Take their shop to the next level with pro-grade, premium tool gift ideas for the DIYer in your life.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
16 Premium Tool Gift Ideas to Take Any DIYer to the Pro Level
Updated on Nov. 08, 2024
Every DIY enthusiast needs one more thing: more tools. With so many options out there, we’ve made things easier by curating a list of premium tool gift ideas that offer pro-level features. The handy person in your life may not even realize that they’re missing these splurge-worthy tools, but that’s all the more reason to surprise them with one. From essential tools for the shop to task-specific products to the latest cutting-edge tools, someone is about to be very happy when they unwrap these gifts.
For the Precision Guru
Handheld CNC Router
Looking for digital precision capability but space is at a premium in their workshop? Consider the Shaper Origin, a digital handheld CNC that doesn’t require a large footprint in the shop, has a quick learning curve and has no limitations on workspace, making it ideal for larger projects that don’t fit on a traditional CNC. With it’s extensive hardware library, they’ll get templates for perfect recesses really quickly, making it a breeze to cut accurate mortises for door hinges, keyhole plates and concealed hinges.
On Sale
For the Friend with Minimal Space
Pop-Up Workbench
The Bora Centipede is a multi-legged, pop-up workbench and saw horse that also functions as a tool stand and table base. It folds out in seconds, and is not only perfect for construction, but also handy on a camping trips, tailgating or anywhere they need a stable platform. Even with its featherweight construction, the Centipede supports thousands of pounds of weight. The 2-by-4-foot model holds up to 2,500 pounds while the biggest version (4 by 8 feet) can handle 6,000 pounds.
For the Safe Woodworker
SawStop Table Saw
As a SawStop Jobsite Pro owner myself, I have been delighted with the safety, accuracy and portability of this table saw. I researched table saws extensively before taking the plunge and have since seen its amazing skin-sensing safety system in action at the community makerspace, where the safety break cartridge engaged saving a woodworker’s digits.
“If I had to recommend one premium tool for DIYers, it would be a table saw, but specifically a SawStop table saw,” says Althea Tower, owner of Riveted Woodworking. “There are many versions to fit different budgets. When I was ready to upgrade to a new table saw for my shop, there was no question in my mind that it would be a SawStop. Accidents can happen, no matter how careful you are, and I knew the added peace of mind of the SawStop was priceless. I now have two in my shop!”
For the Tool Brand Loyalist
Track Saw
Makita tools have been highly regarded by tradespeople for decades. This Makita LS1018 miter saw offers 12 inches of cutting capacity with a 10-inch blade, a slide and dual bevel for left and right cuts. One exceptional feature: the soft-start 13-amp motor. It ramps up to top speed smoothly for consistent, accurate cuts every time they pull the trigger.
On Sale
For the Quick-Fix DIYer
Robotic Lawn Mower
The Automower from Husqvarna is a tireless worker with a battery life that can cover up to 2.5 acres. The new generation mowers eliminate the need for a boundary wire and use satellite positioning instead. Plus, their app-based controls allow for scheduled cutting, multiple work areas, cutting height adjustments, mowing patterns and tracking location. What makes this machine excel is the adjustable cutting system using three retractable, razor-like cutting blades. They’re just a fraction of the size of thick steel blades, which results in clean cuts, longer runtimes and super-quiet operation.
For the Futuristic Friend
3D Printer
For the DIYer, there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to fix something themself. “3D printers are a wonderful and accessible new tool to add to your growing collection,” says Sam Dirani, owner of Prototype LLC. “I not only use mine for my professional prototyping work, I regularly design and print replacement parts for a variety of things around the house, from tool organizers, jigs, kids toys to kitchen appliances.”
When choosing the best 3D printer for the hobbyist, Dirani recommends the Ender3. He adds, “Like any 3D printer, it will require time and patience to get it optimized to your needs, but well worth it.”
On Sale
For the Serious Woodworker
Thickness Planer
The majority of woodworking starts with rough-sawn lumber that’s milled to dimensional lumber using three tools: a jointer, a thickness planer and a table saw. The Dewalt thickness planer is a must-have tool in the shop, and its performance is outstanding. It has three two-edged knives in the cutter head, so they can flip them around when one side gets dull.
There are two speed settings: The slower one is for smoother cuts (179 cuts per inch) while the second setting is for speedier work (96 cuts per inch). It handles stock up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide. It includes extra set of knives, infeed and outfeed tables and fastener attachments for the in/out feed table (attached to the base of the planer base).
For the Tool Hoarder
Tool Storage Chest
This 18-drawer Milwaukee heavy-duty cabinet has a deep drawer for storing drills, trim routers and nail guns. The drawers are rubber lined, so chisels and rasps won’t get nicked, and the tool chest is packed with cool features, like two power strips with USB ports. There are spots to hang their battery chargers so they stay plugged in and ready to use. Plus, that means they have a lot of storage space to fill with more new toys!
For the Constant Organizer
Metal Pegboard
The traditional pegboard is pretty unexciting, but this 20-gauge steel pegboard sports a slick, industrial style that comes in a variety of colors to mix and match. The steel-variety of pegboards elevate the shop and are much more durable than the standard kind. It keeps tools within arms reach and where they can easily find them. It has a wide variety of hooks, shelves and pegs to configure the pegboard just the way they like it.
For the Friend in Need of a Hand
Grabber Tool
The Grabo is an amazing tool that saves time (and your back) with heavy lifting of materials like stone, slabs or large awkward pieces of drywall or plywood. This battery-operated device creates a vacuum suction on the surface of the material, making it easy to pick up, move and set in place. The grabber tool is capable of instantly connecting to almost any surface, rough or smooth. Once the material has been moved, press the red vacuum release button to release the vacuum, and move on to the next object to be lifted.
For the Smooth Operator
Oscillating Sander
For years, the Rigid oscillating sander has been a staple for many workshops and an excellent value for the price. The machine combines an oscillating edge belt sander with a spindle sander that oscillates, too. It comes with four sizes of spindles (0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.5 inches), and takes a 4-inch-by-24-inch belt. The dust collection port easily connects to a shop vac, plus, there are vents in the table that allow dust to be sucked down into the dust port.
This is one of my most-used tools in the shop, and the best two-in-one sander for the price. To be honest, I’m not sure how I survived without having this tool! It’s useful in so many situations, you’ll find your DIYer using it all the time.
For the Furniture Maker
Bench Top Mortiser
A bench top mortiser, often referred to as a hollow chisel mortiser, creates square holes in wooden pieces for tenons to fit into. These mortise and tenon joints add strength and visual appeal to furniture pieces, and are much quicker to make with mortisers compared to the old-fashioned way with a hammer and chisel, or a drill press and chisel.
On Sale
For the Precision Master
Laser Level and Measure
This laser distance measure from Bosch is compact and easy to fit in a pocket or bag for on-the-go projects. Simply hold the laser to one surface, turn it on and measure to a distance of up to 165 feet. You can also use it to calculate area, volume and angles, and record all your results wirelessly on your phone. There’s also a handy digital level. Consider it a super-long, one-handed tape measure that you can slip into your pocket.
For the One Whose Tools Take a Beating
Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo
This Milwaukee cordless drill and impact driver combo is packed with all the bells and whistles, including LED lights, power meters, belt hooks and more. Powered by 1.5 amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion batteries, this cordless set delivers more torque, more power and longer runtime than its competitors.
After using the Milwaukee brand of tools for years, they’ve never let me down. I’ve been particularly impressed by the impact driver’s speed selector, which can give you better control when it’s set for slow speed. The two tools are available as a set with two batteries and a charger. Plus, you’ll find lots of other pro tools that use the same excellent battery platform.
For the Always-Prepared Friend
Inverter Generator
The 2,000-watt Generac inverter power generator provides portable power for outdoor events without disturbing neighbors or wildlife. It has clear and easy starting directions and an LED dashboard that displays how much time you have before you run out of fuel. But the most striking feature is how quietly it runs. I’ve never heard a quieter generator. It would be perfect for camping, tailgating or anywhere you need power, but don’t want to yell over the roar of a noisy engine.
For the DIYer Who Seeks Instant Gratification
Power Washer
I recently received a compact Ryobi electric power washer model as a gift, and it has become my first stop when deep cleaning outdoor spaces. It’s lightweight (just 22 pounds) and small (fits on an 18-inch shelf), and it’s plenty powerful enough (1,900 pounds per square inch (PSI)) for all my cleaning jobs. It has all the features of my old gas-powered power washer for less than a third the price, and now I don’t have to mess around with gas. If your favorite DIYer doesn’t have an electric power washer yet, or needs an upgrade, get them one.
Sources:
- Althea Tower, owner of Riveted Woodworking
- Sam Dirani, owner of Prototype LLC
