the best gift you can give is the opportunity to do something completely new. For the DIYer in your life, a reliable new tool, starter kit, or work organization tool will make them as happy as possible.
Arduino starter kit
While there are many options for different Arduino starter kits, our favorite is the Official Arduino Starter Kit ($ 67). It comes in a well-designed little box that makes the perfect gift and also includes everything you need to get started learning how to do any of the 15 included projects. The Arduino Starter Kit is also suitable for a wide age group, from toddlers to adults. The included projects are easy to follow, but they have huge potential.
Hardware cabinet Acro-Mills
Organizing tiny items is tricky, but the $ 26 Akro-Mils 20-inch cabinet makes life a little easier for any craftsman. Small plastic boxes are great for a wide variety of small items, and once everything is laid out in the boxes, it becomes much easier to maintain an organized workspace in the future.
iFixIt Pro Tech
If the DIYer in your life prefers a small electronics company to power tools, then there is no better toolkit than iFixit’s Pro Tech Toolkit ($ 69.95). It’s an expensive kit, but it has quality components and everything a computer repair technician might need, from a set of 64-bit drivers to paddles, antistatic wrist bands, and several different types of tweezers.
Leserman Wave
If they don’t already have Leather Wave ($ 89.85), the crafter on your list will need it ASAP. This is a typical DIY accessory and the best multitool for a very good reason. It contains 17 different tools in a stainless steel case that will stand up to rigorous testing over time. It is designed so flawlessly that you can even use it with one hand. There are other Leathermans models and there are many imitations out there, but there is nothing better than the Leatherman Wave.
Raspberry Pi Foundation Starter Kit
You have many options for Raspberry Pi starter kits, and many are pretty good, but few have the elegance and class of the official Raspberry Pi Foundation starter kit ($ 139.95). It’s expensive, but inside you’ll get a brand new Raspberry Pi Model 3, SD card with NOOB installed, official case, power supply, HDMI cable, optical mouse, keyboard, and a copy of Adventures of Raspberry Pi . It is definitely a premium product and there are cheaper kits out there, but as a gift it is better not to be found.
Sugru
Sugru ( $ 20 for a pack of 8 ) is one of those magical pieces that is perfect for all craftsmen. It is a self-aligning rubber that can be molded into anything, making it ideal for use in electronics, in the workshop or anywhere else. Damn it, it’s nice for everyone because you never know when you’ll need it.
LeatherCraft Tool Bag
Tool boxes are all well and good, but for some people, the tool bag is easier to move and organize. To that end, we love the Custom LeatherCraft 18-Piece Tool Container ( $ 57.99 ) because it’s robust enough for someone with a ton of tools to do without being overly bulky . It’s a great system for organizing your tools, but easy to take with you on the go.
Elenco AmeriKit Learn to Solder Kit
Soldering is a skill that we can all use, even if you have no idea how to tinker with electronics at any time. Your best place to start is with the Elenco AmeriKit Learn to Solder Kit ($ 16.99). In the kit, you get a decent little soldering iron and wire cutters, as well as wires and circuits to test your skills.
LittleBits smart home kit
Smart household items are always fun to tinker with, but the LittleBits Smart Home Kit ($ 227) really takes it up a notch. With it, you can connect all kinds of household items to the Internet, from power outlets to doorknobs. While any adult is sure to find many uses for everything in this set, the teen home master is likely to get the most out of it.
PocketC.HIP
How often does anyone need a manual Linux machine? Perhaps not so often, but PocketC.HIP for 69 dollars – one of the coolest gadgets . A small Pocket PC can play games, be customized for a variety of purposes, or just work great right out of the box. Plus, it works great as a Linux machine, which in itself is worth the price for kids learning to program or adults who just love to tinker.
Occidental leather holder with clip
When the toolbox or bag is too large to carry around, a clip-on tool holder is great. The Occidental Leather 4-in-1 Tool Holder ($ 35.27) is one of the finest on the market and a reliable way to inspire a craftsman to work on all your home projects.