These 12 home improvement essentials make great gifts for the DIY-ers on your list

Published Dec 12, 2024 1:30 am ET


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composite photo of home improvement tools
Graphic by Kayleigh Drake; product photos courtesy of retailers

Maybe you’re a natural when it comes to fix-it or craft projects. Maybe it’s part of your profession. Or maybe you just want to save money instead of paying someone to handle repairs around the house. Regardless of what category you fall into, all DIY-ers can appreciate getting a good, useful tool in their stockings for the holidays.

If you’re seeking out a present for the DIY-er in your life or looking to upgrade your own tools, we’ve got the right gift for you. We’ve scoured major retailers like Amazon, Lowe’s and Home Depot to find smart deals on everything from power tools to collapsible ladders at discounts of up to 52% off. Here are our picks for 12 items that will be a welcome addition to anyone’s tool stock.

1. From drilling through wood to installing or removing screws, this dual DEWALT cordless driver and drill set can be used on a wide range of applications.

>> Buy the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver for $129 (46% off) on Amazon

2. Whether you’re performing car repairs or doing fix-it and construction work, this comprehensive set of ratchets, wrenches and bits has you covered.

>> Buy the CRAFTSMAN 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set for $129 (48% off) on Amazon

3. Don’t get frustrated by lost screws and other small items. Use this magnetic pickup tool, equipped with LED lights and an extendable bendable neck, to retrieve them.

>> Buy the Magnetic Pickup Tool with 3 LED Lights for $12 (50% off) on Amazon

4. This cordless jig saw features a keyless bevel and four-position action for smooth cuts every time.

>> Buy the DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw for $99 (52% off) on Amazon

5. This compact tool kit includes all the mainstays you need, including a hammer, pliers, tape measure, hex keys and a screwdriver handle with assorted bits.

>> Buy the CARTMAN 39 Piece Tool Set for $17.93 (28% off) on Amazon

6. This screw bit set has everything from Philips to flathead to Torx heads, along with sleeves and adapters that will ensure a snug fit when used with drivers.

>> Buy the DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set for $19.99 (50% off) on Amazon

7. Keep your tools organized (and mobile) with this sturdy storage box/cart combination, which can hold up to 200 pounds of equipment.

>> Buy the RYOBI LINK Rolling Tool Box for $69.98 (22% off) on Home Depot

8. Why buy a set of power tools piecemeal when you can get this six-tool set, featuring a drill, driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and task light, in one discount package?

>> Buy the CRAFTSMAN V20 20-Volt Max 6-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit for $199 (40% off) on Lowe’s

9. Compact and light enough to stow away, this aluminum telescoping ladder can extend up to 14 feet high and accommodate up to 300 pounds.

>> Buy the Little Giant Ladders Multi M14 Telescoping Multi-Position Ladder for $94.98 (50% off) on Lowe’s

10. With the ability to scan for different-sized studs as well as metal and electric wiring, this electronic stud finder is a crucial tool if you’re doing any wall work.

>> Buy the Povlen Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector for $19.16 (26% off) on Amazon

11. Keep your work site or construction area clean with this vacuum, which comes with a nozzle and handy extension wand to reach into corners and crevices.

>> Buy the STANLEY 4 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum for $76 (22% off) on Amazon

12. This electric-powered nailer does away with the need for compressors and gas cartridges, and can drive up to 420 nails on a single charge.

>> Buy the CRAFTSMAN V20 Brad Nailer for $99 (26% off) on Amazon

Ho Lin

Ho Lin

Author

Ho Lin is a content writer at McClatchy. He has over two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development, ranging from subjects such as anime and manga to military benefits, job search advice and AI evaluation. Ho is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and holds a M.A. in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Ho also writes both fiction and non-fiction; his books include China Girl and Bond Movies: A Retrospective.

Kayleigh Drake

Kayleigh Drake

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Kayleigh Drake is a Commerce Content Editor at McClatchy. She’s based in Birmingham, Alabama, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kayleigh has written and edited content for numerous publications, with a particular focus on the food, kitchen, home and lifestyle verticals. When she’s not fulfilling her editorial duties, she loves record shopping, playing guitar, baking and buying entirely too many plants.