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If you like giving inexpensive gifts, it’s easy to shop for a DIYer. Even though cheap and cheerful may not be exciting and glamorous, these gifts are always useful and affordable. But if you also enjoy wrapping gifts that are luxe and spendy, even when they’re not truly necessary, this gift guide is a mix of luxury and affordable ideas to make your cottage putterer feel extra special. If you give presents that help your DIYer get the job done, clean up, or make what you actually want, own it. Maybe it is a little passive-aggressive, but everyone’s better for it!
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
screw kit Nindejin screw kit
Bolster the hardware supply for all those odd cottage fixes with a variety pack—this one has 1,132 stainless steel wood screws in nine sizes.
Photo Courtesy of Canadian Tire
wrecking set Mastercraft five-piece wrecking set
Ah, the joy of wrecking stuff. With a versatile five-piece set of pry bars and cat’s paws, your handy-person will have the right-sized tool for removing trim, pulling nails, or just tearing up the joint.
Photo Courtesy of Home Depot
pickup tool Husky magnetic pickup tool
Help retrieve those critical screws and nuts that fall between deck boards and behind the workbench. Since it prevents frustration, this is a true gift of love.
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
tool carrier Stronghold beltless tool carrier
With 25 versatile pockets, this carrier is not a tool belt. It shifts the weight to padded, sweat-wicking shoulder straps for comfort, good range of motion, and less back strain.
Photo Courtesy of Home Hardware
ear buds Milwaukee ear buds
Music and podcasts help time pass on monotonous tasks, and hearing protection means your DIYer will continue to appreciate your words of love. These Bluetooth earbuds reduce loud external noises without blocking speech, for the situational awareness that’s key for safety.
Photo Courtesy of Global Industrial
workbench Sjobergs 1825 workbench
This sweet, solid beech workbench will be coveted by all the woodworkers on the lake. It features two vises and double rows of holes for bench dogs, holdfasts, anvils, and other accessories
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
books One-Day DIY: Modern Farmhouse Furniture
Wrap up a subtle hint: this book has farmhouse-style projects to update your cottage in a weekend, with step-by-step instructions for woodworkers of all skill levels. Pair the book with an offer to pitch in: time together and a more comfortable cottage is the best gift of all.
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
vacuum Ridgid 45L wet/dry shop vacuum
When you’re okay with a DIYer making a mess, as long as it gets cleaned up, give a reliable wet/dry shop vac for tackling sawdust, dirt, and the occasional spill.
Photo Courtesy of Felco
pruning shears Felco pruning shears
If judicious pruning of trails, roadsides, and sightlines is on the to-do list, grab these classic Swiss-made Felco pruning shears. Their comfortable grip and strong cutting force makes using them a pleasure.
This story was originally published in the Workshop section of the Winter 2024 issue of Cottage Life.
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