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15 Stocking Stuffers for DIY'ers

A few weeks ago, Chris from Notes from the Trenches asked me what I thought would be great gifts for DIY'ers or Housebloggers.

As I usually begin thinking about gift giving on December 23rd (or thereabouts), I was caught off guard. I had nothing. What does one give to complete geeks like me who get very excited about choosing tile?

Okay, so now I've had a couple of weeks to think about it. And, after four years in this house, I'd like to propose a list of stocking stuffers that you can get for the new or experienced DIY'er on your list.

Some of these are a little bizarre, but trust me. You'll get lots of happy shouts and high fives for your creative gift-giving.

Head Lamp - No, I'm not kidding. Nothing is better for creeping around in attics, basements and crawlspaces. The next time that they try to find that plumbing leak under the house while lying on their back, they will be thanking you.

Mirror on a stick - Still not kidding. Okay, the real name is telescoping mirror, but mirror on a stick sounds more fun. Have you ever tried to look up a fireplace chimney or into a hole in the wall without one of these? These are awesome.

Magnets - Whether you use them on you wrist, on a telescoping wand, tied to your toolbelt, or just in your hand, NOTHING is better at picking up a whole mess of dropped nails. Trust me. I'm speaking from experience here.

Stud Finder - You know, the kind in the walls.

Voltage Tester - I hate messing with electricity. But I hate it less when I know whether a wire or outlet is live or not.

Clamps - I firmly believe that there is always room in my shop for more clamps.

Mini Pry Bar - I like the big pry bars too. But little pry bars are super handy.

Bullseye Level - If you've ever had to check the level of a surface, and not just a line, this little wonder is fun.

5 in 1 tool - I use this thing all of the time. All of the time. Especially when painting or restoring wood windows. One of the tools I'd take with me if I was stuck on a desert island.

Cable Ties - Keeping cables and power cords neat is a pain. Cable ties make it easier.

Cord Lock - Not only do I need this for the shop, I need it when I mow the lawn with our electric mower.

Gloves - For him or her. Fashionable, useful and provides needed protection from calluses. Find me a shoe like that!

These next three ideas are especially helpful for those nuts who live in old houses. Like I do.

Peel and Stick Zippers - You bought it. You're renovating it. You're renovating it while living in it. Don't wake up with plaster dust on your teeth. Hang heavy plastic to seal off areas under renovation and use these handy little zippers to get in and out of the "zone".

Nail Nipper - Have you ever had to pull nails out of salvaged architectural house parts and trim? If so, you will love this.

Dental tools - Only for the die-hard restoration nut. Useful for picking bits of paint out of the wood you're stripping. And for stabbing yourself in the arm in frustration after 20 hours of picking bits of paint out of the wood you're stripping.

Enjoy Cyber Monday, all!

Posted by jeanne on November 25, 2007 at 11:13 PM (8)

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