Must-haves for the rural homeowner: A Christmas gift guide
“My husband has a lot of tools at home. Do you have any ideas on what I could get him?”
I’ve heard this so many times as a hardware store sales associate. Why does it have to be so hard to find great gifts for the people we’re closest to?
Country Culture has your back! We’ve compiled an extensive idea list to serve as your shopping cheat sheet and provide helpful suggestions and last-minute gift-giving inspiration this holiday season.
What are your loved one’s interests or hobbies? Have they been working on any projects recently, or is there a big one coming up in spring?
Some of the items listed below are great to own multiples of so they can be kept in different locations, such as your vehicle, garage, office or basement.
Your loved one may already own an item, but it may be bulky, old, worn out, of inferior quality or inconvenient in some other way, so consider giving them an upgrade.
When buying equipment that requires a rechargeable battery, consider brands for which your loved one already owns batteries. Avoid buying “tool-only” Milwaukee tools, for example, if they only own DeWalt batteries.
Keep an eye out for sale tags and promotional bargains, especially on aisle endcaps as you peruse the store. Retailers know you’re looking for gifts and great deals. Check the flyer at your local hardware store for holiday sales, but don’t forget that there may be even more deals available on their website.
In the guide below, I’ve grouped items logically and loosely priced them from low to high. Most items include helpful notes and tips but be sure to do some digging on your own and consult an associate for more information.
EDC & Hand Tools
Every-day-carry (EDC) pocket knife (consult sales associate to fit your needs)
Utility knife/box cutter with replacement blades (Milwaukee makes some of the best and sharpest)
EDC rechargeable pocket flashlight (consider features such as convenient pocket clips, magnetic points and overall size; rechargeable flex flashlights also use disposable batteries. NEBO and Milwaukee Tools make some of the best! I’ve been carrying a NEBO Slim Mini for years. I love it and use it every day!)
Rechargeable flashlight/Powerbank (flashlights you can charge your phone with)
Rechargeable/flex headlamp (can easily become your new favorite and most used tool)
Precision screwdriver set/electronics tool kit (Milwaukee Tools makes an all-in-one precision screwdriver)
Plier hand tool set (needle nose, channel lock, vice grip, wire cutter, etc.)
Multi-bit ratchetting screwdriver
Tape measure (consider features like built-in magnets, flashlight, blade stand-out length and other features. Milwaukee and DeWalt make tape measures with integrated flashlights)
Hammer (consult a sales associate to fit your needs – remember eye protection)
Rechargeable lighter/fire-starting kit
Solar-charging power banks (these come in a broad spectrum of sizes and are great for outdoor adventures and emergency situations)
EDC multitool (commonly known by the brand name Leatherman; consider the number and variety of tools it contains, overall size and portability)
Auto & Emergency
First aid kit (consider multiple locations where you could keep a kit – one in each vehicle)
Auto emergency flashlight (hand crank and even solar-powered options are available)
Ratchet straps
Emergency rechargeable flashlight kit (NEBO makes several excellent options that include lanterns and emergency power banks)
Auto emergency kit (at least one for each vehicle)
Emergency blanket (these reflect back the body’s natural warmth; they’re always ready for use and do not need to be recharged. Be advised not to rely on rechargeable heated blankets in emergency situations, especially in winter!)
Rechargeable heated blanket (for comfort, not emergency situations)
Automotive jump-starter
Portable automotive air compressor (include cigarette lighter power adapters, but rechargeable options are available)
Protective Wear
Gloves (consider dexterity, insolation level, cut resistance and touchscreen compatibility. There are different styles of gloves available to fit different needs. Not all dipped gloves are water resistant. Be aware of your loved one’s glove size. It’s great to have multiple pairs.)
Eye protection (consider options with integrated flashlights and advanced comfort features. Most other power tool brands make excellent options.)
Ear protection (consider ear protection style, overall size and features like radio or Bluetooth)
Winter hats and ball caps (some incorporate built-in headlamps or purchasing a flashlight that can be clipped to the brim)
Boot scraper/scrubber (makes life easier for everyone)
Ice traction for boots and shoes (Yaktrax makes some excellent options; know shoe size and if they will be used for walking or winter sports)
Boots (consider the conditions they will be regularly worn in; will they need to be waterproof, insulated, steel-toed or have extra traction? Know your loved one’s boot size and preferences)
Jacket (check for size and preferences)
Battery-powered heated jacket
Workshop
Anti-fatigue mats (these can make a world of difference for those who suffer from joint and muscle pain and even for those who don’t)
Cordless worklight (consider battery life, battery type, brightness and other features)
Rotary multitool kit (corded or battery-operated? Consider grabbing a kit that your loved one is most likely to use and enjoy. Dremel makes some excellent options. A classic pick for the enthusiastic hobbyist)
Handy vac
Shop-Vac (consider overall size, portability and battery-powered options)
Air compressor (pick up an attachment set if your unit doesn’t come with one)
Mechanic/work bench stool
Mechanic’s socket set (consult associate to fit your loved one’s needs)
Drill and driver bit set (ask for sets with drill bits that will also work in impact drivers)
Power tools (cordless drill set, reciprocating saw, circular saw, jig saw, angle grinder or sanders are commonly on sale during the holidays)
Tool bag/box (de-clutter that bench!)
Backpack (for when they need their tools but they need their hands free)
Tool cabinet (how many tools need to be organized?)
Outdoor Living
Rechargeable hand warmers (for hunting, winter sports and other outdoor winter activities)
Premium insulated drinkware (staying hydrated is as crucial in winter as in summer. Take your drink with you and keep it hot or cold all day. Yeti makes some of the best options in a wide variety of sizes and colors)
Blood tracer headlamp (NEBO makes one of the best. It’s called the ILLUMATRACE Blood Tracker Headlamp – a must-have for hunters)
Camp cooker (don’t forget the fuel and consult your associate about cookware, utensils and safety tips)
Propane heater with fuel (hunters and ice fishers love these)
Bird suet feeder
Birdfeeder with birdseed (feeding wild birds is both entertaining and rewarding. Once you begin feeding wild birds, they are dependent on you, so keep a consistent flow of birdseed from Nov. 30 – April 1)
Ax/hatchet/machete (Fiskars brand blades are always favorites, weighing less and staying sharper longer than most other brands)
Walkie-talkie set (works where cell phones don’t. Consider battery life, range and other features)
Double-wheeled wheelbarrow/Gorilla Cart (both excellent options for transporting and dumping)
Hedge trimmer (don’t forget to consider gas or battery-powered options and personal protective equipment (PPE) when purchasing any outdoor power equipment)
Pruner/pole saw/limber (consider reach, run time and other features)
Leaf blower (consider runtime, cubic feet per minute and other features)
Weedwhacker (consider weight, runtime and features like string auto-loading)
Chainsaw (Ego and Stihl make excellent options)
Snowblower (don’t forget a pair of insulated snowblower gloves. Ego makes a 12-inch-wide snow thrower built to carry like a weedwhacker)
Lawnmower (don’t forget a pair of quality safety glasses, ear protection and a steering knob)
Premium insulated coolers (Yeti makes some of the best. They range widely in style and size)
Grilling tool set (matching the brand of your grill can be a nice touch)
Griddle breakfast kits (Blackstone and other commonly available outdoor cooking brands make strong kit options)
Smoker/grill/griddle (Weber, Traeger and Big Green Egg make options that do it all. Don’t forget the fuel and talk with your associate about anything else you might need)
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
We hope you enjoyed our gift guide and found it inspiring and informative! Have a Merry Christmas!
by Joseph Armstrong
