Why You Can Trust CNET Best Father's Day Gift Ideas for DIY Dads
These cool gear gift ideas will wow any dad who loves to build and create.
- 6 years working professionally in the 3D printing space / 4 years testing consumer electronics for large websites.
The ideal Father's Day gift takes into account the type of dad you have. For instance, my dad is the ultimate DIY dad. His favorite activities include tinkering and fixing things that aren't working -- and sometimes fixing things that aren't even broken!
While dads (sometimes) appreciate you lending them a helping hand, it's great to give the dad in your life something tangible too, especially since Father's Day is approaching. If you're on the hunt for some items that will make his DIY projects a little easier and better, here are our picks for tools, accessories and electronics that will satisfy his big ideas.
While you're at it, don't forget to get in touch and let your dear old dad know how much he means to you. He'll love that too!
The DIY-obsessed dad in your life probably already has at least half of the garage dedicated to various tool storage and organization, but what about when he's on the go? This Olpr Leather Goods Co. tool pouch has plenty of pockets and loops for the tools Dad needs to carry with him on his tool belt, plus it's sleek and can be personalized with his initials. Whether Dad is into fishing, gardening, DIY projects or just can't stand to be too far away from his trusty hammer, he'll love this accessory.
Classify this Culiau engraving pen under things your dad never knew he needed. The rechargeable tool is easy to use and can engrave on over 50 materials, including wood, metal, ceramic, glass, stone and leather. It comes with 30 bits and an ebook to help Dad get those creative juices flowing. From practical (like etching his name on all of his tools) to personal (like customizing charcuterie boards with cheesy puns), this gadget is sure to keep him busy until next Father's Day.
If your dad is the kind of guy who's always tinkering late at night, chances are he could really use some extra lighting. This portable, rechargeable flood light has five brightness modes, a magnetic base, a hanging hook and only weighs a little over a pound. It's great for all sorts of home projects and would even be useful for camping, fishing or any other activities Dad is into.
Are you tired of seeing your dad wear the same grease-stained clothes all the time? Then these personalized overalls are just the thing for the guy who loves working on cars or generally getting filthy while working on projects. They are great for protecting clothing and also have plenty of pockets (even a leg pocket!) for useful tools. They can be customized with up to three lines of text (18 characters per line) and come in regular or tall lengths for sizes medium to XXL.
If your dad is anything like mine, then you've heard him complain about dropping (then losing) screws or nails throughout every project he's ever done. But if he owned this telescoping magnetic tool set, you'd be hearing tales of victorious recovery efforts instead. The set comes with the following extendable tools: 1-pound pickup tool, 5-pound pickup tool, two different mirrors and a flashlight. It's practically impossible to lose even the smallest objects with these nifty gadgets. There's also a handy portable tool bag to house them all.
This is the kind of gift for the father who is always ready to fix something at a moment's notice. This multitool includes a hammer, nail puller, plier and wire cutter. If your dad needs to do anything around the house, he can whip this out and fix just about anything. To make this gift even more special, you can engrave it with a personalized message.
As DIY dads move on in the hobby they will accumulate more and more "stuff." Nails, screws of various lengths, drill bits and all the small parts that make up an effective toolkit require a home, and that's where Ryobi Link comes in. Because these toolboxes are modular, you can start out small and buy them this base model. Then as they get more tools and more accessories, you can build on it until you have a full storage solution. You can even attach these to the wall using the Ryobi wall mounts.
When your dad is working with heavy machinery and needs something to protect his ears, he'll thank you for these ear protectors from 3M. These have Bluetooth technology that connects to a phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device. There is an integrated microphone for hands-free calls and even an AM/FM radio so your dad can jam out to his favorite stations while having his ears protected up to 24 decibels.
When it comes to building furniture or shelves, angles matter. When you need to make straight cuts to make something flush, you need to use a tool that will give you the exact angle you need. This set comes with a traditional set square to help with right angles and a rafter square that lets you draw out perpendicular lines, scribe different angles and check if something is a perfect right angle.
Eventually, DIY dad will have a bunch of these but for now, this set is a great place to start.
Is your dad in need of new tools? This 108-piece DeWalt chrome mechanic's tool set is a great one that has a removable power tools accessory case. Tools include hex keys, nut drivers, ratchets, a socket extender and much, much more.
Every DIYer needs a good pencil; for most tradespeople, a square pencil is the way to go. The wide flat edges keep it from rolling off uneven surfaces, and they make it easier to get a close mark on a wall or when drawing a line from a level.
These particular pencils have the classic saying "Measure twice, cut once" on them, something most of us fail to do -- so instead, the pencil has the last e cut off. It's a great joke that had my dad, who I bought them for, belly laughing for hours.
Being in the rugged outdoors can be fun, but it's even better when you're prepared. This emergency weather radio will give him everything needed to help withstand anything. It has a rechargeable battery, and he can power it in five ways: with AAA batteries, a hand crank, a 2,000-mAh power bank, a Micro-USB port and a solar panel. It also has a bright flashlight, weather broadcasts and an SOS alarm.