Picking out the right gift for the handyperson on your list isn’t always easy. With so many choices out there and price tags that could quickly increase, it’s important to do your research before making a commitment. Fortunately, there are plenty of straightforward tools and gadgets on the market that any home DIYer would love to have—and they don’t have to wreck your holiday budget, either. Check out 14 gift recommendations for the home improvement enthusiast in your life.
1. TCE Roof-Style Metal Tool Box; $22
The home improvement enthusiast who seems to have everything will still need a place to put all their tools and doohickeys. This classic roof-style metal tool box, sized right carrying hand tools from basement to garage to car, is sturdy as well as chic. It’s made of steel with a nice navy blue finish and comes with a removable tray for storing smaller items.
Buy It: Amazon
2. Fiskars Pro Retractable Utility Knife; $21
A great stocking stuffer for beginners and pros alike, this utility knife from Fiskars has a noticeably sharp and durable retractable blade and comes with five replacement blades. And the emphasis is on “utility”—this gadget can score drywall, cut through cardboard boxes, trim cords, and cut mats for framing, among many other uses.
Buy It: Amazon
3. RAK Magnetic Wristband; $17
Dropping screws, nails, or other tiny metal implements has to be among the biggest pet peeves of any DIYer. This magnetic wristband makes jobs significantly less frustrating by keeping fasteners and accessories (screws, bolts, drill bits) within easy reach instead of on the floor or down a drain.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Vampliers; $49
The unique, toothy design of the Vampliers’s jaw makes it far easier to pull and cut wire or grab hold of any stripped screw, bolt, or nut. For someone doing serious work around the house, this tool could save them a lot of elbow grease.
Buy it: Amazon
5. 6-in-1 Multi-Tool Pen; $25
No matter what kind of job you’re tackling, a pen is mightier than most blunt-force instruments. This multi-use writing utensil allows you to scribble notes, measure levels, check a ruler, deploy a screwdriver, or use it as a stylus.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Stanley FuBar Demolition Bar; $25
Destroy anything—really, anything—with this forceful tool from the good people at Stanley. The pry bar can loosen nearly whatever you need, while the sharp end can do anything from trimming branches to splitting firewood.
Buy it: Walmart
7. General Tools 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure; $68
See how products measure up with this tape measure that uses a laser to beam to distances up to 50 feet. A conventional 16-foot analog tape measure is also included.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Little Giant Ladder; $443
Sometimes a plain ladder just won’t get you where you need to go. The Little Giant is the Swiss Army knife of steps, allowing for a number of configurations from a 19-foot extension to a footprint that can be set on stairs and other awkward locations.
Buy it: Amazon
9. Hyde Dual Blade 5-in-1 Painter’s Tool; $23
It seems kinda low-tech, but this handy tool is a painter’s best friend. Using the various blades and edges, this item can apply spackle, smooth rough surfaces, open a paint can, and even scrape excess paint from rollers so you don’t waste that precious pigment. Any DIYer planning a room upgrade should have one of these in their back pocket.
Buy It: Amazon
10. Dia-Grip Universal Socket Wrench; $18
No one enjoys searching for the right size socket for the job, so the Dia-Grip makes the choice for you. The socket wrench has steel pins that automatically configure to the bolt or nut you’re trying to attack, taking a lot of the guesswork off the user’s plate.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Cartman Bungee Cords and Clips Set; $13
Want to prevent your Christmas tree from ending up as a crumpled pile of broken pine needles in the middle of the highway? These elastic bungee cords allow you to haul items without worrying that they’ll topple over or fall off the roof of your car. The 32 cords and clips come in different sizes, so no matter how big of a tree you get this year, you’ll still be able to secure it properly.
Buy it: Amazon
12. Rhino Strong Commercial Grade Air Lift Kit; $22
When you need to get a heavy object off the ground for leveling or moving, all you have to do is push these inflatable bladders underneath, then use the hand pump. The resulting wedge can hold up to 300 pounds. Three sizes (small, medium, and large) are included in this commercial-grade kit, along with two pry tools and a carrying bag.
Buy it: Amazon
13. Fix It Kit; $30
Sometimes you don’t necessarily need a contractor-grade tool set to get a simple job done. Alternately, you may want to keep a small assortment in a utility area or car. That’s where the Fix It Kit comes in. Inside a faux-leather case is a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, a flashlight, and other essentials. It’s the perfect gift for someone in need of their first travel tool set.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
14. RAK LED Flashlight Glove; $13
Have a hands-on lighting source when working in dark, cramped spaces with these gloves. Each one has a small LED light located on the forefinger and thumb to illuminate your project. One size fits all.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this article was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as 14 Gifts for the Home Improvement Enthusiast in Your Life.