When you think of contractors, you don’t necessarily think of the kinds of people who require annual birthday parties or need to be showered with gifts. Contractors tend to be minimalist folks who are quick to remove clutter and always keep an organized workstation. Contractors don’t necessarily want or need all of that attention. That said, they are people, too, and deserve something special every now and again. Some of the best gifts for contractors tend to be practical items that they can use on a daily basis while working on a job or maintaining landscaping at home. Depending on your budget, and depending on how special that contractor in your life is to you, there is something for everyone from safety gear to big-time power tools. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best gifts for the practically minded contractor.
A Sturdy Tool Belt
A high-quality tool belt is an absolute necessity for any contractor. It’s the perfect way for contractors to keep all their tools organized and within easy reach while they’re working. There are a variety of different styles and sizes available, so you can find one that’s just right for the contractor in your life. Upgrade to a fitted leather belt and personalize it for a special touch.
A Good-Quality Hammer
Every contractor needs a good-quality hammer. It’s one of the most basic and essential tools for any job. Look for a hammer that’s comfortable to hold and that has a good weight to it. Avoid the cheap, plastic handles as they tend to break easily. For an added touch, get the hammer engraved with the contractor’s name or initials.
Saws and Chisels
Saws and chisels are another essential for any contractor. They come in handy for a variety of different jobs from cutting through lumber to shaping stone with masonry saws to cutting tile with quality tile saws. A high-quality set of saws and chisels will last for years and can be used for various projects.
Power Tools
Power tools are a must-have for any contractor. They make quick work of even the most challenging jobs. A good set of power tools will include a drill, a saw, and a sander. Look for a set that comes with a variety of different attachments so that the contractor can use them for a variety of different tasks. Quality power tools generally come with a warranty or guarantee from the manufacturer, so be sure to check any warranty information just to be sure. Most reputable tool suppliers offer some form of return policy or guarantee that their product will last, so contact the retailer or supplier to make sure you have all the information you need.
Tile Tools
If the contractor in your life does a lot of work with tile, then a good set of tile tools is an absolute necessity. Tile tools include things like trowels, floats, tile saws, and notched blades. They make it easy to get a professional finish on any tile job. And if your contractor is an at-home DIYer, then make their day with any number of shower installation tools or tile leveling systems.
Concrete and Masonry Tools
Concrete and masonry tools are another essential for contractors who work with these materials. They include things like trowels, levels, and chisels. A good set of these tools will make it easy to get a professional finish on any concrete or masonry job.
Lawn and Garden Tools
If the contractor in your life also enjoys working in the yard, then a good set of lawn and garden tools is a necessity. They include things like shovels, rakes, and hoes. A good set of these tools will make it easy to keep the yard looking its best. Additionally, any number of books about cultivating the perfect lawn or growing red ripe tomatoes and other vegetables make a great gift for that contractor with a green thumb. Depending on how special your contractor is to you, upgrade with a new hedge trimmer, leaf blower, lawn mower, or edger. Chances are, brand-new equipment like this will be much appreciated and used for years to come.
A Well-Made Ladder
Every contractor needs a good-quality ladder. It’s an essential piece of equipment for any job that involves height. Look for a ladder that’s made from sturdy materials and that can support a good amount of weight. Just make sure that the ladder is tall enough to reach any area that the contractor needs to access.
Safety Equipment
Safety is always a top priority for any contractor. A good set of safety equipment is a necessity for any job site. It includes things like hard hats, masks, safety glasses, and other eye protection, and earplugs or other noise-canceling equipment to protect your contractor’s hearing on a job site. Make sure that the safety equipment or any other personal protective equipment is comfortable to wear and meets all applicable safety standards.
A Quality First-Aid Kit
A high-quality first-aid kit is an absolute necessity for any contractor. Accidents happen, and it’s important to be prepared. A good first-aid kit should include things like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relief medication, and more. Some other items to make sure are included in the first-aid kit are a list of emergency numbers as well as copies of the contractor’s insurance information.
Final Thoughts
That special contractor in your life may not need all the bells and whistles of a party, but a thoughtful gift will go a long way. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Whatever you decide, make sure that it’s something that the contractor will find useful and will appreciate. Whether you are shopping online or want to pick up something from a local supplier, there are plenty of great gifts for contractors available.
