From Small Gadgets to Big Tools, These Are the Best Gifts for a Handyman

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While having a handyman in the family is definitely convenient, gift-giving can be intimidating when holidays and birthdays roll around. If you’re not familiar with your gift recipient's personal preferences, or the tool and accessory space in general, finding the perfect present isn't easy. We’ve put together this list of useful and practical gift ideas to choose from, ensuring that you’ll deliver a great present every time.

My experience as a residential and commercial carpenter in New York City, as well as a home repair and maintenance aficionado, have given me a pretty good idea of the type of products that a handyman, maintenance person, or DIYer would find the most useful. We did our best to select products that we’ve used personally, or at least have been manufactured by a brand we trust. From $5 adhesives to $200 drill/driver sets, you should have no trouble finding an option that suits both your budget and your handyman's needs.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our guides to the best tool gifts, gifts for woodworkers, and outdoor gifts.

This specific Bosch laser has saved us time and energy on dozens of construction projects, thanks to its accurate readings and straightforward design. It's small enough to carry around in your pocket until you need it, and the backlit display makes it easy to read in low-light conditions.

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65' Laser Distance Measure

$46.96

amazon.com

Whether you’re mounting cabinetry, hanging wall art, or installing shelving, you need to make sure your work pieces are level. This Skil laser level provides an easy-to-see green line (horizontally and vertically) and is able to level itself. This is the perfect gift to be sure everything is straight and true the first time.

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Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser

$94.05

amazon.com

I’ve been carrying this handy little attachment in my DIY tool bag for years, and it has come in handy more times than we can count. Its 90-degree design allows you to drill screws and fasteners into areas that wouldn't allow for the length of a drill, like in tight cupboards, or awkward automotive applications.

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Right-Angle Attachment

$19.98

amazon.com

The quick-release triggers on these Irwin clamps make them comfortable to use, and with two types to choose from, they’re versatile enough for a variety of DIY projects. Their plastic resin construction keeps them nice and lightweight, and less likely to scratch or gouge any delicate surface you might accidentally drop them on.

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Quick-Grip Clamp Set

$39.99

amazon.com

I’ve been using rare-earth magnets for years, and find more and more uses for them as time goes on. Their super-strong attraction makes them perfect for locating studs behind drywall, wrangling screws that you don't want rolling away, or gluing to your hand tools and attaching them to your metal work cart for easy access.

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Neodymium Magnets

$16.99

amazon.com

Cordless, rechargeable, and tougher than a manual pair, electric scissors will get the job done without the strain of a squeeze. This device holds a charge for months and weighs only a pound, making it perfect for storing away and using as needed.

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WX081L 4V ZipSnip Cordless Electric Scissors

$35.91

amazon.com

This cordless screwdriver is a USB-rechargeable godsend for those DIY lovers who don't want to break out that bulky electric drill. Packaged with nine drill bits, a charging cable, and an LED light, this small device is a nifty gift that the DIYer in your life can tuck in a pocket or drawer for safekeeping.

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Rechargeable 4V Cordless Screwdriver

$19.98

amazon.com

This extendable magnetic pickup tool can retrieve any dropped screws, nuts, and bolts just by hovering over the item. Equipped with a three-bulb LED flashlight, this device extends up to 22 inches and can pack down and even adjust 360 degrees. It also has a magnetic base for hands-free use on metal surfaces.

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Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool

$16.99

amazon.com

Made with heat-treated, high-carbon steel and lightweight nylon handles, this pocket saw is a super lightweight solution to lugging around a large bladed piece. This outdoor tool comes in a package roughly the size of a wallet, which makes it easy to stow away in a backpack or onto a belt. Gift this to the outdoorsy type who loves working on projects outside.

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Nordic Pocket Saw

$50.00

huckberry.com

Know a carpenter? This mechanical pencil comes with a pocket clip and has a built-in sharpener that helps make hard-to-reach places easy to mark. The lead works on both wet and dry surfaces, and it even comes with lead refills. This is perfect for precision.

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Industrial Reach Deep Hole Mechanical Pencil

$12.25

amazon.com

If your gift recipient is installing flooring or carpeting, adding a pair of counter gauges to their tool collection is an incredibly useful gift. The 45-degree pin teeth of these Vark gauges provide reliable, accurate measurements for duplicating the angles and curves found around door frames, molding, pipes, or other odd-shaped elements.

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Contour Gauge Profile Tool

$29.97

amazon.com

These Ironclad work gloves are well-suited for nearly any DIY project, whether that's automotive work, carpentry projects, or gardening tasks. An integrated plastic plate protects your knuckles from impacts, and the hook and loop closure system makes it easy to get a tight and secure fit.

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Heavy Utility Utility Work Gloves

$18.89

amazon.com

This little tool might not get used every day, but it's more useful than you might think. It's used by pulling back one end and releasing it, which concentrates the resulting force into the tiny head. This is perfect for tasks like setting nails or brads that are protruding from base trim, or popping out door pins.

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Counter Punch

$12.95

amazon.com

This multifunctional Worx worktable also doubles as a sawhorse, making it an ideal gift for anyone tackling a wide range of home repair or maintenance tasks. It's also just 25 pounds, which is heavy enough to provide a sturdy foundation, and still lightweight enough to easily carry around a workspace.

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WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table

$133.90

amazon.com

This 20-volt combo kit will have any DIYer covered when it comes to the majority of heavy-duty drilling, screwing, or driving tasks that may come up. With two batteries, you won't have to wait around for a single one to charge, and the included storage bag is a nice perk.

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Atomic 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit

$305.00

amazon.com

These toggle anchors can support up to 200 pounds each, and are a perfect gift for any DIYer who might be hanging artwork or mirrors on their walls. We exclusively used these anchors during our time mounting large office furniture, and consider them an essential part of a homeowner's toolkit.

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SnapToggler Drywll Anchor (4-pack)

$20.78

amazon.com

Those interested in tackling their own electrical projects would definitely appreciate the versatility of this Klein tools cutter and stripper. Its unique design both grips and strips your wire with just a squeeze of the handles, and the center mounted cutting hole makes it easy to perform quick cuts.

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11063W Wire Cutter & Wire Stripper

$29.97

amazon.com

Searching through cavernous tool boxes or bags can take up valuable project time, which is why this bucket organizer is so useful. It keeps its contents visible and within easy reach, features three hammer loops, and the open-topped design allows you to carry extra long items like caulk guns or clamps.

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Tool Organizer

$16.96

amazon.com

As long as they have a sturdy workbench to attach it to, this Yost bench vise would be a great gift for any DIYer in your life. Its cast-iron construction is rugged enough to take a beating, and the convenient pipe jaws make it more versatile than a standard vise.

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LV-4 Home Vise

$33.99

amazon.com

A hands-free work light like this BioLite headlamp can save a ton of time and frustration, especially when working in awkward or tight areas that aren't ideal for freestanding work lights. Its battery lasts for 150 hours without a recharge, and includes six beam modes to choose from.

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Headlamp 750

$67.29

amazon.com

If you know a DIYer who enjoys being prepared for anything, especially automotive issues, this jump starter is a great gift. We’ve used this identical model to jump-start our car on more than one occasion, and its USB charging cable allows you to easily keep it juiced up and ready to go.

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Jump Starter Battery Pack

$55.99

amazon.com

The 39 precision bits included in this set are perfect for working on electronics that use tiny screws and fasteners, like replacing a thermostat, or tinkering with a battery-powered toy. Plus, these bits are all magnetized, so you won't have to worry about dropping and losing those little screws.

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Precision Screwdriver Set

$29.97

amazon.com

If you’re a DIY lover working in a basement, crawlspace, or anywhere with limited light, you’ll want a freestanding work light like this one to ensure the gift of maximum illumination. The adjustable twin bulbs will help increase the overall accuracy of your work, as well as reduce the chances of safety issues, like tripping over an extension cord.

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Twin Head Work Light

$57.67

walmart.com

Anyone who tackles their own lawn care and landscaping would be excited to unwrap this multipurpose pole saw from Sun Joe. The interchangeable saw can either be used as a traditional chainsaw for lopping off lower branches, or attached to the head of the pole to reach overhead foliage.

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Convertible Pole Chain Saw

$76.36

amazon.com

This six-piece Klein tools screwdriver set would be a great addition to an experienced DIYer's tool collection, or a great first set for anyone just starting out. The rubber grips provide a secure, controlled grip, and the included magnetizer/demagnetizer lets you decide which you prefer.

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85146 Screwdriver Set

$49.99

amazon.com

Gift this tool belt that features an impressive 27 pockets and various loops, so whether you’re on top of a ladder or working on the roof, you’ll have everything you need within easy reach. Plus, two built-in kickstands means the pouches won't fall over when you set them down.

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Tradesman Tool Belt Set

$69.99

amazon.com

This cold weld epoxy isn't just incredibly strong, it's also really easy to use. Just mix together the contents of each tube at a 1:1 ratio, secure your workpieces, and after about 36 hours you’ll have a rock-solid connection for various DIY projects. You can use it on nearly any material, like metal, PVC, wood, and even concrete.

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Cold Weld Epoxy

$6.98

amazon.com

This rust remover is nontoxic and biodegradable, making it much safer to use than similar products, and allows you to use it without requiring gloves or a mask. This gift option is also reusable, and just one gallon of the stuff can remove the rust from up to 300 pounds of steel.

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Rust Remover

$10.99

amazon.com

We’ve had this claw hammer in our tool collection for years, and even purchased identical models after losing or lending it out. Its 16-ounce weight is light enough to heft fairly easily, but still heavy enough to deliver an impressive amount of force to whatever you’re working on.

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16-Ounce Claw Hammer

$9.99

amazon.com

These plastic pliers are perfectly suited for use around live wiring, and despite their lack of metal components, are probably more rugged than you might think. They’re also ideal for use on any kind of decorative fastener or wiring that would otherwise get scratched or scuffed by steel jaws.

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Tools Flat Nose Plastic Pliers

$29.18

amazon.com

Few things are more frustrating than encountering a broken bolt or a stripped screw head on a project, both of which can take valuable time to remove effectively. We’re big fans of this Alden kit, which provides clear instructions on how to correctly use their double-sided extractors.

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Broken Bolt and Screw Extractor

$33.99

amazon.com

Whether you need to cut through PVC pipe, drywall, or tree limbs, the gift of this cordless reciprocating saw will have any DIYer covered. Its compact size makes it perfect to use in tight or awkward spaces, and at less than 7 pounds in weight, it's comfortable to use one-handed.

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M12 Hackzall

$115.00

amazon.com

Whether you’re painting a room, tending your garden, or tinkering in the garage, a little music always makes the job go by a little faster. This Klein Tools radio is compact enough to easily carry around while you work, and the protective rubber covering makes it a durable choice as well.

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AEPJS1 Wireless Speaker

$40.41

amazon.com

This kit includes a 12-volt drill as well as an impact driver, which will cover a lot of bases when it comes to a lot of basic home improvement or assembly tasks. Even if your recipient already has a more heavy-duty drill, the compact size of these tools still make them useful for light-duty tasks.

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Power Tools Combo Kit

$159.00

amazon.com

Proper lighting is essential when it comes to working on home maintenance and repair projects, and this Bayco light makes illuminating workspaces easy and effectively. A top-mounted hook allows DIYers to hang it wherever they like, and the protective metal cage keeps their bulb in the event of a fall or drop.

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Hanging Work Light

$31.67

amazon.com

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