The Best Gifts for DIYers (Besides Tools)

Choosing a gift for a DIY enthusiast can be challenging. Tools are an obvious choice, but truly handy people probably already have most, if not all, of the tools they need (in addition to a long list of tools they only used once but still hoard). And even if they need a specific tool, your chances of choosing the exact brand and model they want are slim.

But no matter the DIYer’s skill level , they’ll likely need more than just tools : from safety gear (which too many DIYers ignore) to cold-weather accessories and little things that can make chores a little easier and maybe even more fun.

Protective gear is a great option for handmade gifts.

Safety comes first—it’s incredibly easy to get injured when working with any tool. Equally important is the wear and tear on your body caused by working with noisy power tools and performing unnatural movements. Here are some essential safety and comfort measures for DIY enthusiasts:

• Work Boots: Cold, wet feet make any job far less enjoyable than it should be, and if your handyman friend hasn’t dropped a hammer on their foot yet, don’t worry, it’s bound to happen. A pair of waterproof work boots with toe protection makes a great gift.

• Cut-resistant gloves: Working with power saws or hand saws carries the risk of nasty cuts. Cut-resistant gloves protect your hands from all kinds of scratches and bruises, as well as more serious injuries.

• Safety Glasses: Honestly, it’s amazing how many DIYers think they don’t need to worry about eye injuries. Do your handyman loved one a favor and give them a pair of safety glasses .

• Knee pads: I once worked bent over in a basement for several days, and my knees were really sore. Knee pads might not look the most attractive, but they definitely come in handy.

• Hearing protection: Working with power tools can be harmful to your ears. A pair of rechargeable noise-canceling headphones that play music and allow you to use your phone hands-free while preventing hearing damage is an essential accessory.

Cold weather workwear is a practical gift option.

When I first started in the renovation and construction industry, my solution to working outdoors in cold weather was to wear multiple layers of regular clothing, which limited my mobility and made me sweat profusely. A better solution? Workwear designed specifically for cold weather:

• Thermal gloves will prevent your hands from going numb while providing protection.

• Base Layer: The key to staying warm and not freezing from your own sweat while working outdoors is choosing the right base layers – top and bottom .

• Headwear: Keeping your head and neck warm while working outdoors is key to maintaining overall body heat, as most heat is lost through the head. A combination of a hat, scarf, and headlamp solves this problem.

Small gifts for craft lovers to put in their Christmas stocking.

Some gifts for DIY enthusiasts are designed to simply make any task a little easier or more fun.

• Tool belts and work aprons : I spent ridiculously long periods of time carrying my tools in my pockets or awkwardly folded bags. A tool belt is the perfect way to free up your hands for carrying tools, and a work apron does the same, protecting your clothes and body from dirt and debris.

• Bucket Boss Tool Organizer : Another tool carrying solution is a bucket-style organizer like the Bucket Boss, which makes transporting all your essential tools much easier.

• Magnetic bracelet : give yourself the opportunity to never have to carry a dozen nails in your mouth again.

• Headlamp : Sooner or later, every DIY enthusiast gets tired of trying to hold a flashlight in the right position. A headlamp that can be used hands-free will quickly become a favorite gift.

• A Durable Bluetooth Speaker: Sure, everyone has a Bluetooth speaker these days, but DIYers will appreciate a Bluetooth speaker that’s rugged enough for jobsite use and runs on the same batteries as power tools.

• Anti-fatigue Mat: Ah, the simple joys of standing for hours hunched over a workbench! An anti-fatigue mat will be gentle on your DIYer’s back and leave them feeling refreshed after every job.

• Shoe and Glove Dryer : There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to continue a big project only to find your boots and gloves still wet from the day before. Drying these items in an hour or less? Miracle.

• Drink Case : Anyone who’s done any DIY knows how refreshing it can be while renovating. Whatever your favorite beverage, this convenient case will keep it within reach.

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