If you have a hobbyist, maker, fixer or tinkerer in your life, you know they require gifts that are a little bit different. They probably already have every standard tool under the sun, but these 11 gifts for makers are sure to set you apart and elicit that “I’ve never seen this!”response you’re looking for.
Sugru: Moldable Rubber Mini Packs
This go-anywhere, fix-anything, soft-touch silicone rubber is perfect for any tinkerer or handyman. It works on virtually anything that needs mending, modifying, customizing, or cushioning. Sugru starts off like modeling clay, allowing it to be flexible and adaptable, but it cures into a flexible silicone “glue” within 24 hours.
Buddha Board: Zen Art Board
For the doodler or creative artist in your life, the Original Zen Drawing Board is both a meditative product and a doodling tool. Simply “paint” on the board with water and create sketches and artwork. As the water evaporates, the image fades.
TriggerFire: Kickback-Free Staple Gun
Any maker worth his or her salt will have a staple gun in their toolbox, but not one like this. It gives the user extra control and a flush finish without any kickback. Other staple guns can be difficult to line up and fire accurately, so this one works great at getting into tough areas with accuracy.
Surebonder: Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun
A trusty glue gun is a go-to tool for a crafty maker. This glue gun has two temperature settings to best suit the material you’re working with. The hotter the glue, the stronger the bond, and this gun gives you that flexibility. It also has is an auto-shut off and a silicone tip that helps prevent nozzle burns.
Nimble: Finger Safety Cutter
Makers and tinkerers seem to constantly get packages of new materials and tools in the mail. Give them a quick and easy way to open it all up with this finger safety cutter that opens packages, envelopes, and does other jobs scissors typically do.
Bondic: Liquid Plastic Welder
A problem with plastic is that it can oftentimes break, and sometimes more easily than you’d expect. But for any fixer, the Bondic can be used to repair everything from toys to eyeglasses to jewelry. It won’t harden until the supplied ultraviolet light is applied, allowing for clean and accurate applications. Strong and durable, it can even be sanded and painted after it hardens for truly seamless fixes.
ErgoKiwi: Ergonomic Craft Blade
Fine, accurate cuts are often very difficult to achieve with a pen knife, which is why many crafters turn to scalpels or other razor cutting tools. This ergonomic art scalpel has a unique design made to help reduce hand strain and feel comfortable any which way you hold it. A magnet holds the blade in the handle and a latch locks the blade in place, making it safer to use as well.
Micaton: Magnet Driver™ Set
When fixing things in tight spaces, it can be tough to get access with both hands, resulting in trying to drive a screw with just one. This driver set allows for just that, as a powerful neodymium magnet in each head holds screws securely in place. The magnets are even strong enough to attract screws out of your tool box or bag. The heads fit on power drills or manual tools.
Toydriver: Mini Power Screwdriver
This mini power screwdriver is designed specifically for small jobs things like toys, luggage, small appliances, and small electronics; all things that often require fixing. Unlike standard power screwdrivers or impact drivers this one works at a slower speed so the screw won’t strip. It also has long, narrow bits for reaching recessed screws that can be tough to get to.
StatGear: Bitzblade 2.0 Multitool
A multi-tool comes in handy whenever a maker or fixer may need to accomplish several things while working, like removing screws and twisting bolts. The Bitzblade 2.0 is a lightweight, super-tough multi-tool that has a pen-like modular design and includes screwdriver bits, a hex wrench, blade, a mini flashlight, window breaker and more.
Pick one of these handy-perfect gifts for makers or fixers on your list to make their jobs easier, and all the more fun to tinker with.