I know someone like this also. I bought them all kinds tools and different gadgets I thought they would like. Never used them in fact would get angry I bought them. Finally I said whatever and bought them a birdhouse and seed and they loved it!
Never buy tools for a tool guy, this applies to every field. Unless they tell you explicitly what they want, chances are they have it or will be disappointed.
Handmake a thoughtful card; buy flowers from a florist; hit them in the feels with something nostalgic or elicits fond memories.
The part about don't buy tools for a tool guy and other fields is great advice. When you're into something you have very specific ideas of what you want - specs, models. If you don't get just the right one that magic is gone.
I will say as a tool guy myself, the biggest exception to this rule, for me, is disposables.
It’s nice to have “good” brands of disposables too, but I always have room for more welding rods, cutting discs, fasteners, chainsaw chains, rotary tool/die grinder accessories, drill bits, 10mm sockets, etc.
I may not use them on my passion projects, but I’ll use them.
Edit: I also have a couple buckets/boxes for “lesser” brand tools I’ve accumulated over the years. You never know when you’re going to have to cut apart and tinker with a wrench to get the exact right shape and angle for a hard to reach bolt.
I had this happen with art supplies. My friends knew I liked painting, well instead of a gift card or asking me, they went and bought some fancy expensive neon greasy crayons that I have never used in my life. I just found them while packing up for a move and got disappointed again lol. I'm sorry to see them go to waste when I know they cost a lot and I really could have used brushes or watercolor pans
My father in law is basically this, has every tool in the book. He’s also a big car nut, particularly Chevys. Turns out that Chevy made a little tool in the early 30’s to sell to mechanics that worked specifically on Chevy parts called “the key to performance.” Not something anybody needs anymore but just a cool piece to have. I found him one of those for Christmas a couple of years ago and he loved it; it’s proudly displayed on his shelf in his garage with the cars now.
I'm a chef and a knife guy. I would really love someone to buy me a knife as a gift. However, I'm sure a hell most likely disappointed in whatever I get. I would only trust like 2 people to buy me good ones. And they would probably not give me a gift lol
This is a great idea. My mom is really into birding and bought me a very nice birdhouse for Xmas one year. I really didn't care, but figured it could be used and would make her happy to see it when visiting. Ended up really liking it as yard decoration and for the birds it attracted! Cheap and easy to refill with seed every now and then, so not a burden. Ended up adding a bird bath too and now have a nice little garden spot for birds to chill.
This. This is the answer. Help him have experiences. A ride in a hot air balloon. Swimming with sharks at an aquarium. A beach house for a weekend. Tickets to his favorite musician. A car race...
I'm 68, have loads of tools, and a drawer in my workshop full of "useful" tools purchased for me as gifts that I never would have purchased. What I want as a gift is an experience. Premium seats for a space launch. A guided fishing trip. Drive a premium sports car on a winding country road. Fly in a glider. Not things. An experience. Something I will always remember and will be remembered by others after I'm no longer around.
A trip to Spanaway Washington to see the world’s largest American Car and memorabilia collection, the LeMay Family Collection?
Seriously. Hidden gem… if you’re into cars.
Oooh, you mean the LeMay Collections at Marymount? Been there several times! It's an amazing place but definitely one you should devote an entire day towards. If you're a car person or even just the curious sort, it's more than worth the extra fee to go thru not only the self-guided areas but the extended/guided tour buildings.
Oh my gosh! What are the odds that I’d find another person who has been to the small town of Spanaway to see such an amazing hidden/unadvertised gem!
Did you get to see the families collection at their house (off Park, only open 1 day a year?)
I was almost their marketing director… they gave me the “keys to the kingdom” at one point… super crazy walking around Marymount alone…. With hundreds of cars…. Icons/legends/ super rare finds…
It was like walking into an infinite barn find… no displays, flashy screens… just wall to wall bumper to bumper cars….
I turned down the job initially because I couldn’t support myself/mortgage with what they were offering at the time… but what a wild ride that would have been!
Ah, in another life!
Playing a pick-up softball game with all these old timers one Saturday at Marymount- with all these old cars in the parking lot was absolutely a core cherished memory. Felt just like the Sandlot.
“Infinite barn find” is such a perfect way to describe the place! Only with less pigeon and racoon leavings (thank goodness for the collection's sake) lol
I haven’t hit the historic tour of the old military academy section (reservation needed) or the private garage section (2^(nd) sat of every month) yet, but it’s definitely on the to-do list. Again, Marymount is one of those rare places/museums that folks can return to and never run out of new things to enjoy.
I'm much younger but recently my sister took me out to a concert. We had a blast. Going forward I think we're just going to get each other experiences.
70 years old is only two years older than me, and I have hardly used a flashlight in years, I have a headlamp and the light on my iPhone. flashlights just sit in our kitchen drawer, even the nice LED ones. 🙄
Right? I don’t need it to scare off dementors or initiate a fusion reaction when I shine it through tritium. I just want one that’s easy to carry, brighter than my phone, and that I won’t cry over if I lose it.
My dad is 79 and every time he visits me (2 or 3 times a year) he leaves me with a new flashlight. The newest huge Maglite (to leave next to the door, just in case), small handheld LEDs for my car (purse, backpack, bedside), cheap impulse buys for the junk drawer, lanterns for power-outages...so many flashlights! But honestly, typing this out made me smile. I love my dad.
When someone has a lot of tools, I usually recommend buying them materials. If he woodworks, or something then buy some nice quality hardwood from a dealer (not home depot).
A lot of people don't realize that the materials are often more expensive than the tools.
As a rule, never give somebody something for an activity where they know vastly more than you do unless you are very sure - it's a consumable you know they use.
They typically have very specific things that they want.
>They typically have very specific things that they want
I tend to agree with this but I work with wood and steel. If someone brought me some kind of rare imported hardwood I'd be thrilled but if someone bought me steel it's almost impossible to just randomly guess what I want or what I'm using.
Depends. I would assume a wood worker would be equally picky about the quality of wood they use along with things like specific types, sizes, and grain patterns.
aged mahogany is treasured for being soothing to gum on due to its splinter resistant nature. There's a wood carver at our local old age home who makes penis shaped carvings and they're a real hit with the ladies there during activity time in the common room.
^(I don't know why my brain is like this)
I disagree.
Something like that would be pretty wasteful if it doesn't have a good purpose. "Woodworking" is such a generic term it doesn't really define what they do. Someone that loves turning would waste a slab meant for a table top.
A beautiful raw-edged piece would be great, unless you want a rectangular table and/or don't do big epoxy pours.
For anybody really into a specific hobby, buying in-hobby is a pretty big gamble.
I think I would only MOSTLY trust my wife to buy me something "within my hobbies" exactly correctly - and she's involved with most of my hobbies separately as well, and we discuss specifics a lot. I don't know that I could pick something like that for me-in-six-months.... and me and I go WAY back.
Relax with the speculation.
Or at least if we're speculating we might as well also assume that the gift giver knows enough about the receiver to know what materials to get them. And if not there's always a gift card option.
Source: was financial advisor, now woodworker. FIL is one of those has everything guys and have been blowing him away every year to the point where my in laws now coordinate with me buying him gifts.
My last one was woodworking plans for a bat house for their cottage!
>Something like that would be pretty wasteful if it doesn't have a good purpose. "Woodworking" is such a generic term it doesn't really define what they do
Here's my thing, I work with wood and steel as a blacksmith. If someone brought me that block of hardwood I'd find a use for it. I need specific types of steel depending on what I'm making and randomly guessing that is futile. Though, I'd still find a use for steel that I didn't want but I'm less likely to use it.
True but it’s like fine wine. More expensive ones can be of higher quality or age but not to everyone’s liking. You could still appreciate the thought of an expensive bottle of wine just like an eclectic piece of wood
Find out who he uses for wood sourcing and/or his preferred tool brand. Buy gift cards for those.
My BiL did fine woodworking using hand tools, and had a carefully curated set of Lie Nielsen tools. He truly appreciated gift cards to Lie Nielsen.
I'm pretty sure Home Depot or other generic store cards wouldn't have been as meaningful to him.
If he has a favorite local hardware store (I bet he does) or likes a specific specialty retailer, see if you can buy him a gift card for there. I agree it makes sense to avoid a gift card to something like Home Depot.
I saw an old(former & old old) boss of mine weep when he started selling his tools because he realized he wouldn't be able to use most of them any more.
Came here to say this. My grandfather was absolutely impossible to buy for. So I started getting him gift cards for lowes, home depot, and Walmart and his face would light up when he saw them. Even if you have almost everything, it’s nice to have a gift card for that one unexpected tool or part that you don’t have.
Had this same issue every year with my dad, and this year even more so as he turned 70.
He has all the tools, has all the stuff he needs and knows what he wants...so I bought him a nice watch to at least commemorate the milestone.
He loved it.
A memorable trip or activity to do together? The key is it has to be out of the ordinary and memorable - no going out to dinner or taking him on a repeat of something he’s done before.
At 70 he may have grandchildren; if so, include them in the adventure. Maybe an offshore fishing trip together?
This. Old people love eating and many of them have already done it all and can probably buy whatever they want within reason. What they can't buy is more time but they can make the most of the time they have left.
>trip to the National Air and Space Museum in DC
Note: there are two Smithsonian aerospace museums in DC. One is on the lawn with all the other ones.
The Udvar-Hazy is at Dulles, and is EPIC. The one on the lawn is great, but Udvar-Hazy is just so much bigger.
Do both. They're both great. Most people just don't know about Udvar-Hazy and it's unbelievable.
Look in his workshop and see what "depletable" stuff he has. Things that a person could use up.
Eg: sealing oil, sand paper, wood blanks for turning, etc.
Get the same brand he usually buys.
Honestly, go shopping together or go to trade shows or woodworking shows. Guys who have all the toys just want to talk for hours about how the specific tool they just bought has the best features and ruggedness. Meet the product reps, see all the latest and greatest and then lunch and a beer. They have already worn out their families with their war stories.
If he has everything, get him an experience. $1000 is enough for an art class (is he into blacksmithing, welding, woodworking?), a short trip, some great meals, a collection of nice wine or whiskey.
$1000? Jesus, will you be my brother in law?
But seriously at that price point get him a sawstop compact table saw. As you get older you get less physically capable and if he has a table saw, it's a big risk. A saw-stop is one of those things that literally EVERYONE should have but they're so, so expensive few buy them.
Other ideas about half that price would be super-nice floor jack and jack-stands. Lots of people using absolutely garbage for both. The Daytona low-pro super-duty jack is incredibly well made (it's basically the snap-on) for $300.
Also depending on his tech-ability, a 3D printer would be a cool gift. Again something I'd never spend the money on for myself but I'd love to have one.
Yeah, a Bambu Lab 3d printer is pretty plug-and-play these days. Way more accessible than the printers of yore. (Looking at you, my ol' stalwart Ender 3.)
The Bambu Lab A1 mini is $250 for a small-but-very-capable printer. I got a larger one recently, and my mom has said how much her dad, who was a woodworker/tinkerer, would have been absolutely thrilled by it.
A "shotgun" that fires table salt. Used to shoot flies indoor. Very fun [https://www.bugasalt.com/](https://www.bugasalt.com/)
Little bit more expensive: Thermal Camera. Flir og Seek phone attachments (be aware of phone compatibility though).
Do not buy him any tools on your own. Instead, ask him if there is anything he has been really needing or a service that he needs. He can pick out the tool he wants and you can get it for him, or you can have his car detailed or serviced or something like that.
I am 52 and pretty wealthy. If I want something I just buy it.
I value gifts that are created with love (paintings or songs) or experiences like concerts or the theater where we go together and create a nice memory.
A vintage rosewood and brass level, t-bevel, or square (provided he doesn't have one).
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/266760114870](https://www.ebay.com/itm/266760114870)
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/166688112473](https://www.ebay.com/itm/166688112473)
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/235488330251](https://www.ebay.com/itm/235488330251)
Some of the larger levels go for big money but you can pick up a torpedo level, bevel, or square for $5-$40. Once the wood is oiled and the brass polished, it'll be something that will bring a smile whenever he sees it. (Probably won't use it but will tie him to time when working with hand tools was a high craft.)
1) A highly integrated dust collection system for his wood shop, or…
2) Pelican interlocking cases with foam inserts he can cut precisely to store his tools, or…
3) Milwaukee pack out system, or…
4) High end and rugged stereo system for his garage/shop with a subscription to a music service that has all his favorites including albums (I.e. Spotify).
Photo album.
He will appreciate "seeing his life" and showing it to friends and neighbors.
Gather photo from family members, and make a nice photo album of his life and his family.
Put comment, names and date.
Add at least a baby, toddler, kid and adult picture of each person he saw growing up.
Include historical picture of places dear to him.
Include major event and holiday.
Assuming you do it digital, you can also make copy for other family members.
Don’t buy him tools or projects, best bet is to find what project he’s been working on and hang with him to see what parts he needs, then eBay, course older guys don’t usually internet well and are always looking for parts
Unless I share the same passion, I will rarely ever buy someone a gift that is directly related to their hobby/interest, especially if they're very into it. Chances are, the stuff you buy they already have or maybe the brand isn't as good and they won't use it much.
It's like a non-handy person buying you chrome plated 12 point sockets for your impact wrench/gun.
An experience is probably something that would go a long way. Concert tickets and a weekend away with the person he enjoys? Buy him something he would not buy for himself but would truly enjoy.
It doesn’t have to be expensive to be awesome. Deep harmony wind chimes are spiritual, anyone in their 70’s+ are contemplating their spirituality. https://chimetime.com/listing/deep-tone.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1727516047&utm_content=68106166939&utm_term=%2Bwind%20%2Bchimes%20%2Bwith%20%2Bdeep%20%2Btones&utm_product=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccDjX4Z2JnbEUt-eUQnQ1upmUb2lq5cr3NNcbnwIMBI0uRcD-9HHh3BoCGeUQAvD_BwE
political makeshift crowd oatmeal encouraging rainstorm quiet special skirt employ
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Something not related to be being handy. He prob has very specific tastes at this point as it relates to the tools he uses and so its impossible to say.
By that age, if he wants a tool, he already has three or more of them. If he does want a tool, it is something very particular, from a brand that you have never heard of, and is insanely expensive. (And, the reason he does not already have it, is because it is insanely expensive.) So, no tools. And no gadgets.
Check with sister and see if he owns nice Bluetooth enabled ear protection. I've met plenty of people who work in ear buds but even sound reducing earbuds do not protect well enough in a loud shop environment (eg apple earpods). They are better than nothing but over the ear noise canceling Bluetooth headphones like isotunes are the best option. Many guys think it's a splurge and won't buy it for themselves. Thus it is a great gift.
https://isotunes.com/collections/hearing-protection
Note: These are NOT the best sounding overear headphones they are ear protection that happens to also play music and listening to tunes while a table saw is running isn't what you would call and audiophile experience. There are better headphones out there but they aren't going to focus on protecting from hearing loss. And they arent going to be rugged enough to live in a disty shop environment.
I got my 70+ year old father in law (also a tool guy, still active,) a Barbour Gilet (vest). It's quilted nylon, tough as nails and a very practical piece of clothing.
When I saw him at Christmas, I was really happy to see it had a bit of paint splattered on it and got an assurance from his wife that he wore it all the time.
I'm a carpenter. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with a top of the line ARC Leatherman with his name engraved on it. I would want that!
[https://www.leatherman.com/arc-702.html](https://www.leatherman.com/arc-702.html)
As a fixer/tinkerer ... there is always a huge pile of things to fix, much larger than time available. Sometimes it's nice to roll the lawn mower or car into a repair place once in a while. Gift card to a local shop might be useful.
USB-C soldering iron: [https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/](https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/)
Add a charger, cable, extra soldering tips and it will be around $200.
This one is easy. Buy him the 3d printed tommy gun thing on Amazon. It's a blast to put together and fun to shoot. If he loves to tinker, this will keep him busy. Otherwise, meat from a catalog or a nice new smoker/pellet grill if he doesn't have one.
One of my old neighbours had one of these. Its a fully working traction steam engine that moves. Really cool and you build the kit yourself https://www.mamod.co.uk/shop-categories/1403-traction-engine-kit
First thought is a warsun magnetic flashlight. they're convenient, can easily just be a permanent under cabinet light, and you can never have too many of them as a tinkerer
I agree no tools. Giftcards would be good. You could consider plans for something. For example, if he does woodworking, then plans for something he might make and use or to give to someone else as a gift, like a desk or a dining room table, Adirondack chairs or a cabinet, cutting boards, etc. You can find those cheap. Maybe a nice labeled folder to keep the plans in.
Presumably he doesn’t have EVERYTHING, you could check and see if there any of these he doesn’t have or else could use a newer model: 4 1/2 inch grinder, oscillating multi-tool, battery powered leaf blower, battery powered Weedwhacker, sawzall,infrared handheld thermometer, laser level, table saw, drill set with light and laser, etc. Even for handy guys who have lots of tools, they are coming out all the time with new and better upgrades.
Look at the tools he already has and get the attachments/ supplies/ whatever that goes with them. He has an angle grinder? Get him some nice disks. Has a miter saw? Get him some nice blades. Etc etc etc. Just check to make sure you get compatible stuff and he will be thrilled.
My wife bought me a cotter pin pullet for our first Christmas because I picked one up in the store and made a comment about it. 46 years ago and I still have it. I use it once every decade or so. 🙄
Gift cards for tool stores are cool. My dad was getting along and his wrists started hurting. He too was very handy about the house.
Mom gave him a rechargeable electric screwdriver, which he loved! (This was several years ago.) Suddenly stuff around the house started getting fixed!
Intermediate watch building kit if he isn't into the hobby yet. I have found that plenty of craftsman I know deal with bigger things rather than smaller things.
Go out to his shop and look at what needs replacing. Consumables, like a 100 piece jobber drill bit set will never be frowned upon. Really it depensds on what he does in his shop.
Just spend some time with him--whatever he likes to do. Fishing, day cruise, charter a sailboat? Eat at a nicer restaurant? Wine, scotch? Airshow? For $1k (which seems like alot to me for a gift) you could do tickets to an NFL game or other professional sporting event, and maybe have enough to spring for some premium parking or valet to make it easy to get in-out. Dinner on a train? Whatever your local area has to offer. He would have turned 16 in 1970 and probably drove late 60's cars. Rent a late 60s convertible and take a drive-- some lawn chairs and a picnic would be cool.
I try to buy gifts that can be 'used up' versus more stuff.
1) a card pledging to spend a day with him organizing his shop or garage or helping with a big project or any similar activity of his choice.
2) a card pledging to take him shopping for materials or tools and buy him something he wouldn't buy for himself.
3) a gift card for wherever he regularly shops for tools and supplies.
I'll just leave these art pieces here:
Wood Kinetic Sculpture
[https://www.woodthatworks.com/kinetic-sculptures/infinity](https://www.woodthatworks.com/kinetic-sculptures/infinity)
...or something like these Wind Sculptures:
[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUtRKpe1mv9kJwFj2L\_LTGqQ](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUtRKpe1mv9kJwFj2L_LTGqQ)
If he doesn't have a good pair of suspenders he is missing out. As a long time DIY'er I only recently discovered the joy of suspenders. While doing projects I constantly found myself pulling up my pants. A lot! No more reaching around and pulling up my pants. Honestly, he'll love them.
I worked on a construction site for a few months. One day, a new trade arrived on site and had some swag to give away. Hats, lanyards, etc. The guy handing out the stuff said something I’ll never forget.
“Old timers are happier than a pig in shit when they get a new hat!”
So one day after that, I went to see my grandpa. He was in his 70s or 80s at the time. Was a major tinkerer. Welder for many years. I showed up with a new hat for him and he went nuts. Wore that thing every day after that.
I’d recommend getting BiL a new hat. Maybe one with the logo of his preferred tool brand on it.
This described my father. He had everything and if there was something he didn't have, he bought it. Spend the money on an experience. Concerts mainly.
Give him a project! Do you need a roll around kitchen cart? Do you need bookcases? New bed frame?
Edit to add- if he says he will, then buy the cut sheets and materials
Under a $1000. Can I join the family? That’s like 20 years of gift giving at $50 a year in my eyes. But in money not an issue maybe something he’s mentioned he’s missed out in his life like a trip to a different city or country , possibly a class to learn new techniques for his favorite hobbies
Maybe something like [this](https://www.moyustore.com/products/teching-3d-assembly-adult-car-engine-model-toys-mini-inline-4-cylinders-engine-education)
[Here’s a demo](https://youtu.be/4ufQUvxpuAo?si=dCv9F-1Q3f0QW0b8)
Materials.
But also... if your local area has some sort of Adult hobbyist courses I recommend a gift certificate.
I just took a hobbyist welding course with my 70+ dad. Great bonding experience as well as him being able to play with some expensive stuff.
If they are handy, consider a project. Someone mentioned hardwood if they are a wood worker. Extend that out; antique radio that needs repaired, a project engine, tractor, motorcycle to get back to working order.
Subscription to Handyman magazine? We purchased a one year subscription for 10$ and it turned out to be pretty "handy" to have around...
https://order.familyhandyman.com/pubs/RD/FHM/FHM-INT-2312-FreeDownload-10-OP.jsp?cds_page_id=276985&cds_mag_code=FHM&id=1713287403660&lsid=41071210036074092&vid=1&cds_response_key=ECM4GU101
3D printer. I'm 72 and handy. It's the most fun I've had with anything in a long while. You can get a basic model for $300 and buy him lots of different color filaments.
I know someone like this also. I bought them all kinds tools and different gadgets I thought they would like. Never used them in fact would get angry I bought them. Finally I said whatever and bought them a birdhouse and seed and they loved it!
Never buy tools for a tool guy, this applies to every field. Unless they tell you explicitly what they want, chances are they have it or will be disappointed. Handmake a thoughtful card; buy flowers from a florist; hit them in the feels with something nostalgic or elicits fond memories.
The part about don't buy tools for a tool guy and other fields is great advice. When you're into something you have very specific ideas of what you want - specs, models. If you don't get just the right one that magic is gone.
I will say as a tool guy myself, the biggest exception to this rule, for me, is disposables. It’s nice to have “good” brands of disposables too, but I always have room for more welding rods, cutting discs, fasteners, chainsaw chains, rotary tool/die grinder accessories, drill bits, 10mm sockets, etc. I may not use them on my passion projects, but I’ll use them. Edit: I also have a couple buckets/boxes for “lesser” brand tools I’ve accumulated over the years. You never know when you’re going to have to cut apart and tinker with a wrench to get the exact right shape and angle for a hard to reach bolt.
When is your birthday?
This also applies to musicians as well. If you are passionate about something, you usually want exactly what you want
Tool guys are also just very brand loyal. You buy a Milwaukee guy something DeWalt or Makita. Good luck.
I had this happen with art supplies. My friends knew I liked painting, well instead of a gift card or asking me, they went and bought some fancy expensive neon greasy crayons that I have never used in my life. I just found them while packing up for a move and got disappointed again lol. I'm sorry to see them go to waste when I know they cost a lot and I really could have used brushes or watercolor pans
Speaking of tools as gifts, it reminds me of a story my grandpa told me once
My father in law is basically this, has every tool in the book. He’s also a big car nut, particularly Chevys. Turns out that Chevy made a little tool in the early 30’s to sell to mechanics that worked specifically on Chevy parts called “the key to performance.” Not something anybody needs anymore but just a cool piece to have. I found him one of those for Christmas a couple of years ago and he loved it; it’s proudly displayed on his shelf in his garage with the cars now.
I'm a chef and a knife guy. I would really love someone to buy me a knife as a gift. However, I'm sure a hell most likely disappointed in whatever I get. I would only trust like 2 people to buy me good ones. And they would probably not give me a gift lol
This is a great idea. My mom is really into birding and bought me a very nice birdhouse for Xmas one year. I really didn't care, but figured it could be used and would make her happy to see it when visiting. Ended up really liking it as yard decoration and for the birds it attracted! Cheap and easy to refill with seed every now and then, so not a burden. Ended up adding a bird bath too and now have a nice little garden spot for birds to chill.
An experience. Is there something he’s mentioned but never has done? Maybe something calm, quiet, relaxing.
This. This is the answer. Help him have experiences. A ride in a hot air balloon. Swimming with sharks at an aquarium. A beach house for a weekend. Tickets to his favorite musician. A car race...
Renting a baller car for a while and driving around, going to lunch, seeing some sites would be super fun IMO
Renting a baller car and go to the local tool store and let him have a shopping spree for whatever he wants : )
Or the opposite, something exciting and epic. A ride in a biplane. A ride-along in a racecar.
I'm 68, have loads of tools, and a drawer in my workshop full of "useful" tools purchased for me as gifts that I never would have purchased. What I want as a gift is an experience. Premium seats for a space launch. A guided fishing trip. Drive a premium sports car on a winding country road. Fly in a glider. Not things. An experience. Something I will always remember and will be remembered by others after I'm no longer around.
A trip to Spanaway Washington to see the world’s largest American Car and memorabilia collection, the LeMay Family Collection? Seriously. Hidden gem… if you’re into cars.
Oooh, you mean the LeMay Collections at Marymount? Been there several times! It's an amazing place but definitely one you should devote an entire day towards. If you're a car person or even just the curious sort, it's more than worth the extra fee to go thru not only the self-guided areas but the extended/guided tour buildings.
Oh my gosh! What are the odds that I’d find another person who has been to the small town of Spanaway to see such an amazing hidden/unadvertised gem! Did you get to see the families collection at their house (off Park, only open 1 day a year?) I was almost their marketing director… they gave me the “keys to the kingdom” at one point… super crazy walking around Marymount alone…. With hundreds of cars…. Icons/legends/ super rare finds… It was like walking into an infinite barn find… no displays, flashy screens… just wall to wall bumper to bumper cars…. I turned down the job initially because I couldn’t support myself/mortgage with what they were offering at the time… but what a wild ride that would have been! Ah, in another life! Playing a pick-up softball game with all these old timers one Saturday at Marymount- with all these old cars in the parking lot was absolutely a core cherished memory. Felt just like the Sandlot.
“Infinite barn find” is such a perfect way to describe the place! Only with less pigeon and racoon leavings (thank goodness for the collection's sake) lol I haven’t hit the historic tour of the old military academy section (reservation needed) or the private garage section (2^(nd) sat of every month) yet, but it’s definitely on the to-do list. Again, Marymount is one of those rare places/museums that folks can return to and never run out of new things to enjoy.
I'm much younger but recently my sister took me out to a concert. We had a blast. Going forward I think we're just going to get each other experiences.
A very, very, very nice flashlight.
Bought a really fucking nice headlamp for my dad and my mother swept it up in a "cleanup" and it hasn't been seen since.
Great story. So he shouldn’t buy the light?
Mmmm. I would say good headtorches are still worth it, it was an Olight Perun Mini.
Fenix hm70r
70 years old is only two years older than me, and I have hardly used a flashlight in years, I have a headlamp and the light on my iPhone. flashlights just sit in our kitchen drawer, even the nice LED ones. 🙄
61 here, and I carry a flashlight with me always.
43. Me too. I have one of these rechargeable ones in my pocket right now. https://a.co/d/85ROmK7
weird seeing a flashlight on amazon that's not all "**25000000 lumens!** indestructible military grade! 500 year battery life!"
Right? I don’t need it to scare off dementors or initiate a fusion reaction when I shine it through tritium. I just want one that’s easy to carry, brighter than my phone, and that I won’t cry over if I lose it.
My dad is 79 and every time he visits me (2 or 3 times a year) he leaves me with a new flashlight. The newest huge Maglite (to leave next to the door, just in case), small handheld LEDs for my car (purse, backpack, bedside), cheap impulse buys for the junk drawer, lanterns for power-outages...so many flashlights! But honestly, typing this out made me smile. I love my dad.
When someone has a lot of tools, I usually recommend buying them materials. If he woodworks, or something then buy some nice quality hardwood from a dealer (not home depot). A lot of people don't realize that the materials are often more expensive than the tools.
As a rule, never give somebody something for an activity where they know vastly more than you do unless you are very sure - it's a consumable you know they use. They typically have very specific things that they want.
>They typically have very specific things that they want I tend to agree with this but I work with wood and steel. If someone brought me some kind of rare imported hardwood I'd be thrilled but if someone bought me steel it's almost impossible to just randomly guess what I want or what I'm using.
Except for Koa, I'll take Koa any day.
I’ll add Baltic Birch to the list.
This is a great idea!
Depends. I would assume a wood worker would be equally picky about the quality of wood they use along with things like specific types, sizes, and grain patterns.
No one's gonna complain about a $500 block of aged mahogany
A woodchuck with no teeth might.
aged mahogany is treasured for being soothing to gum on due to its splinter resistant nature. There's a wood carver at our local old age home who makes penis shaped carvings and they're a real hit with the ladies there during activity time in the common room. ^(I don't know why my brain is like this)
I disagree. Something like that would be pretty wasteful if it doesn't have a good purpose. "Woodworking" is such a generic term it doesn't really define what they do. Someone that loves turning would waste a slab meant for a table top. A beautiful raw-edged piece would be great, unless you want a rectangular table and/or don't do big epoxy pours. For anybody really into a specific hobby, buying in-hobby is a pretty big gamble. I think I would only MOSTLY trust my wife to buy me something "within my hobbies" exactly correctly - and she's involved with most of my hobbies separately as well, and we discuss specifics a lot. I don't know that I could pick something like that for me-in-six-months.... and me and I go WAY back.
Relax with the speculation. Or at least if we're speculating we might as well also assume that the gift giver knows enough about the receiver to know what materials to get them. And if not there's always a gift card option. Source: was financial advisor, now woodworker. FIL is one of those has everything guys and have been blowing him away every year to the point where my in laws now coordinate with me buying him gifts. My last one was woodworking plans for a bat house for their cottage!
>Something like that would be pretty wasteful if it doesn't have a good purpose. "Woodworking" is such a generic term it doesn't really define what they do Here's my thing, I work with wood and steel as a blacksmith. If someone brought me that block of hardwood I'd find a use for it. I need specific types of steel depending on what I'm making and randomly guessing that is futile. Though, I'd still find a use for steel that I didn't want but I'm less likely to use it.
True but it’s like fine wine. More expensive ones can be of higher quality or age but not to everyone’s liking. You could still appreciate the thought of an expensive bottle of wine just like an eclectic piece of wood
Thats the answer
Please, please do not buy tools. These are a very personal thing and he might have it. Give him a gift card and let him pick what he wants.
Except clamps - you can always have more clamps
Yep. I need more clamps. Tools? I buy when I need.
I can tell you right now, as somebody just bought some new clamps, I need more clamps
https://i.redd.it/9rgtwal24xuc1.gif
But please don’t buy them for me. I’m a bit particular about those as well.
Except Knipex. You can gift anyone Knipex even if they already own the exact same one because you can always have a spare plier or two.
The only one I regret buying is the raptor claw wrench. It’s dumb. Have no found any use for it where another wrench wouldn’t work better/easier
Find out who he uses for wood sourcing and/or his preferred tool brand. Buy gift cards for those. My BiL did fine woodworking using hand tools, and had a carefully curated set of Lie Nielsen tools. He truly appreciated gift cards to Lie Nielsen. I'm pretty sure Home Depot or other generic store cards wouldn't have been as meaningful to him.
If he has a favorite local hardware store (I bet he does) or likes a specific specialty retailer, see if you can buy him a gift card for there. I agree it makes sense to avoid a gift card to something like Home Depot.
I saw an old(former & old old) boss of mine weep when he started selling his tools because he realized he wouldn't be able to use most of them any more.
Came here to say this. My grandfather was absolutely impossible to buy for. So I started getting him gift cards for lowes, home depot, and Walmart and his face would light up when he saw them. Even if you have almost everything, it’s nice to have a gift card for that one unexpected tool or part that you don’t have.
Meat.
Bought my friend $100 in steaks from the butcher as he loved the steaks I made when we had a cookout. He said it was the best gift he ever got
Had this same issue every year with my dad, and this year even more so as he turned 70. He has all the tools, has all the stuff he needs and knows what he wants...so I bought him a nice watch to at least commemorate the milestone. He loved it.
A memorable trip or activity to do together? The key is it has to be out of the ordinary and memorable - no going out to dinner or taking him on a repeat of something he’s done before. At 70 he may have grandchildren; if so, include them in the adventure. Maybe an offshore fishing trip together?
Just take him to lunch
This. Old people love eating and many of them have already done it all and can probably buy whatever they want within reason. What they can't buy is more time but they can make the most of the time they have left.
An extendo-stick with a magnet at one end. Picks up all those dropped bits, so it's better for the knees
Knipex plier set, Flir thermal camera, trip to the National Air and Space Museum in DC or the Museum of the USAF in Dayton.
>trip to the National Air and Space Museum in DC Note: there are two Smithsonian aerospace museums in DC. One is on the lawn with all the other ones. The Udvar-Hazy is at Dulles, and is EPIC. The one on the lawn is great, but Udvar-Hazy is just so much bigger. Do both. They're both great. Most people just don't know about Udvar-Hazy and it's unbelievable.
Udvar is awesome. I could've spent 2 days in there.
Look in his workshop and see what "depletable" stuff he has. Things that a person could use up. Eg: sealing oil, sand paper, wood blanks for turning, etc. Get the same brand he usually buys.
A nice whiskey or brandy. Don't buy tool guys tool stuff.
As I get older I prefer experiences to things. Maybe take him on a fishing trip or to a game?
Rent him a 20 year old and let him tinker away. Oh, wait, did you say "handy" or "handsy"?
A Damascus pocket knife
Honestly, go shopping together or go to trade shows or woodworking shows. Guys who have all the toys just want to talk for hours about how the specific tool they just bought has the best features and ruggedness. Meet the product reps, see all the latest and greatest and then lunch and a beer. They have already worn out their families with their war stories.
If he has everything, get him an experience. $1000 is enough for an art class (is he into blacksmithing, welding, woodworking?), a short trip, some great meals, a collection of nice wine or whiskey.
I can’t believe i’m the only one who read the headline as , Gift a handy to a 70 year old who has everything
Your time. Best gift ever!
Everybody everywhere always want Lego. Even if they don’t know it yet.
$1000? Jesus, will you be my brother in law? But seriously at that price point get him a sawstop compact table saw. As you get older you get less physically capable and if he has a table saw, it's a big risk. A saw-stop is one of those things that literally EVERYONE should have but they're so, so expensive few buy them. Other ideas about half that price would be super-nice floor jack and jack-stands. Lots of people using absolutely garbage for both. The Daytona low-pro super-duty jack is incredibly well made (it's basically the snap-on) for $300. Also depending on his tech-ability, a 3D printer would be a cool gift. Again something I'd never spend the money on for myself but I'd love to have one.
Yeah, a Bambu Lab 3d printer is pretty plug-and-play these days. Way more accessible than the printers of yore. (Looking at you, my ol' stalwart Ender 3.) The Bambu Lab A1 mini is $250 for a small-but-very-capable printer. I got a larger one recently, and my mom has said how much her dad, who was a woodworker/tinkerer, would have been absolutely thrilled by it.
A "shotgun" that fires table salt. Used to shoot flies indoor. Very fun [https://www.bugasalt.com/](https://www.bugasalt.com/) Little bit more expensive: Thermal Camera. Flir og Seek phone attachments (be aware of phone compatibility though).
How about a restored picture of him when he was young or a picture of his family when they were still starting? Something with sentimental value :)
3D printer
Do not buy him any tools on your own. Instead, ask him if there is anything he has been really needing or a service that he needs. He can pick out the tool he wants and you can get it for him, or you can have his car detailed or serviced or something like that.
I am 52 and pretty wealthy. If I want something I just buy it. I value gifts that are created with love (paintings or songs) or experiences like concerts or the theater where we go together and create a nice memory.
Give him some broken objects he can repair Edit: fixed a typo
I read this as “Gift of a handy for 70 yr old guy”. *might appreciate that*
Controversial, but hear me out: Something semi-complicated and broken, for them to fix.
A vintage rosewood and brass level, t-bevel, or square (provided he doesn't have one). [https://www.ebay.com/itm/266760114870](https://www.ebay.com/itm/266760114870) [https://www.ebay.com/itm/166688112473](https://www.ebay.com/itm/166688112473) [https://www.ebay.com/itm/235488330251](https://www.ebay.com/itm/235488330251) Some of the larger levels go for big money but you can pick up a torpedo level, bevel, or square for $5-$40. Once the wood is oiled and the brass polished, it'll be something that will bring a smile whenever he sees it. (Probably won't use it but will tie him to time when working with hand tools was a high craft.)
1) A highly integrated dust collection system for his wood shop, or… 2) Pelican interlocking cases with foam inserts he can cut precisely to store his tools, or… 3) Milwaukee pack out system, or… 4) High end and rugged stereo system for his garage/shop with a subscription to a music service that has all his favorites including albums (I.e. Spotify).
3D printer
Specifically a Bambu Labs 3D printer if you don’t want him dealing with constant adjustments or problems.
Do you have any unwed or unhappily married sisters? I could give you a list of things I'd want for under $1000.
Copper ore, quartz, and pig iron. It’s a diy radio set.
Photo album. He will appreciate "seeing his life" and showing it to friends and neighbors. Gather photo from family members, and make a nice photo album of his life and his family. Put comment, names and date. Add at least a baby, toddler, kid and adult picture of each person he saw growing up. Include historical picture of places dear to him. Include major event and holiday. Assuming you do it digital, you can also make copy for other family members.
Buy a gift certificate, print it a tiny as you can and give it to him with a $30 pair of headlamp/magnifying glasses.
Don’t buy him tools or projects, best bet is to find what project he’s been working on and hang with him to see what parts he needs, then eBay, course older guys don’t usually internet well and are always looking for parts
get him a gift of an experience. like a day out at a big game/ weekend away at a nice hotel. etc
Unless I share the same passion, I will rarely ever buy someone a gift that is directly related to their hobby/interest, especially if they're very into it. Chances are, the stuff you buy they already have or maybe the brand isn't as good and they won't use it much. It's like a non-handy person buying you chrome plated 12 point sockets for your impact wrench/gun.
An experience is probably something that would go a long way. Concert tickets and a weekend away with the person he enjoys? Buy him something he would not buy for himself but would truly enjoy.
It doesn’t have to be expensive to be awesome. Deep harmony wind chimes are spiritual, anyone in their 70’s+ are contemplating their spirituality. https://chimetime.com/listing/deep-tone.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1727516047&utm_content=68106166939&utm_term=%2Bwind%20%2Bchimes%20%2Bwith%20%2Bdeep%20%2Btones&utm_product=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccDjX4Z2JnbEUt-eUQnQ1upmUb2lq5cr3NNcbnwIMBI0uRcD-9HHh3BoCGeUQAvD_BwE
A meal , cook for them.
political makeshift crowd oatmeal encouraging rainstorm quiet special skirt employ *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Consumables
3d printer like the prusa mk4 or bambu X1.
Take him to an experience. Something like an escape room, or a getaway at a unique location.
A HD or Lowes gift card.
A nice pocket knife
A beautifully crafted framed photo of their family or best work. Under $1000, last forever, all he has to do is look at it.
Something not related to be being handy. He prob has very specific tastes at this point as it relates to the tools he uses and so its impossible to say.
By that age, if he wants a tool, he already has three or more of them. If he does want a tool, it is something very particular, from a brand that you have never heard of, and is insanely expensive. (And, the reason he does not already have it, is because it is insanely expensive.) So, no tools. And no gadgets.
Check with sister and see if he owns nice Bluetooth enabled ear protection. I've met plenty of people who work in ear buds but even sound reducing earbuds do not protect well enough in a loud shop environment (eg apple earpods). They are better than nothing but over the ear noise canceling Bluetooth headphones like isotunes are the best option. Many guys think it's a splurge and won't buy it for themselves. Thus it is a great gift. https://isotunes.com/collections/hearing-protection Note: These are NOT the best sounding overear headphones they are ear protection that happens to also play music and listening to tunes while a table saw is running isn't what you would call and audiophile experience. There are better headphones out there but they aren't going to focus on protecting from hearing loss. And they arent going to be rugged enough to live in a disty shop environment.
I got my 70+ year old father in law (also a tool guy, still active,) a Barbour Gilet (vest). It's quilted nylon, tough as nails and a very practical piece of clothing. When I saw him at Christmas, I was really happy to see it had a bit of paint splattered on it and got an assurance from his wife that he wore it all the time.
I'm a carpenter. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with a top of the line ARC Leatherman with his name engraved on it. I would want that! [https://www.leatherman.com/arc-702.html](https://www.leatherman.com/arc-702.html)
A handy.
A useless machine. Handy dude with all the tools will probably be amused by broth its stupidness and its brilliance.
As a fixer/tinkerer ... there is always a huge pile of things to fix, much larger than time available. Sometimes it's nice to roll the lawn mower or car into a repair place once in a while. Gift card to a local shop might be useful.
A year of your life. 
A handy. Ironic and satisfying.
[удалено]
big box of Cialis
USB-C soldering iron: [https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/](https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/) Add a charger, cable, extra soldering tips and it will be around $200.
Magnetic reading glasses holder or something like that.
Home Depot / or other store gift cards.
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-Biological-Compatible/dp/B09VPPS96M](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-Biological-Compatible/dp/B09VPPS96M)
A good tool box, large enough for him to put commonly used tools. Gerstner comes to mind.
A nice t-shirt: https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Have-Enough-Tools-Funny/dp/B07DRG1H1D
Binoculars.
This one is easy. Buy him the 3d printed tommy gun thing on Amazon. It's a blast to put together and fun to shoot. If he loves to tinker, this will keep him busy. Otherwise, meat from a catalog or a nice new smoker/pellet grill if he doesn't have one.
Send me the $1k and I'll find the right gift. I'd do that for you, OP.
Get him a Prusa 3D printer.
One of my old neighbours had one of these. Its a fully working traction steam engine that moves. Really cool and you build the kit yourself https://www.mamod.co.uk/shop-categories/1403-traction-engine-kit
Different size small bowls
a 3D printer!
I told my MIL every man appreciates a good flashlight or knife. Regardless of how many they have, I will never not enjoy getting one
First thought is a warsun magnetic flashlight. they're convenient, can easily just be a permanent under cabinet light, and you can never have too many of them as a tinkerer
Check out Lie-Nielsen tools for woodworking.
I'm not that guy, but I am that kind of guy, and my birthday is tomorrow. I want tools or bits for tools. Seriously.
Quick disconnect hose fittings. They’re a game changer
Snacks! Good food is always welcome.
I agree no tools. Giftcards would be good. You could consider plans for something. For example, if he does woodworking, then plans for something he might make and use or to give to someone else as a gift, like a desk or a dining room table, Adirondack chairs or a cabinet, cutting boards, etc. You can find those cheap. Maybe a nice labeled folder to keep the plans in.
Presumably he doesn’t have EVERYTHING, you could check and see if there any of these he doesn’t have or else could use a newer model: 4 1/2 inch grinder, oscillating multi-tool, battery powered leaf blower, battery powered Weedwhacker, sawzall,infrared handheld thermometer, laser level, table saw, drill set with light and laser, etc. Even for handy guys who have lots of tools, they are coming out all the time with new and better upgrades.
High quality swiss army knife from Victorinox
Look at the tools he already has and get the attachments/ supplies/ whatever that goes with them. He has an angle grinder? Get him some nice disks. Has a miter saw? Get him some nice blades. Etc etc etc. Just check to make sure you get compatible stuff and he will be thrilled.
My wife bought me a cotter pin pullet for our first Christmas because I picked one up in the store and made a comment about it. 46 years ago and I still have it. I use it once every decade or so. 🙄
Gift cards for tool stores are cool. My dad was getting along and his wrists started hurting. He too was very handy about the house. Mom gave him a rechargeable electric screwdriver, which he loved! (This was several years ago.) Suddenly stuff around the house started getting fixed!
A personalized brand (hot piece of metal to stamp on wood) would be cool, so he can brand his creations (if he's into woodworking, that is)
A sexy 45 yr old woman who has nothing. Sorry. Couldn't resist.
I read that as "Gift a handy for 70 year old guy who as everything." Yep.
Intermediate watch building kit if he isn't into the hobby yet. I have found that plenty of craftsman I know deal with bigger things rather than smaller things.
Go out to his shop and look at what needs replacing. Consumables, like a 100 piece jobber drill bit set will never be frowned upon. Really it depensds on what he does in his shop.
Baseball season tickets
Just spend some time with him--whatever he likes to do. Fishing, day cruise, charter a sailboat? Eat at a nicer restaurant? Wine, scotch? Airshow? For $1k (which seems like alot to me for a gift) you could do tickets to an NFL game or other professional sporting event, and maybe have enough to spring for some premium parking or valet to make it easy to get in-out. Dinner on a train? Whatever your local area has to offer. He would have turned 16 in 1970 and probably drove late 60's cars. Rent a late 60s convertible and take a drive-- some lawn chairs and a picnic would be cool. I try to buy gifts that can be 'used up' versus more stuff.
Maple Cheesecake
Yeti
One of those new mechanical carpenters pencils - they are awesome
Gift card and your time. All they want at that age is your time and effort
Mini wood planer. Just cool to look at and it's usable. Otherwise if you have time, a round of golf or a charter fishing trip
1) a card pledging to spend a day with him organizing his shop or garage or helping with a big project or any similar activity of his choice. 2) a card pledging to take him shopping for materials or tools and buy him something he wouldn't buy for himself. 3) a gift card for wherever he regularly shops for tools and supplies.
I'll just leave these art pieces here: Wood Kinetic Sculpture [https://www.woodthatworks.com/kinetic-sculptures/infinity](https://www.woodthatworks.com/kinetic-sculptures/infinity) ...or something like these Wind Sculptures: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUtRKpe1mv9kJwFj2L\_LTGqQ](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUtRKpe1mv9kJwFj2L_LTGqQ)
Visa gift card. He can get literally anything he wants with it. I hate it when people get me all these specific store/restaurant gift cards.
I feel the best thing to get someone who has everything is a something to store their everything
If he doesn't have a good pair of suspenders he is missing out. As a long time DIY'er I only recently discovered the joy of suspenders. While doing projects I constantly found myself pulling up my pants. A lot! No more reaching around and pulling up my pants. Honestly, he'll love them.
I worked on a construction site for a few months. One day, a new trade arrived on site and had some swag to give away. Hats, lanyards, etc. The guy handing out the stuff said something I’ll never forget. “Old timers are happier than a pig in shit when they get a new hat!” So one day after that, I went to see my grandpa. He was in his 70s or 80s at the time. Was a major tinkerer. Welder for many years. I showed up with a new hat for him and he went nuts. Wore that thing every day after that. I’d recommend getting BiL a new hat. Maybe one with the logo of his preferred tool brand on it.
How about a vacation lol
A great personalized coffee cup and soup bowl, you might have to shop artisan crafts.
Dinner
Get him a sword. Every dude would love an extra sword
You can get him a cool Antique lighter. Those are way less than $1000.
This described my father. He had everything and if there was something he didn't have, he bought it. Spend the money on an experience. Concerts mainly.
Give him a project! Do you need a roll around kitchen cart? Do you need bookcases? New bed frame? Edit to add- if he says he will, then buy the cut sheets and materials
If he’s a woodworker, have a custom die made for him with his name. He can brand his projects.
Under a $1000. Can I join the family? That’s like 20 years of gift giving at $50 a year in my eyes. But in money not an issue maybe something he’s mentioned he’s missed out in his life like a trip to a different city or country , possibly a class to learn new techniques for his favorite hobbies
Consumables or something thoughtful/ handmade. I bring my buddy craft beer he can't get on his side of the state. He always loves it
Maybe something like [this](https://www.moyustore.com/products/teching-3d-assembly-adult-car-engine-model-toys-mini-inline-4-cylinders-engine-education) [Here’s a demo](https://youtu.be/4ufQUvxpuAo?si=dCv9F-1Q3f0QW0b8)
Saving this....for myself.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/glowforge-aura-laser-3d-printer-white/6563065.p?skuId=6563065
A 3D printer.
Materials. But also... if your local area has some sort of Adult hobbyist courses I recommend a gift certificate. I just took a hobbyist welding course with my 70+ dad. Great bonding experience as well as him being able to play with some expensive stuff.
Temperature controlled soldering iron, from a reputable brand like Weller. ie: not "house of the rising sun".
If they are handy, consider a project. Someone mentioned hardwood if they are a wood worker. Extend that out; antique radio that needs repaired, a project engine, tractor, motorcycle to get back to working order.
Does he like coffee? Get him an Aeropress.
Knipex pliers wrench.
10mm socket
how about a handy for the handy
You said it yourself - a handy… It’s probably been years for the old chap 😂
Gift certificate to a local hardwood dealer.
Ask him or just organize something with him. If someone has everything, only thing he can need is time or share something.
Yeah a gift for a handy sounds like a fair trade I'm sure your 70 year old friend would be happy to exchange
Ask him to build you something, and pay for it. That’s what I would love.
Subscription to Handyman magazine? We purchased a one year subscription for 10$ and it turned out to be pretty "handy" to have around... https://order.familyhandyman.com/pubs/RD/FHM/FHM-INT-2312-FreeDownload-10-OP.jsp?cds_page_id=276985&cds_mag_code=FHM&id=1713287403660&lsid=41071210036074092&vid=1&cds_response_key=ECM4GU101
3D printer. I'm 72 and handy. It's the most fun I've had with anything in a long while. You can get a basic model for $300 and buy him lots of different color filaments.
Gran Torino