The Best Non-Tool Gifts for DIYers

Buying gifts for the DIYer in your life can be a challenge. Tools are the obvious choice, but truly DIY people probably already own most, if not all, of the tools they need (plus a long list of tools they only needed once but hang in there anyway). And even if they need a specific tool, your chances of choosing the precise make and model they want are pretty slim.

But no matter what level of handyman you’re looking for, they’ll probably need other things. in addition from tools, safety gear (that too many DIYers overlook), to cold weather accessories, to the little extras that can make home projects a little easier, and maybe even more fun.

Protective gear is a great option for homemade gifts

Safety is paramount: it’s awfully easy to get injured while working with any type of tool. Just as important is the “wear and tear” your body experiences when you work with noisy power tools and contort yourself in ways nature never intended. Here are some essential safety and comfort items for the DIYer in your life:

• Work boots: Cold, wet feet make any job more painful than it needs to be, and if your handyman friend hasn’t dropped a hammer on his foot yet, don’t worry, he will. A pair of waterproof, toe-protecting work boots makes a great gift.

• Cut resistant gloves: Working with electric saws or hand saws means risking a nasty cut. Cut-resistant gloves protect those hands from all kinds of nicks and scrapes, and worse.

• Safety glasses: The number of DIYers who think they don’t have to worry about eye injuries is frankly astounding. Do your loved one a favor and get them some protective eyewear.

• Knee pads: I once spent a few days hunched over in my crawl space working, and my knees took a real beating. Knee pads may not be sexy, but they will be appreciated.

• Hearing protection: Working with power tools can be hard on the ears. A pair of rechargeable noise-cancelling headphones that stream music and allow hands-free operation of your phone while preventing hearing damage are a must.

Cold Weather Workwear Is a Practical Gift Option

When I first started my DIY journey, my solution to working outside in the cold was to put on multiple layers of my regular clothing, which limited my mobility and made me sweat profusely. A better idea? Some work equipment designed for the cold:

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

• Base layers: The key to staying warm without getting cold from your own sweat when working outside is having the right base layers (tops and bottoms).

• Headgear: Keeping your head and neck warm when working outdoors is key to keeping your entire body warm, as much heat is lost through the head. A hat, scarf and headlamp combination solves the problem.

Christmas stockings for DIYers

Some gifts for the handyman are simply about making every job a little easier or a little more fun.

• Tool belts and work aprons: I spent an embarrassing amount of time carrying my tools around in my pockets or in bulky packages. A tool belt gives you an ideal hands-free way to carry your equipment, and a work apron does the same while protecting your clothes and body from dirt and projectiles.

• The bucket boss: Another solution for carrying your tools is a bucket organizer like the Bucket Boss, which allows you to take all the tools you have with you. could need much easier.

• A magnetic bracelet: Give the gift of never having to carry a dozen nails in your mouth again.

• A headband lamp: At some point, every DIYer gets tired of trying to balance a flashlight. just the right place. A lamp they can use hands-free will quickly become a favorite gift.

• A robust Bluetooth speaker: Sure, everyone owns a Bluetooth speaker these days, but DIYers will appreciate a Bluetooth speaker that’s durable enough for a job site and also uses the same batteries as their power tools.

• Anti-fatigue mat: Ah, the simple joys of hunched over a workbench for hours. An anti-fatigue mat will spare your handyman’s back and leave him refreshed after each job.

• Boot and glove dryers: There’s nothing worse than getting up to continue a big project only to discover that your boots and gloves are still soaked from the day before. Dry these items in an hour or less? Magic.

• Drink case: Anyone who has done work around the house knows that DIY work is fueled by refreshing drinks. Whatever your drink of choice, have it close at hand at all times with this clever case.