Gift Week: Gifts for the DIYer

Gift Idea: Organic Print Ohio by Harmony Art

Whether we’re retiling our showers with funky iridescent tiles, giving our bedrooms a serious style update with a layer of vibrant paint, or building new storage solutions to creatively corral our clutter, DIYers always seem to be on the move from one home project to the next. So this year, give the DIYers in your life a gift that will inspire and aid them with their next project. And even if some people on your list haven’t been bitten by the home improvement bug yet, these sweet tools and gadgets will help release their inner DIYer:

Cordless Drill/Driver. In the wonderful world of home improvement projects, there are several necessary tools every DIYer should possess—and a cordless drill ranks high on that list. This hardworking 18V Compact Touch Cordless Drill/Driver, makes itself at home in any setting, maneuvering well in tight spaces without sacrificing power. Price varies.

Gift Idea: 14-inch Open-Top Tool Bag.
Photo courtesy of DoItBest.com

Open Tool Bag. If your friends like their tools right where they can see them—in the tool bag—this 14” open-top tool bag is perfect. With 21 pockets and 10 webbing loops, the bag keeps tools secure and ready to go. A removable, adjustable metal frame partition easily slides in and out for customized storage. For added comfort, the bag boasts a soft-grip handle and a padded carrying strap. Each bag costs $38.49.

Tool Holder. I hate misplacing tools—especially when I’m in the middle of a project. Luckily, the magnetic tool holder corrals wrenches, sockets, and fasteners in one spot so they’re always at the ready. While you’re at it, snap one up for yourself too—they only cost $16.98 a piece.

Power Scissors. When it comes to trimming materials other than paper, a basic pair of snips isn’t going to cut it. Enter the Black & Decker 3.6 V cordless power scissors Model SZ360T. These handy scissors easily cut through corrugate, canvas, vinyl, fabric, denim, paper, and cardboard—and you can mount them on the table for stationary use. Price varies.

Photo Art. Last year, I gave my best friend a framed photo of the two of us. This year, I’m keeping the photo idea, ditching the frame, and letting her choose what she wants to do. And you can do the same: A gift certificate to photowow.com lets everyone on your list transform a typical photo into a funky piece of pop art, wine bottle labels, ceramic tiles, or even an end table, with just a click of the mouse. Prices vary.

Gift Idea: Organic Print Silent Stumps by Harmony Art

Fabrics. From reupholstering a garage sale chair to making a new headboard slipcover, a bit of fabric can go a long way in giving your living quarters a fresh look. If you’re going to give fabric, why not go the eco-friendly route? Because it would be rather odd—and quite tricky—to wrap a bolt of fabric, the folks at Treehugger recommend surprising friends and family with a gift certificate to Harmony Art, which sells organic fabrics in sassy prints and solids. Gift certificates reduce your environmental impact—and that’s something to be merry about. Prices vary.

Magazine Subscriptions. So maybe that tricky person on your list—you know, the one who seems to have everything—is already well equipped with tools and gadgets. But she can always use more ideas—and the endless projects that stem from the pages of ReadyMade and Do It Yourself magazines are sure to inspire. Use the latest issues as stocking stuffers, and watch the creative juices flow. A one-year subscription to ReadyMade costs $19; a one-year subscription to Do It Yourself costs $19.97.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[Lucile21Hunter]

I think that to receive the mortgage loans from creditors you must have a good reason. Nevertheless, one time I have got a secured loan, because I was willing to buy a house.

[Julie, The Home Know-It-All]

Glad you like them. And thanks for reading! If you have any other great DIY gift recommendations, let us know!

[Jessica Brylan]

The power scissors are a God send. I've had jobs that literally killed my hand for trying to cut with scissors. But, power scissors go right through without needing any strength from me at all.