The 36 Best Gifts for the Handyman in Your Life

Though it’s lightweight at just 30 pounds, this multifunctional work table can support up to 300 pounds, or up to 1,000 pounds when used as a sawhorse. There are also two 24-inch clamps built into the 32-inch work surface, making this a versatile asset for any DIYer working on projects like cutting wood trim.

You never realize how useful a set of magnets is until you have one. These rare-earth magnets are very strong and useful for corralling screws and small metal objects that roll away, finding metal studs behind drywall, keeping diagrams or instructions on a metal surface near a work area, or even building a kitchen knife strip.

These handyman’s helpers can support a surprising amount of weight—up to 300 pounds! You just pump air into these super-strong rubber shims to prop up countertops, window and door frames, or more, without needing a set of helping hands. Plus, there are three size options for different situations.

When you need outdoor power and a single extension cord won’t do, this cord gives you four grounded outlets to power an arsenal of power tools. It also has two USB ports—one USB-A and one USB-C —so you don’t have to worry about which mobile device you have to charge.

This Advent calendar packs $200 worth of stuff into its 12 perforated windows, all for just $65. There’s an 8-inch ratchet, a magnetic bit driver with 11 bits, two sets of sockets, and two stubby screwdrivers, along with fun extras like a bottle opener with a retro Craftsman acetate handle, playing cards, and a keychain tape measure.

Accurate measurements are key to home improvement projects, and this Bosch distance measure uses a laser to deliver precise readings. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the backlit display with large numbers makes it easy to read.

Great for carpenters, this mechanical pencil is designed to go where regular pencils cannot, with a slim design tip. There’s also a built-in sharpener and pocket clip, and it comes with lead (plus extra refills) that works on wet and dry surfaces.

Every handy person needs a pocket knife at one time or another, and this one was ranked best overall in our guide to the best pocket knives. The durable blade is made of a high-carbon steel that folds into an anodized aluminum frame.

Hanging extension cords from long nails or hooks never works out. These simple cord holders make much more sense, are flexible for any cord size, and help keep them from becoming an unwieldy mess. And the grommet allows that nail or hook to be used more wisely.

Whether mounting cabinetry, hanging wall art, or installing shelving, workpieces must be level. This SKIL laser level projects easy-to-see green lines in both horizontal and vertical directions. This gift ensures all parts of a project are straight and true the first time, saving the time and trouble associated with an askew shelf or frame.

If your gift recipient already has a supply of DeWalt brand batteries, consider this handy cordless shop vac. This vacuum is efficient and convenient for quick things like cleaning up emergency spills or errant sawdust after a long sanding session.

The brilliance of creating magnetic trays for holding screws, nuts, and bolts will have any handyman thinking, “Why didn’t they think of this before?” This set comes with three sizes of trays, and they are magnetic from top to bottom, so not only do they hold the hardware, they can cling to a metal cabinet or toolbox, too.

Perfect for someone who does not have much space and wants the convenience of an electric screwdriver, this compact USB-rechargeable model packs a few extra features. It has 8 interchangeable screw heads, one drill bit, an LED light, and a built-in circuit sensor that detects electrical current. Safety first!

This handy gadget combines two useful tools in one: a magnetic grabber and an LED flashlight. Not only that, the headpiece is extendable (up to 22 inches) and bendable, so you can easily see the things you’re trying to grab onto. Because let’s face it, those little screws never drop where you can easily see them.

Every handyman needs a good flashlight at some point, and this one from MagLite made the top of our list in our hands-on reviews of flashlights. We loved its brightness and adjustability at an affordable price point.

A stripped screw is the DIYer’s nemesis. It can make a simple job take an hour instead of minutes. That’s why these Alden double-sided extractors are a must-have for any tool kit. They come in a case, too, so you don’t get them mixed up with your other tools.

These knee pads are not just for flooring jobs, but also for painting low areas, installing trim, and even deep cleanings. With high-density foam, a protective gel zone, and swiveling buckles, your handyman’s knees will thank you.

Headlamps are a dime a dozen, but this one takes a step up with three zoomable light beams that combine to deliver 1,080 lumens. They’re also built to last with airtight rubber seals to resist water, dust, and damage.

There are always new uses for a laser thermometer—finding air leaks, checking the temperature of out-of-reach air ducts, and even checking your own temperature. And it’s not all about work; you can use it to check the temperature of a juicy steak on the grill, too.