Make a DIY Gift With These Kits and Tools
Not everyone needs a boring pre-wrapped gift. Some people like to do their own thing. For those in the household, the best gift you can give is to give even more tools for making other things. Here are some tips to help you make your life happy.
Arduino starter kit
You have many options for different Arduino starter kits, but we love the Official Arduino Starter Kit ($ 84) for a number of reasons. It is easy to make the best gift out of it, because the packaging itself is a sight to behold. It’s well built and, frankly, just looks better than anything else on the market. You also get a ton of stuff, including an Arduino UNO R3 and 200 different electronic components, as well as a 170-page book that walks you through 15 projects. There are a few cheaper starter kits out there, but the official one beats them all. From there, you can pursue all sorts of projects .
Hardware cabinet Acro-Mills
The worst part of DIYing is organizing everything. The Akro-Mils series of cabinets ($ 28 for this 24-drawer model ) makes the process less awful. Small plastic crates are great organizing tools for a wide variety of DIYers, from electronics craftsmen to fly fishing nuts. They also come in a variety of sizes, so no matter how much space you need, they will fit anywhere.
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
When it comes to free repair guides for almost all electronic devices in existence , iFixit is the best resource. So it comes as no surprise that their toolboxes are some of the best out there. As a gift, we love the Pro Tech Toolkit ($ 75) because it covers all the basics and includes driver bits and repair tools for a wide variety of modern electronics. It’s also packed in a beautiful carrying case that’s easy to carry from work to work. Of course, this isn’t necessary for everyone, so if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, the iFixit Bit Driver Kit ($ 35) is almost as useful.
Leserman Wave
Leatherman Wave ($ 80) is the best multitool for good reason: it’s almost perfect. Wave is packaged in 17 different instruments in a stainless steel case that will stand the test for a lifetime. As with any multitool, there are tools for just about any situation, from pliers to screwdrivers.
LittleBits Electronics Basic Kit
LittleBits ($ 99 for a basic kit ) are some of those rare electronic components that are fun to work with . They connect like LEGO, and with them you can create an incredibly wide range of different projects in the field of electronics. We offer a standard basic kit for anyone interested in LittleBits, but it has many other options that can make great gifts depending on who you’re buying for. The Gizmos & Gadgets Kit ($ 199) is for making moving objects and toys, the Electronics Synth Kit ($ 157) is an awesome synth to assemble yourself, and the Smart Home Kit ($ 249) makes your home’s internet connection super light.
Ultimate Raspberry Pi 2 Starter Kit
Someone on your gift list is interested in the Raspberry Pi mini computer, but who doesn’t know where to start? The Vilros Ultimate Starter Kit ($ 84.99) is a great beginner’s kit. The box contains a Raspberry Pi 2, Wi-Fi adapter, SD card, power supply, and a ton of electronic components, along with a 200-page project book included in the kit. This is a starter kit to help you on your way to getting started with the Pi yourself .
Sugru
Sugru ( $ 22 for a pack of 8 ) is extremely useful for DIYers of all types. It’s a self-aligning rubber that can be molded into anything, perfect for repairing cables, protecting your gadgets from drops, or one of a million other projects . It is an indispensable tool for all household craftsmen.
LeatherCraft Tool Bag
Tool boxes are nice and all, but if you really want to keep things tidy, a tool bag makes things a lot easier. The LeatherCraft 18 Multi-Section Toolbox ($ 58) is the perfect size for just about any DIYer (although they have a smaller option, which is great too ). It has 54 pockets on the inside and four large ones on the outside to simplify organization. Plus, it’s incredibly durable, so even after years of abuse, it will remain a great bag.
Elenco Learn to Solder Kit
Soldering is an essential skill for any electronics maker , but it’s a little daunting to start with . Elenco’s Learn to Solder Kit ($ 16) helps you make the process easier by including a decent soldering iron and some boards to test your soldering skills. With a little practice, you can immediately start professional soldering.