Here it is: the much-requested post about our favorite DIY tools for anyone asking Santa for something tool-related this year, or for those trying to pick a gift for the handy person in their life. None of the items on this list paid us or perked us for mentions; they’re simply the tools we use and rely on regularly. So without further ado, let’s go over the gear that helps us get things done.
We previously wrote a post highlighting a few small but essential tools we can’t live without. To summarize those basics (all of which make great gifts or stocking stuffers):
- Hammer
- Crowbar
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Plumber’s putty
- Hacksaw
- Drywall saw
- Clamps
- Construction adhesive (liquid nails)
- Plumber’s tape
- Box cutter
- X-Acto knife
- Straight razors
- Channel lock pliers (these are our DIY MVPs; they tackle everything from stripped screws to rusted pipe fittings)
- Wrenches of various sizes
- Needle-nose pliers
- Level
- Sandpaper
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Spackle
- Putty knife
- Painter’s tape
- High-quality rollers (choose the nap for smooth or textured surfaces)
- Mini foam rollers (great for furniture and cabinet doors)
- Paint trays and drop cloths
- High-quality angled brushes
- An assortment of nails, screws, and anchors
If you want more detail on those small tools, we have a full post that dives deeper into their uses and why we love them. A practical gift idea is to group related items into a themed kit. For example, a picture-hanging kit could include:
- Level
- Hammer
- Picture nails and wall anchors
- Spackle and a putty knife to patch any mistakes
Or a painting starter kit might contain:
- Rollers
- Brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Paint trays
- Drop cloth (you can even wrap the kit in a drop cloth and tie it with twine)
Now for the heavier equipment—the power tools and larger machines that make bigger projects possible. Over the years we’ve tried a range of heavier tools and a few have become indispensable:
- Miter saw — excellent for cutting crown molding and baseboards, and for making quick, clean angled or straight cuts on boards up to about 8″ wide.
- Wet saw — essential for cutting tile for backsplashes, bathrooms, and even patio pavers.
- Table saw — invaluable for long, straight rip cuts and handling larger boards or planks.
- Reciprocating saw — great for demolition tasks, pruning, and cutting through materials where precision isn’t required.
- Jigsaw — useful for smaller, curved or irregular cuts, like cutting openings for appliances or trim work.
- Electric sander — speeds up refinishing furniture and smoothing wood before finishing.
- Cordless drill with a bit set — a must for drilling holes and driving screws with ease.
- Kreg Jig — makes strong pocket-hole joints for furniture and shelving projects.
- Demolition hammer — perfect for breaking up stubborn old tile and mortar; renting one can be a cost-effective option for infrequent use.
Any of the above makes a fantastic gift: the right power tool can unlock a whole host of new projects, from a bathroom refresh to building custom furniture. As for storage, we keep small tools and painting supplies in several large kitchen drawers and store bigger tools like miter saws in the basement or a workshop area.
Regarding brands and products, there are many solid options, and you don’t need to buy the most expensive tools to get quality results. Some brands and items we use regularly include Stanley screwdrivers and tape measures, Craftsman hammers and miter saw, Black & Decker cordless drills and sanders, Purdy brushes and rollers for painting, Grip Rite screws and fasteners, 3M sandpaper in a range of grits, and DAP caulks and lightweight spackle for finish work. We’ve also used Skilsaw table and reciprocating saws and picked up a wet saw from a tile specialty shop. That said, brand choices are flexible—buy what fits your budget and the tasks you plan to tackle.
The main takeaway: you don’t need an entire arsenal to start improving your home. We began our first renovations years ago with just a hammer, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush. Build your toolkit gradually based on the projects you plan to do—rent or borrow heavy equipment when it makes sense—and you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.
We hope you find a few items on this list helpful and that your holiday wishlist (or gift list) starts to take shape. If you have a favorite tool that changed the way you work, we’d love to hear about it—especially if it’s one we should try next.
Note: none of the products or companies mentioned here paid for these recommendations; they’re simple favorites we use and trust.