20 Unexpected Gifts for Handy Men Who Say They Want Nothing

Since the 1905, Red Wing set the standard for work boots. Its classic Moc Toe is one of the most durable, comfortable, and job-site safe boots on the market, but they also have a devoted menswear following.

Gifting jeans can feel like navigating a minefield, but this pair is one of our favorites. Everything—from farming to fabric-making to manufacturing—is done in the U.S.A. The end result is a comfortable, durable pair of jeans with good values. And they won’t fray or tear for years to come.

No matter the weather—rain, shine, snow—this Flint and Tinder waxed jacket can withstand it all. The interior is lined with comfortable blanket lining, while the exterior features durable cotton that’s been treated to withstand the elements.

To date, the most successful gift I’ve given my woodworker husband is a set of chisels. Narex’s presentation box is pretty enough to leave unwrapped, and the tools inside are some of the best on the market.

Long days spent outside in cold weather equals chapped, dry hands. This cream from Kiehl’s adds essential moisture back without leaving a slippery film that makes it hard to hold your tools.

Odds are your handiest relative already has a Yeti cooler. But they probably don’t have the brand’s LoadOut box. Meeting international standards to be considered dust-proof and waterproof to the point of being fully submersed without letting in a drop, this can be used if he ever has to fly with tools, and it can serve as a tackle-box for weekends at the lake.

For the guy who’s socks always end up looking like a slice of Swiss cheese, this set of six offers unparalleled durability. Made in the U.S.A. with merino wool (the best sock material on Earth) and nylon (for a little stretch), he’ll never go back to cheap socks.

Don’t let the Brooklyn boys fool you: Carhartt still is, and always will be, the go-to brand for working men that value an honest price. He probably has a closet full of the brand’s staples, but a new T-shirt can’t hurt.

Whether he’s constantly planning his next camping trip or feeling the ache of a sore back, this collapsible rocking chair will be his new go-to. It folds up nicely for on-the-go use, and once you sink into it, you’ll never want to get out.

If his truck looks like a tornado whipped through it, do everyone a favor and get him a portable vacuum cleaner. This one comes with a ton of different attachments to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair from even the tiniest crevices.

If he’s always worried about his tools or phone running out of juice when he’s away from home, a portable generator is not just convenient–it could be a lifesaver. It can be plugged into your car or at home, or you can buy the additional solar panel to make sure it (almost) never dies.

Through frigid winters and long days outside, keeping his hands warm is essential. While this leather pair from Hestra are more style-forward than typical work gloves, they’re durable and incredibly well insulated.

You can forget about buying him that designer wallet. Instead, opt for Gerber’s Barbill Wallet. It holds cash and cards, but the best part is the stainless steel frame that secretly sports a bottle opener.

Whether he’s always messing around under the hood of his car, or the job site is currently lacking electricity, this portable work light is a life-saver. It’s magnetic, which makes it easy to tack onto a truck, and it can be used, cord-free, for up to 10 hours.

Get him a do-it-all accessory. This carabiner has rings for his keys, a bottle opener for on-the-go brews, a screwdriver head, and can even be used to open paint cans. As an added bonus, it’s also wear- and rust-resistant.

Don’t let the packaging fool you: This is one of the best balms for cracked lips and dry cuticles out there. It’s multi-use, so he’ll be able to use this head-to-toe, even on burns and healing skin.

Yes, he probably already has ratchet straps to tie down his truckbed essentials. But does he have self-retractable ones? Made in the U.S.A. by a father-and-son duo, these will save him so much time and energy.

When all else fails, restock his toolkit with this set of 900 screws, washers, nuts, and bolts.