If you have a friend or family member that loves DIY projects, finding the perfect gift for them can be a challenge. DIY enthusiasts tend to already have all the basic tools and supplies. You need to find something unique and useful – a gift that will help them with their hobby or enable them to take on new projects. The good news is there are lots of great gift ideas for the DIYer in your life. Read on for tips on picking the perfect present.
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What kind of DIY projects do they like to do?
The first thing to consider is what type of DIY your gift recipient enjoys. Here are some of the most popular DIY hobbies and potential gift ideas for each:
Woodworking
Gifts for woodworkers:
– New hand tools – chisels, planes, clamps, etc. Look for high quality brands.
– Unique wood – Exotic lumber or live edge slabs.
– Workbench accessories – Bench cookies, hold downs, stops, etc.
– Classes – Consider a woodturning, carving, furniture building, etc class.
– Books/plans – Find advanced projects they’ll love.
– Shop storage – New tool chest, lumber racks, etc.
Jewelry making
Gifts for jewelry makers:
– Jewelry pliers – Chain nose, round nose, bent nose, etc.
– Jewelry wire – Precious metal, colored craft wire, etc.
– Gemstones – Individual stones or assorted packs.
– Stringing materials – Leather cord, silk thread, wire, etc.
– Beads – Seed beads, glass beads, pearls, etc. Vintage beads can be nice.
– Jewelry findings – Clasps, earring wires, pins, ring blanks, etc.
– Jewelry displays – Busts, jewelry trees, necklace stands, etc.
Sewing and quilting
Gifts for sewing/quilting enthusiasts:
– Fabric – Look for high quality quilting cottons or wool felt. Vintage fabrics can be nice.
– Sewing machine accessories – Specialty presser feet, extension table, needles, etc.
– Scissors – Get high end embroidery, seam rippers, and fabric scissors.
– Thread boxes – Glass cabinets for organizing thread collection.
– Quilting tools – Rotary cutters, acrylic rulers, wool pressing mats, etc.
– Sewing baskets – Portable cases with compartments to hold supplies.
– Gift cards – For speciality sewing/quilting shops.
– Books/patterns – Find projects matching their skill level.
Home improvement
Gifts for home DIYers:
– New power tools – Look for options missing from their toolbox.
– Quality hand tools – Upgrade old tools like hammers, wrenches, pliers, etc.
– Tool storage – New toolboxes, chests, or cabinets to organize tools.
– Home improvement books – With projects specific to their home.
– Hardware – Specialty hinges, pulls, hooks, drawer slides, etc. for custom cabinets or furniture.
– Home decor – Fun signs, custom artwork, or monogrammed items to decorate finished projects.
– Workshop accessories – Upgrade things like their workbench, stool, lighting, etc.
Think about their skill level
When choosing a gift, make sure to consider the skill level of the DIYer you are shopping for. As a general guide:
Beginners
Good gifts for novice DIYers:
– Basic tools – Shop quality tool sets to upgrade from entry level tools.
– Core supplies – Essentials like fasteners, sandpaper, glue, stain, finish, etc.
– Safety gear – Eye protection, ear protection, masks, gloves, etc.
– Books – Look for beginner level, easy introductory projects.
– Classes – Consider intro workshops to build skills.
– Gift cards – For DIY stores so they can pick their own materials.
Intermediate
Those with a couple DIY projects under their belt may appreciate:
– Power tools – Entry level power drills, sanders, nail guns, etc.
– Upgraded tools – Step up to better brands for commonly used tools.
– Specialty tools – Unique tools like pocket hole jigs, dovetail jigs, etc.
– Mid-level materials – Hardwoods, better quality finishes, etc.
– Books/plans – Detailed projects that challenge their skills.
Advanced
For DIY experts look for gifts like:
– High end power tools – Invest in the best for tools they use frequently.
– Specialty hand tools – Unique tools even experienced builders would love.
– Exotic materials – Fancy lumber, veneers, inlays, etc.
– Pro memberships – To specialty DIY sites with tons of plans, tips, etc.
– High end hardware – Special hinges, drawer slides, unique fasteners.
Think about their interests
Considering the DIYer’s interests and hobbies can help narrow down gift ideas.
If they like cooking:
– Wooden cutting boards
– Custom knife blocks
– Corner shelves for spices
– Mortar and pestle
– Herb planters for indoor/outdoor kitchen
If they like gardening:
– Raised garden beds
– Potting bench
– Window box planters
– Garden tool organizer
– Compost bin
If they like reading:
– Custom bookshelves
– Unique bookends
– Cozy window seat
– Charging station for e-reader
– Book lover throw pillows
If they like gaming:
– DIY gaming table
– Video game storage shelves
– Custom gaming chair
– Cornhole board game
– Dart board cabinet
If they like jewelry:
– Jewelry organizer
– Jewelry box
– Ring/necklace displays
– Mirror tray for dressing table
– Jewelry holder hanger for closet
Brainstorm gift ideas
If you need additional inspiration, here is a big list of potential gift ideas for any DIYer:
Workshop gifts
Tool storage solutions | Drill press |
Workbench accessories | Band saw |
New drill bits | Belt sander |
Upgraded drill | Wood planer |
Laser level | Wood lathe |
Stud finder | Router table |
Cordless tool set | Dust collection system |
Impact driver | Air compressor |
Safety gear
Respirator masks | Safety glasses |
Hearing protection | Work gloves |
Dust masks | Shop apron |
First aid kit | Steel toe boots |
DIY Project Kits
Birdhouse kit | Jewelry box kit |
Planter box kit | Wood carving kit |
Knife making kit | Quilting kit |
Soap making kit | Candle making kit |
Leatherworking kit | Calligraphy kit |
Materials & hardware
Exotic lumber | Dowels & pegs |
Plywood | Handles & knobs |
Trim & molding | Hinges |
Veneers | Drawer slides |
Glue & adhesive | Fasteners |
Stain & finish | Sandpaper |
Books & plans
DIY books | Furniture plans |
Project plans | Reference guides |
Tips & tricks books | Woodworking books |
Home improvement books | Quilting books |
Clothing & apparel
Work aprons | Flannel shirts |
Tool belts | Jeans or Carhartt pants |
Shop coats | DIY t-shirts |
Shop shoes | Funny socks |
Classes
Woodworking | Jewelry making |
Quilting | Pottery |
Home improvement | Knife making |
Wood carving | Wood turning |
Think about their work space
Consider giving a gift to help them upgrade their DIY work space. Ideas include:
– New workshop shelving, cabinets, or workbenches
– Custom tool chest organization
– Wall storage solutions like pegboards, slat walls, etc.
– Extractors to improve dust collection
– Air filtration system
– Lighting upgrades like new shop lights
– Flooring improvements like rubber mats
– Garage storage solutions like overhead racks
– Electronics like speakers, TVs, etc. to enjoy while working
– Decor items like shop signs, clocks, stools, etc.
– Accessories like magnetic strips, custom measuring tapes, welding curtains, etc.
– Safety additions like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.
Check specialty DIY websites
Websites dedicated to DIY and maker culture can provide lots of gift ideas tailored specifically for DIY enthusiasts. Some top sites to browse include:
– Makezine – DIY projects, product reviews, tools, kits, books, etc.
– Instructables – User submitted DIY tutorials across all hobby types.
– Popular Woodworking – Specializes in woodworking tools, plans, tips, and more.
– Bonus speciality sites for sewing, metalworking, crafts, jewelry making, woodturning, and more.
These sites showcase unique tools, materials, downloads, kits, and other items that DIYers love. Look through gift guides, top products, project tutorials, tool reviews, etc. to get ideas.
Think portably
For DIYers short on space, portable tools and storage can make great gifts. Ideas:
– Toolboxes designed for portability
– Tool bags/belts to take essentials on the go
– Collapsible workbenches
– Compact sawhorses
– Folding safety stands like miter saw stands
– Smaller benchtop tools like table saws, band saws, sanders, etc.
– Cordless power tools with batteries
– Multi-use tools like oscillating tools
– Tool box organizers and cases
– Hardware storage bins
– Folding lumber racks
Portable organization means they can DIY anywhere and safely transport tools and supplies.
Add personalized touches
Personalized gifts can make any present extra meaningful. Ideas to personalize DIY gifts:
– Monogram toolbags, shop aprons, toolboxes, etc.
– Have wood burnings or engravings added to wood items
– Customize t-shirts, hats, or aprons with their name
– Include homemade items like cutboards or shop signs
– Have photos or designs printed on fabric for bags, aprons, etc.
– Give gift cards tucked into handmade cards
– Pair tools with homemade casos or holders
– Include personalized notes or homemade coupons for DIY help
Give the gift of an experience
Instead of a material item, consider giving an experience related to their DIY hobby. Ideas include:
– DIY or crafting classes
– Woodworking or quilting retreats
– Tickets to DIY conferences/events
– Passes to a maker space with workshops
– Museum or historic site tours
– Subscriptions for monthly project deliveries
– Online video training access
– Private lessons with an expert
Experiential gifts let them enjoy their hobby in a new way while making lifelong memories.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect gift for the DIYer in your life just takes some thought about their unique interests and skill level. Focus on useful items they don’t already have or treats that will help enhance their hobby. With this guide’s tips in mind, you’re sure to pick a present they’ll love and get lots of use from in their workshops and projects. The right gift will make them smile and think of you each time they put it to use!