If you're reading this, it could mean one of two things—you're still trying to find the best tool gift for the handyman (or handyman) in your life, or you're looking to return one you don't like Money earned from gifts. Either way, we're here for you!
#12 Car Emergency Starter
We have completely replaced the jumper cables with high current battery powered jump starters. We're not sure which one we like best — there are literally dozens of models to choose from. We have used Topdon JS3000, JomGand JQ2500, Fanttik T8 Apex, Atkmayi N12, DBPower 1600A and Nexpow G17 jumper starters with great success. Our favorite is probably the Fanttik T8 because of its large LCD display. Get them on Amazon for $60 to $125, depending on size.
#11 KEEN utility work boots
The KEEN Cincinnati work boots top our best work boots article because they are both comfortable and protective. You can buy soft toe or carbon fiber safety toe options. They offer a comfortable wedge design and aggressive tread, and they look great. They even include women-only models!
#10 Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Measuring Tape
You'll find a variety of models in the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure Collection. These include some eye-opening durability claims — such as a 100-foot drop test! It comes in regular and Nite Eye versions (like Lufkin Black Widow tape). We tested it with a series of tape measures and really like these tools for everyday professional use.
#9 Hart 20V Cordless Trim Router
If the woodworker on your list is ready to cut cords on a random orbital sander, the Hart 20V Cordless Trim Router can help you add stylish details and a creative touch. The spindle lock position and base cutouts allow you to change bits without removing the base if you wish. Most of the pros we talked to are in the habit of taking the base off their pruning routers for easier access to a wrench. Either way, you can choose this design. Get the router with battery and charger from Walmart for $119.
#8 Metabo HPT 10,000 Lumens 18V LED Work Light
The Metabo HPT MultiVolt LED Work Light uses 216 LED chips to produce massive output – 10,000 lumens on the high end. With the advent of cordless work lights, it's as bright as you can hope for. Thankfully, the power button on the back doubles as an output dial with 15 settings to adjust the amount of light you need. It can be dialed all the way back to 1000 lumens, which means you don't have to carry as many lights to cover different working distances. You even get a USB-A output port to charge your phone. This one is $239 at Acme Tools.
#7 Ryobi 1 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
The Ryobi Cordless 1 Gallon Wet and Dry Vacuum bridges the gap between its compact handheld vacs and full-size wet and dry shop vacs. It's a compact, lightweight cordless solution for quick cleaning at home or on the go. It has a lot of power and can be used to pick up sawdust and wood chips around workbenches and remove sand and debris from car floors. Find it at Home Depot starting at $79 bare.
#6 Makita 18V Wireless Light
Makita caught everyone's attention when it announced its Outdoor Adventure line, which brings new designs to some of its existing 18V LXT tools and equipment. They replaced the teal we all know with a more outdoorsy forest green design. The Makita 18V Cordless Light features four LED modes (360° Lantern, Tri-Side Lantern, Torch, and Strobe Torch) and three lighting modes (Daylight White, Neutral White, and Warm White). It gives you bluetooth and FM radio (but no AM). It costs a whopping $159, but if you don't need Bluetooth, you can still get the $119 Makita XRM12.
#5 FLEX Stack Pack Storage System
What's your favorite tool storage system? Pack? Tucker? anything else? After seeing what the Flex Stack Pack has to offer, you might change your mind. The more we researched the Flex Stack Pack tool storage system, the more impressed we became. It takes the basic design of a stackable toolbox, adds advanced features you'll find from other brands, and then takes it to a whole new level with a concept we've never seen before. The Flex Stack Pack is redefining what you expect from your toolbox, and everyone else is catching up. Three-in-one rolling tool boxes start at around $299.
#4 Greenworks 24V Hood Light
Professional mechanics and car enthusiasts know that having good light coverage, especially under the hood, is essential. Under-hood lights aren't traditionally known for their compactness, but Greenworks' double-hinge design allows each arm to rotate independently by up to 90°. There are integrated stops on each side to prevent the light from snapping off while you're using it. This folding action also allows the light to fit in larger toolbox drawers. You can find this kit on Amazon for around $106.
#3 Skil LT4832C-11 40V String Trimmer with Smart Load
The Skil LT4832C-11 40V String Trimmer does exactly what we expect from a residential model, plus the price tag really makes it a great value. Even so, the star of this tool is definitely the Smart Load trimmer head. This feature reduces maintenance-related downtime and gets you back to work faster than with traditional trimmer heads. Get it on Amazon for $159 in a kit.
#2 DeWalt FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill Combo Kit
When you pair DeWalt's FlexVolt Advantage Hammer Drill with a 5.0Ah battery, it does a great job. But put a FlexVolt battery on it and it's like a brand new tool, with a drilling speed that ignites the PTR test track in time trials. You can get it as a bare tool or as a kit, but you can bump the value rating even higher when you pick up the combo kit. It includes the impact drill, brushless impact driver, a 5.0Ah battery and the FlexVolt battery, and a $399 charger.
#1 Milwaukee M12 Green Crosshair Laser
Milwaukee disrupted the line laser space in a big way. With over 7 models to choose from, our favorite is the M12 Crosshair Laser. They have green beams that are easier to see than red. Models with point lasers rotate on their plumb points to make setup easier. Even the goal cards have a pattern that we find easier to see than most. The kit comes with a 3.0Ah M12 battery that lasts up to 15 hours. You can find them at Acme Tools starting at around $449.
Hammers, levels and all the other basics? Yes, we know we skipped those. We wanted to focus on some tools and gear that might not be so obvious but we would really like to receive (*hint, hint*). After all, getting something unexpected can make someone's face glow more than just a tie.
Those are our top 12 best tool gifts for the handyman or office girl – we hope you find them useful! Whether you're looking for the best Christmas tool gifts, Father's Day gifts, or just want to say thank you, hope this hand tool gift guide gives you some of the best ideas of the year!