Maybe that person is you! Well, it doesn’t matter if it’s you, or it’s a friend, family member, or loved one, here’s a compilation of the best gift ideas for people who like to make and fix things. From basics like screwdrivers to advanced items such as 3D printers, this list is perfect for both those starting out on their repair journey, to those old hands who have been at it for years. Let’s dive in! Must read:
The best cheap tech gifts for under $100The best cheap tech gifts under $75The best cheap tech gifts under $50The best cheap tech gifts under $25
The best gift ideas for DIYers
For the avid DIYer, below is a selection of the best gift ideas that I found for 2023.
The best DIY gift deals
Below are five DIY and tool deals I found happening right now. A clamp meter offers a great deal of versatility – you have probes for measuring voltages, continuity, and resistance, and a clamp with offers a no-contact way to measure the current going through cables. There are a lot of clones of the iSesamo out there, and I’ve tried many of them, but none come close to the quality and durability of the iSesamo. The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is one of the best tech toolkits available, and I’ve been using one for many years and it’s still as good as new! It’s modern-day magic! But not all 3D printers are made equal! If you are going to be relying on your 3D printer, then you need to get one that’s not only easy to use but is also reliable and outputs decent-quality prints. This is what you get from the Creality Ender 3 V2 Upgraded 3D printer. Nothing could be further from the truth! Being able to “see” the heat given off by things is a true superpower! I turn to my thermal cameras all the time, for everything from finding faulty components, checking that HVAC systems are working properly, checking for overheating devices, and much more. And when buying the Flir you’re sure you’re getting one of the best thermal cameras available. This head-mounted magnifier features three lenses – a fixed 1.9x stereo lens, a drop-down 1.9x stereo lens, and a 4.5x loupe – and twin LEDs that put the light where you want it! These pliers are the best I’ve used for gripping. If anything can get a grip on a broken or worn fastener, then it’s these Japanese-engineered pliers. This kit contains 112 bits designed to tackle pretty much every fastener you’re likely to come across when fixing electronic devices in both 4mm and 1/4-inch bit sizes, along with with two premium anodized aluminum driver handles to hold these bits while in use. The uses for Sugru are close to unlimited – everything from fixing frayed cords to creating new on-skid feet for laptops to repairing broken cases. This is a must-have in any toolkit! And when done, the mat can be rolled away and put into a toolbag! Also: How to solder: Tools, tips, and tricks to get started When you are buying a power station, one of the most important things to bear in mind is to make sure that it offers enough power for your needs – and they don’t come much more powerful than the Bluetti AC200MAX 2048Wh Power Station! A fiberglass scratch brush makes short work of cleaning corrosion, easily getting into nooks and crannies, and doesn’t use any solvents or chamicals. When I recommend a tool, I’m recommending tools that I’ve used and found to do what the manufacturer claims they do. I look for quality, value for money, and durability. I don’t just review things, I actually use them. Some of the items have been used for a few months, and some for many years. I also look at consumer reviews for anything that I might have missed – there’s nothing like being able to see what hundreds or even thousands of people think of a tool or gadget. For a complete rundown of the tools you need for a job, I recommend taking a look at iFixit’s repair guides. These will not only walk you through the job but also what tools and parts you need. I find the convenience of having a magnetic screwdriver that can hold the fastener to be really useful – especially when dealing with tiny fasteners that could vanish into the depths of a gadget if you were to drop it! Resin printers output really smooth, really detailed prints that are great for highly detailed models and production-quality parts. If you’re OK with a print that looks a bit rougher, then go with a filament printer – not only are the prints faster to output, but they are also cheaper. Also, if the power goes out, a filament printer can pick up where it left off – which means you don’t waste time and filament. But gifts can come in all shapes and sizes, so we also rounded up the best gifts by category, price, and retailer – plus, the hottest tech toys for kids in 2023. Gifts by category
Delight DIYers with these interesting gifts that make and fix thingsWhat do you get for the gamer who has everything?Tech-themed gift cards for gadget loversOdd and interesting gift ideas for the hobbyist hacker in your lifeThe best laptops to giftThe best phones to gift (even on a budget)Cooking gift guide: These smart kitchen tools went TikTok viralTablet gift guide: iPads aren’t the only optionUseful smart home gifts, from plugs to thermostatsTravel gift guide: Luggage, Liquid IV, and moreTV gift guide: Gorgeous TVs for the binge-watcher in your lifeThe best fitness gifts: Workout mirror, Whoop, and moreCreative gifts for live streamersGift ideas for coffee lovers (besides a Starbucks gift card)
Gifts by price
The best cheap tech gifts under $100The best cheap tech gifts under $75The best cheap tech gifts under $50The best cheap tech gifts under $25
Gifts by retailer Gifts for kids
