If you’re looking for a gift for your DIY’er, check out my recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
This table saw was one of my first large tools. I couldn’t do what I do without it.
However, if your DIY’er is just starting out, and you can only afford one saw, I would suggest going with a compound miter saw. If there is a large project to be done, The Home Depot can make your large cuts (rips) for you, then you can finish the trim cuts yourself with a miter saw.
On the smaller scale, you can do a lot with a Black & Decker Jig Saw
and a . . .
. . . circular saw
Used properly, these can both help you do big jobs.
There so some tools that you don’t need often, but when you do, you’re so glad you have them. My Dremel Multi-Max 
is that such tool.
Every DIY’er must have a good drill. I have these 2 DEWALT drills
and 3 Ryobi drills
I prefer having 2 for building so I can use a drill bit in one and a screw bit in the other. The reason I have so many is because I have some indoors, and outdoors.
I highly recommend a battery powered Ryobi BRAD NAILER 
. I have an air compressor, but I prefer using battery powered tools so that they are very portable.
I have used several different paint sprayers until I found this Finish Max by HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer
. It’s the perfect paint sprayer for projects, never lets me down and gives the the best finish I could ever hope for.
I use my Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System
. in all of my builds. This pocket hole jig gives nice tight joints, and is very affordable at around $40, not including the clamp.
The Kreg Jig is so easy to use, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Speaking of clamps, these Irwin Quick Clamps
are so handy when you work alone. They are my extra hands on all of my projects. A Level
makes a great straight edge as well as allowing you to get things straight.
Although I own a palm sander, my sander of choice is this an orbital sander
.
Because I’m not really good with math, this combination square
really helps me get my projects even on all sides.
THIS is a must if you are a woman who does projects alone. This furniture dolly
is very helpful, BUT put a handle on it, and there’s no piece of furniture you can’t move alone.
Move a lot of tables? Check out these small dollies that I added wood to. I could never move this table alone without these little helpers.
Need a good stocking stuffer? Pick up some Gorilla Wood Glue
.
More stocking stuffers? Minwax products come in handy for so many of my projects. This Minwax Wipe-On Poly 
and Polycrylic
are my standbys, but their new Express Products
have really helped me out lately.
If you’re really in a hurry, or you don’t know what to buy your weekend warrior, a gift card from The Home Depot would be perfect!
I’m hoping for a new trim router this year, what’s on YOUR wish list?
gail
sharing this post at Elizabeth & Company’s Be Inspired
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Love this roundup of your favorite tools. I have furniture dollies on my holiday wish list, per your recommendation several months ago. That will help me move the large furniture around in my basement. I got a jigsaw last Christmas, which I’ve used a couple times. I haven’t done many projects in 2013, but I’m hoping to get back into it starting in January, and more saws may be on my wish list in 2014!
Thanks for putting this great list together Gail. I’ve passed it on to my daughter and son in law so they’ll know what mom wants for Christmas. I just bought a jigsaw, and a sander, and have crossed finger’s I’m on Santa’s nice list this year. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
HI, Gail.. just wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Great list of tools. I like your comment about if you could only start with one saw. I am looking to a compound miter saw. I bought myself a new jigsaw. My last one was a small one from the late 1960’s. Not much power there. The new one is fabulous. I bought the sprayer and have sprayed many pieces this summer. My circular saw is OK. I have a hand sander and buff/ polisher. Hope this can hold me till I get the Miter saw.
Best post ever. Having two drills so you don’t waste time changing tips is brilliant. I’m getting my husband another drill, and the fact that I can use them too is beside the point. 🙂 All this is going on my wish list. What would I do without your advice, Gail?
Yes ma’am, have all of the above plus–
–a dedicated router table and an independent, a drill press,
a drawer full of sanders like you–a belt, random orbital, palm, mouse,
a drawer full of hand saws like you inCLUDing a big dog & smaller jig saw, and reciprocating saw,
and a tool chest full of anything you can think of THAT I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’D DO WITHOUT!
I’d be crippled to lose any one of them.
GREAT post—Catherine
I forgot to say–
I’m wishing for a BAND SAW for Christmas!
hint hint Santa! I promise, I’ve been gOOd!
I hope Santa bring me a Jig Saw. 🙂
Great list of DIY Christmas Gift Ideas! I hope you get the one on your list to Santa, Gail!
I love your list. Last year I asked for a power sander and then I gave my husband a sweater from Macy’s. No traditional gender roles in our home! I love my Dremel, too. It does come in handy. I’ll have to check out that combination square…not a math fan either. Merry Christmas to you!
What does it say about a gal that loves to shop the hardware store more than a jewelry store????? Creativity, THAT’S what! I would be tickled to get any one of these items in my ‘stocking’. Hope you have the most wonderful Christmas ever.
Great minds think alike… Gorilla Wood Glue is the BEST ever!! I like to keep an extra bottle on hand, then go buy another once I open my “spare” bottle!
Have a great day!
What a great roundup of gift ideas! My family knows that tools and gadgets make me smile!
This looks aweome! I have to learn how to operate one of these puppies so I can get some stuff done around here.
Great list of items. I always ask the family for sanding discs for my orbital sander.
Be still my heart!!! LOVE those little dollies too…and they are such a reasonable price too. I may need to pick me up a couple of those if Santa comes through for me this year. 🙂