Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas For DIYers
If you’re looking for inexpensive gifts for the builder in your family, these stocking stuffers for DIYers might be just the thing!
If you’re filling a stocking for someone who’s always knee-deep in a project…paint in their hair, tools on every surface, and a dozen ideas brewing, these small DIY gadgets are such a fun way to surprise them.
These are the little helpers that make projects easier, faster, or just a bit more satisfying. The kinds of things they’ll actually use long after the holiday decorations are packed away.
I rounded up my favorite inexpensive tools and clever finds that are perfect for tucking into a stocking.
Whether they love woodworking, painting, furniture makeovers, or quick fixes around the house, these tiny treasures bring big DIY joy without blowing the budget.
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1 | Mechanical Carpenter Pencil
I think mechanical carpenter pencils are the best thing since sliced bread!
No more searching for the pencil sharpener…only to find out that the carpenter pencil you need to sharpen won’t fit.
And this one comes with an eraser!
You can never have too many 🙂
2 | Pocket Screwdriver
For those times when you just need a screwdriver close by, this pocket-sized one will do the trick.
It’s about the size of a pen. So it’s easy to store pretty much anywhere.
And can be used for any kind of small job – installing cabinet pulls, fixing your computer or putting on new light plate covers.
Plus there’s 2 of them so you have a better chance of finding one when you need it.
3 | Magnetic Wrist Band
I don’t know why I haven’t seen this invention earlier.
Having nails or screws available right on your wrist is so much better than digging through pockets to find them!
And since it’s magnetic, you can also store screwdriver bits or any other small metallic object that you will be needing for your DIY project.
4 | 2-in-1 laser tape measure
This 2-in-1 tape measure is really handy if you take all different kinds of measurements.
It has a traditional tape measure for things that don’t have ends on them like tables and pieces of wood.
And a built-in laser tape measure that’s perfect for measuring rooms or the inside of cabinets. Anything with a stopping point for the laser to hit.
The laser is also able to measure up to 130 feet so it reaches a much longer distance than a traditional tape could.
And having both in one tool means you don’t have to switch back and forth for different jobs.
5 | Nail Pulling Pliers
If only I had a pair of these nail pulling pliers when I was taking down the old pantry in my kitchen.
The rounded edge gives you that extra leverage you need to pull out those big ones!
6 | Flashlight Gloves
I can’t count the number of times that I have needed to hold a flashlight and do some kind of work at the same time.
Having these gloves with flashlights built in would make things so much easier!
With bright LED lights on the thumb and index finger, it illuminates the area that you usually have to see…where your hands are.
And they leave your fingers uncovered so you can still do whatever work you were trying to do.
How cool is that?
7 | Magnetic Pick Up Tool Kit
Have you ever dropped screws or nails and hand them fall into a crack in the deck? Or behind a large piece of furniture? Or even down the drain?
That’s when this magnetic pick up tool kit comes in handy.
It has 4 tools that all allow you to reach into places that are hard to get to, and pick up metal objects with their magnet ends.
They come in different sizes that can pull up different weights (the largest one can lift a 20 pound object!)
One has a flashlight on the end so you can see what you’re picking up.
And one even has a mirror so you can look behind things.
8 | Spray Paint Grip
For anyone that does a lot of spray painting, this comfort grip is a hand-saver!
Holding the button down on a spray paint can really tires your fingers out after a while.
This comfort grip totally fixes that problem. Which usually results in a better, smoother finish.
9 | Portable Paint Pail
Or for someone who does a lot of painting by hand, these portable paint pails are awesome!
It took me many years of painting before I discovered them.
And now that I’ve tried them, I can’t believe I ever painted without one.
They are so easy to take with you. And this version has a magnetic strip that the paint brush sticks to.
It also comes with liners. Although I don’t think they are really necessary for latex paint…the pail rinses right out with water when you’re done.
10 | Angle Finder
To me, an angle finder falls under the category of having the right tool for the job.
I have always tried to use the compass and protractor method of finding angles (like I did in when I was building the angled bookshelves in my bonus room).
This tool would have made that job so much easier!
Just match it up with the angle on the wall and you know what angle to cut!
Since I’m planning on installing a chair railing around my hallway that has weird angles, this tool will definitely be finding its way into my toolbox!
11 | Digital angle finder
Or if you don’t mind paying a little more, you can get a digital version that does something similar.
And you don’t have to squint to try to read the numbers or figure out where the line is pointing to.
12 | Scribing Tool
The scribing tool is somewhat similar to a compass (yes, the kind that you used in school…and that I still use for some of my DIY projects).
The difference is that the end of it bends so you can make perfect circles even when the surface you are working with isn’t flat.
And it’s also a great way to take measurements.
Position the two ends the right distance apart (eg. on either side of a board). Then remove the scribing tool and measure the distance between the ends with a ruler.
13 | Multi-Type Blade Sharpener
This pocket-sized knife sharpener will sharpen pretty much any kind of blade you have.
Just pick the right slot on the sharpener for the material that your blade is made of and sharpen away!
No more dull utility knives!
Other Gift Guides You Might Like
The original version of this post was day 2 of our Festive Christmas Ideas series. That’s where I get together with a bunch of my blogging friends to share our Christmas decor, recipes and gift ideas.
So you know what that means! There are more gift guides you might like.
Have comments or questions on our stocking stuffers for DIYers? Tell us in the section below.
This post was originally published on October 21, 2020 but was updated with new content on November 14, 2025.
That magnetic wrist band is neat!
I think so, too, Alexandra! It’s one of my favorites 🙂
I love this list! I got tired of always borrowing my husband’s stuff and decided to start collecting my own. I will have to give this list to my husband and sons so they can help me!
Thanks, Cherryl! I’m hoping to get some of these in my stocking this year, too 🙂
I thought I had all the fun diy tools, but there are a few I need that I haven’t seen before!!!
I know, right? I’m hoping to get a few of these in my stocking this year, too 🙂
Love these ideas, Wanda! Think I could use those nail-pulling pliers! I’ve never seen those before. Great list. Pinned!
Thanks, Debra! I want those nail-pulling pliers, too! Not sure how I’ve never seen them before 🙂