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The Wishlist: Handyman’s Holiday Gift Guide

If you know someone that likes to get their hands dirty working in the garage, out in the yard, or even just around the house – it’s a pretty safe bet that there’s a tool or two out there you could get them as a gift this holiday season. That being said, picking the right thing can sometimes seem like a shot in the dark.

Rather than wandering around the internet or your local hardware store aimlessly, we’ve painstakingly put together the following list of the best tools, devices, and accessories for the handyman in your life. So whether you’re shopping for a greasy gearhead, casual carpenter, persistent plumber, or just a DIY weekend warrior, we’re certain you can find something worth gifting them in our selections below.

Dango T01 Tactical Multi-Tool Wallet

More than just a simple wallet – with a capacity of 12 cards and some cash – this rugged and handsome money carrier also houses a 14-function stainless steel multi-tool insert. Those functions include index points, hex wrenches, a saw edge, a bottle opener, and so much more – making this one of the most useful wallets ever built.

Purchase: $89

Big Idea Design Titanium Pocket Bit

Though it looks unassuming this combination titanium keyring and 2-sized driver bit is an incredibly handy tool to keep on your keychain. And when there’s not screws that need screwing, it also doubles as a bottle opener – and who doesn’t like to crack open a cold beer every now and again?

Purchase: $14

FiberFix Repair Wrap

Rated at 100 times stronger than duct tape, this pliable material is one of the ultimate on-the-spot repair tools everyone should keep in their kit. All you have to do is soak it in water, apply it to a surface, wait ten minutes and – bam! – the job is finished.

Purchase: $15

Ryobi Whole Stud Detector

Most stud detectors will give you a fairly good estimate of where in your walls the studs are. This one from Ryobi can do that too, but it will also give you the exact width of that stud and the depth of the drywall on top of it. That way, the next time you anchor something, you can be absolutely certain it was done correctly.

Purchase: $20

Suguru Moldable Glue

Think of Suguru’s Moldable Glue like Play-Doh for adults. It’s pliable and easy to turn it into whatever shape you need. All you have to do is mold it, apply it, and wait. Once it’s adhered to whatever you’re gluing, it will become waterproof, temperature-resistant, and even shock-resistant.

Purchase: $22

Mechanix Original Work Gloves

Unless you want to literally work your fingers to the bone, every handyman could use a good pair of gloves. And they don’t get much better than the Mechanix Original Work Gloves. These super durable form-fitting hand protectors feature a synthetic leather palm for good grip and a TrekDry construction to keep your hands cool and comfortable.

Purchase: $25

Bernzomatic Multi-Use Torch

Handheld and perfect for use in tight spaces, the Bernzomatic Multi-Use Torch runs on convenient propane fuel, has an easy-to-use trigger-start ignition, and features a uniquely ergonomic grip. The next time you need to solder, thaw something, or just apply some heat, grab this torch.

Purchase: $30

2×4 Basics Sawhorse

For carpentry jobs big and small, a sawhorse in an indispensable tool to keep on hand. This DIY kit will allow you to use regular 2×4 boards in order to build your own handy cutting surface that can support up to 2,000 lbs. Just remember, it doesn’t actually come with the lumber – so you’ll have to supply it yourself.

Purchase: $35

Rampage Jeep Jerry Can Tool Box

If you know someone who likes to take a toolkit on the go when they take their SUV off-roading, then this is the ultimate toolbox for them. Made to look like a normal jerry can (and fit into the same-size spaces), this metal container actually hides a number of drawers and storage spaces for all the necessary tools.

Purchase: $72

Gerber Center Drive Multi-Tool

Gerber’s new Center Drive Multi-Tool is excellent for a number of reasons – including the numerous built-in tools and USA-made construction. It’s biggest benefit, however, comes from its unique driver arm. The hooked format allows the tool to spin around a center axis, rather than around one side like its competitors. This makes any driving you do far easier.

Purchase: $85

Bagel Smart Tape Measure

The Bagel takes everything that’s great about tape measures and pares it into a much smarter format, giving you the ability to measure things accurately without help from anyone else. It will also automatically display the measurements on its screen, can record data with the press of a button, and will even take voice memos so you can make notes on-the-fly about your work.

Purchase: $89

Worx Switchdriver Cordless Drill

The biggest pain in the butt when it comes to using a drill on a job is having to swap back and forth between drill bits. Well, the Worx Switchdriver does away with a lot of that frustration by letting you swap between two bits on the fly. It’s also cordless, so you can take it just about anywhere.

Purchase: $89

Filson Apron

Every single person with a workshop of any kind needs a good shop apron. Not only will one keep your clothes safe from spills, rips, and more – but they also offer up handy places to put tools you need to keep nearby. And they don’t get much better than this one from Filson. It also doesn’t hurt that it was made in the USA.

Purchase: $95

Worx Reciprocating Jigsaw

If you’re working on a comprehensive carpentry job, you’d typically require a number of different tools at your disposal – two of which being a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw (two similar tools with varied formats). Well, this device from Worx is both packed into a single tool. That’ll save you some time, space, and will be a good deal less annoying when you need to go back and forth from function to function.

Purchase: $100

Danner Bull Run Work Boots

It would be a mistake to think that you can just wear any old pair of sneakers while working on a tough job on-site, in your garage, or even out in the yard. A much better idea would be to get yourself a reliable and sturdy pair of work boots, like these Bull Runs from Danner. Not only are they USA-made, but they’re also comfortable and will keep your feet protected.

Purchase: $118+

Big Idea Design Titanium Bit Bar

Screwdrivers are extremely handy in a number of situations, even outside of the workshop. They’re not exactly travel-friendly, though. The Titanium Bit Bar, by contrast, easily fits into a pocket, but still has the grip of a full-sized driver and can store up to 8 standard bits inside its own body. Can’t do much better than that.

Purchase: $120

Work Sharp Ken Onion Tool Sharpener

From chisels, to knives, and everything in-between – there are a number of tools that need to be kept sharp in order to be considered in working order. Make sure that all of your tools stay up to snuff with this Ken Onion-designed tool sharpener. Because there’s nothing worse than a dull and/or jagged tool edge.

Purchase: $130

Worx Aerocart Wheelbarrow

Most wheelbarrows are good for one thing: hauling loads. The Aerocart can do that too – up to 300 lbs – but it also has a fold down dolly platform. That means, on top of carrying dirt and bricks, you can transport larger things like furniture, as well. And if you really want to splurge, there are other attachment options that turn it into a snowplow or a wagon.

Purchase: $139

Karcher K3 Power Washer

If you care about the appearance of your car, house, walkways, and more, then you should know the value of a good power washer. This electric powered one generates up to 1,800 psi – great for cleaning the grime off of surfaces – and it also has wheels, making it one of the most transportable power washers on the market.

Purchase: $141

Oxx Coffeebox Jobsite Coffee Maker

Any handyman can tell you that coffee is perhaps the most important tool of all, because it keeps you awake and alert in the early morning and into the wee small hours of a long job. This single-serve coffee maker gets a major bump up because, on top of being able to make some good brew, its also tough enough to survive the worksite.

Purchase: $200

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Torque Impact Wrench Kit

Anyone serious about being a handyman, especially if that includes working on a car, should get themselves a good torque impact wrench. Not only do they speed up jobs, but they make sure that every last bolt is as secure as possible. And they truly don’t get better than this one from Milwaukee. Not only does it deliver up to 600 foot-pounds of torque, but it’s also totally wireless and lightweight.

Purchase: $400

Ultimate Guide To Men's Tool Kits


If you or someone you care about is really serious about getting into DIY projects, then you’ll want to check out our ultimate guide to men’s tool kits. Trust us, it’s a good read.