These 37 Home and DIY Essentials are So Good, We’re Naming Them the Gifts of the Year

Looking for a gift that will make a real impact in a home, garden, or workshop? Look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best tools, appliances, and gadgets just ahead of the holiday season.

Among the hundreds of household essentials we encounter for year-round product testing (and personal usage), some stand out for how much they improve daily life—so much so that we’d gift them to everyone we know, if we could. Our Gift of the Year Award designation recognizes products that we believe in—items that are genuinely useful, thoughtfully designed, and a joy to unwrap, no matter the occasion. In fact, we’ve personally gifted, received, tested, or otherwise used each one of these products in our own homes.

We believe that the best gifts are ones people reach for again and again. That’s why this curated collection emphasizes utility and everyday value, while also delivering a little fun—because a practical gift can still surprise and delight. Ranging from must-have tools to garden implements to kitchen favorites, there’s a gift idea for everyone on this list. 

Make quick work of sawing small branches with the Woodland Tools Duralight Folding Saw. It has a slightly curved, high carbon steel blade with triple-cut teeth to slice through wood. One of our master gardeners called it one of the best pruning tools they’ve used: it’s sharp and the three-position lock and compact folding design are very practical. 

What our tester says: “This folding saw is a handy tool to keep around for quick, light-duty trimming. I used it to cut through branches up to 4.5 inches in diameter, and probably could have cut limbs up to 6 inches with no trouble.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Woodland Tools Duralight Folding Saw and Super Duty D-Handle Saw

The Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller with Fast-Charging Dock is a fabulous gift for anyone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors. It repels mosquitoes within a 20-foot zone of the compact and portable gadget, no smelly sprays or lotion needed. It’s rechargeable and includes one 36-hour refill. 

What our tester says: “Within about 5 minutes, I noticed a rapid decline in mosquito activity. After 15 minutes, mosquitoes had fled the immediate area. The Thermacell says it creates a zone of protection that is 20 feet in diameter, and that held true during our tests.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller with Fast-Charging Dock 

The Enbrighten Vibe Eternity Landscape Lights can elevate any outdoor space, and even better, this light set is very DIY-friendly. It includes eight adjustable-angle lights on stakes that you just push into the ground and connect with the included extension cord. Pair with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network to take advantage of scheduling, color selection, and automations to create the perfect display. 

What our tester says: “One month in, I’m loving the look, the durability, and the simplicity. I’m keeping both sets installed—and honestly, I’m already eyeing where I might add more.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Enbrighten Vibe Eternity Landscape Lights

The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube Monocular is the ideal gift for the outdoorsy and adventurous person on your list. The monocular is made for escapades like birdwatching, hunting, hiking, stargazing, and travelling. To hold up to the great outdoors, it’s shockproof and waterproof. 

Chopping wood can be a pleasant task with the razor-sharp Hults Bruk Spika Axe. Another gift for the outdoorsy, our tester says this hand-forged tool is perfectly-balanced and chopped through wood with ease. 

What our tester says: “The difference between this hand-forged Swedish axe and the hardware store options I’ve used before is night and day. I used the Spika to chop small logs, split kindling, and carve wood spikes, and it handled each task with razor-sharp precision.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Hults Bruk Spika Axe

Durability is the biggest draw of the Yeti Go Box—it’s designed to be almost impossible to destroy, holding up to the sun, freezing cold, and wildlife. It’s even waterproof and will keep contents dry if it’s accidentally submerged. Accessories like a divider, caddy, and built-in compartment make it even more user-friendly. 

The Bird Buddy Smart Hummingbird Feeder is an upgraded gift for birdwatchers. It comes at a premium price, but our tester says it’s well worth it for hummingbird lovers. It’s a solar-powered smart hummingbird feeder that captures 2K video and 5MP photos; the captured images were consistently high-quality and beautiful. 

What our tester says: “Overall, I’ve truly enjoyed using the Bird Buddy Smart Hummingbird Feeder. While it may not satisfy those intent on tracking every single bird visit, it more than delivers for enthusiasts seeking a few breathtaking, high-quality encounters each week.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Bird Buddy Smart Hummingbird Feeder

Make any outdoor space more cozy with the Solo Stove Summit 24. The innovative brand calls this version their easiest-to-use fire pit that boasts taller and brighter flames. It’s smokeless, suitable to use on many surfaces, and built to last, making it simpler to have an inviting fire in the backyard. 

Gift stylish tool organization with the Trusco Mountain Tool Box. This modestly-sized tool box is excellent for hand tools and other small accessories and is cute enough to keep on display. It’s made of metal and available in a few colors, always with a lockable latch to keep its contents safe. 

The SOG Twitch II Pocket Knife is our pick for the best pocket knife. It feels tough and durable in hand, with a blade that stayed sharp throughout our testing. Compact, useful, and reasonably-priced, it deserved the award for best overall pocket knife. 

What our tester says: “The blade steel in this knife proved to be tough and dependable. It was sharp right out of the box and, in our cutting tests, it remained sharp enough to slice an apple skin cleanly after whittling a greenwood stick for 20 minutes.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

If your giftee has big painting jobs ahead of them, they’ll appreciate the InoKraft GoSpray S1 HVLP Paint Sprayer. Designed with DIYers in mind, it’s easy to set up and clean (and it comes with a cleaning kit), with three nozzle sizes and spraying patterns for tackling projects from furniture DIYs to repainting walls. 

The Leatherman Signal is one of those practical gifts that pretty much anyone can appreciate—it’s bound to come in handy one day. It’s a 19-in-one tool, catered to outdoor enthusiasts with a combo knife, saw, can opener, safety whistle, and fire-starting rod. But it also includes bits that everyone can find useful, like pliers, a wire cutter and stripper, bottle opener, and a bit driver. This list doesn’t even cover all the uses this multi-tool fits into a compact, durable, and rather handsome-looking package. 

What our tester says: “After 10 years on the market, the Leatherman Signal has become a fixture on the belts of campers and hikers for good reason. It’s tough as nails and has all the features one might need in that setting, including some that most people may not have considered.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Leatherman Signal

The WD-40 Pen takes the usefulness and versatility of WD-40 and makes it mini. It lets you take this lubricator and de-squeaker anywhere in a compact, pen-shaped form. The chisel-shaped tip is made for precision placement, dispensing a small drop of the product. Our tester loved the convenience, using it on squeaky hinges, a stubborn zipper, and rusty tools, as they came across them, and without any risk of accidental overspray. 

What our tester says: “For small, targeted fixes, the Precision Pen is a game-changer. It’s compact enough to slip into a pocket, purse, or work belt and neatly into a toolbox or junk drawer. It would also make a fantastic stocking stuffer.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: WD-40 Pen

If your giftee finds loud garden or renovation chores terribly tedious, the 3M Worktunes Connect Hearing Protection is the ideal gift. It’s the best bluetooth hearing protection we tested, offering a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24 decibels, plus high-fidelity speakers and bluetooth connectivity so they can listen to their favorite music, podcast, or audiobook while working. 

What our tester says: “Bolstered by a 40-hour battery and automatic solar charging, they outclass the competition when it comes to running time. Sure, you could buy something similar for less, but it won’t be as good.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: 3M Worktunes Connect Hearing Protection

The giftee that’s still building up their tool collection will appreciate receiving the Craftsman 20-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set to tackle pretty much any job that could use a ratcheting wrench. It includes 10 each of SAE and metric wrenches to tackle a wider range of tasks. 

Renovators and DIYers in search of precision for big projects will value the user-friendly Huepar W04CG Laser Level. It boasts professional-grade features like a precise 360-degree laser and an app- or remote-controlled motorized base. 

What our tester says: “The Huepar is precise enough for construction pros who regularly install drop ceilings, chair rails, or need reference lines for backsplash and wall tile. But it’s also within reach for DIYers and homeowners tackling projects such as running garden fence lines or making sure each course on a retaining wall is perfectly level. It’s easy to use and highly accurate, and the next time I need a good laser level, I’ll be reaching for this one.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Huepar W04CG Laser Level

The Berry & Bird Garden Fork is our top choice for the best budget-friendly garden fork because of its affordable price and classic design. It has a wood handle and metal tines. In our testing, its narrow stainless steel head dug into packed earth and was easy to maneuver around plants. 

The Bootstrap Farmer 1020 Seed Starting Tray is one of our favorite seed starting trays because of its robust design. Unlike the flimsy seed starting trays you can find at most hardware stores, this one is made from heavy-duty plastic that will hold up to several seasons of use. They’re also available in several colors for easy organizing.

What our tester says: “With unmatched durability [and] professional-level design… we highly recommend this kit for anyone looking for a long-lasting seed-starting system.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Our tester really liked the Felco F2 Pruners, awarding it the best overall spot in our best pruning shears guide. In terms of performance, there was nothing to dislike about these pruners: they are lightweight but strong, comfortable to use, and can be quickly disassembled for cleaning and repairs. 

What our tester says: “In our tests, the Felco 2 and left-handed Felco 9 pruners had the best overall performance in terms of comfort, strength, durability, and ease of use. It’s no wonder these are the pruners of choice for professional landscapers, nursery workers, and gardeners.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Gift plant lovers surprise plants to add to their collection with the Plant of the Month Gift Subscription at The Sill. It’s one of our favorite plant subscription boxes that offers a pet-friendly subscription option for homes with furry friends. 

What our tester says: “The Sill sends quality plants not typically found in big-box retail centers. The plants are expertly packed and arrive in great shape. It is an expensive service, but the plants are a good size, and the planter is made from quality, durable glazed ceramic.” —Debbie Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Harney & Sons Teabag & Honey Sampler is a perfectly giftable sampler set for the tea lover in your life. It comes with 60 tea bags (in 15 flavors) and 10 honey sticks in a classy gift box. There’s also the option to sign up for a subscription, great for if you know your recipient will fly through the flavors. 

Whether for taking on the go, having in addition to a drip coffee maker, or as a gift to a new coffee drinker, the AeroPress is worth having in the cupboard. This original model from the well-known brand is simple to use and creates a rich brew that’s suitable for making espresso-style drinks at home. 

Gift the Anova Sous Vide Nano 3.0 to the creative home chef who’s always in search of new cooking gadgets. It’s reasonably-priced, user-friendly, and compact, ideal for entry-level cooks. It’s also Wi-Fi-enabled, so it’s possible to control and monitor from a smartphone. 

Smart home aficionados and the tech-averse can both appreciate the Philips Hue Smart Bulbs. They’re excellent for smart lighting and are very easy to set up and use, even for smart home skeptics. It’s tough to beat the level of customizability they offer, with the ability to set schedules, preset routines, colors, and brightness. 

What our tester says: “I’ve been using them for a while and couldn’t be more pleased with how easy the setup was and how feature-packed the app is.” —Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Philips Hue Smart Bulbs

It’s a simple tool, but according to thousands of happy reviews, the Chef’n Freshforce Citrus Squeezer is a step above the rest. The brand claims it will squeeze out up to 20 percent more juice than other citrus juicers (and several reviewers agree) thanks to its dual-gear mechanism and tough nylon and stainless steel construction. 

The Sur La Table Spice Ratchet Mill Grinder doesn’t just look fancy; it has some great user-friendly features too. Instead of a twisting motion, it uses a side-to-side movement to grind salt or pepper into your choice of coarseness. A front-loading door makes it straightforward to refill. 

The Repaint Tray is the perfect gift for anyone who has a big home painting project on the horizon. It’s a reusable tray with a flexible silicone liner and an airtight lid. This combination keeps paint fresh and ready to use for up to three weeks and is easy to clean out when you’re done. 

Cafe-style drinks are a click of a button away with the Bistro 13.5oz Bistro Barista Electric Milk Frother. It has settings to make heated milk, hot froth, cold froth, and hot chocolate, using any type of milk. The top vessel is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe. 

If your giftee complains about hard water at home, the Jolie Shower Head can improve their showering routine. It filters out chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants to soften shower water, and it looks sleek while doing so. 

What our tester says: “The Jolie shower head is a worthy investment, especially if your home has hard water and you struggle with dry skin or dry/frizzy hair. For me, the shower head transformed my skin more than my hair, but that’s because I don’t have naturally frizzy hair. My skin doesn’t feel tight when I get out of the shower like it did in the past.” —Stephanie Cronk, Product Reviews tester and editor

Read our full review: Jolie Shower Head

The EyeVac Air 2-in-1 Air Purifier-Vacuum is the perfect cleaning companion for the kitchen (or any room with hard flooring). It’s an air purifier, with a HEPA and carbon filter to remove airborne contaminants and odors. Even better, it also has a vacuum function: it kicks on when it senses sweeping near the unit to suck up debris so you don’t need to grab a dustpan. 

The EcoFlow River 3 Plus is a useful product for anyone to have on hand. Whether for camping trips or for emergencies, this 600-watt rated portable power station provides an impressive amount of backup power in a compact package. For the outdoorsy, it’s possible to recharge it using the solar panel.

What our tester says: “Small enough to slide under the seat of my truck, and weighing just 10.4 pounds, it seemed ideal for charging electronics on camping trips. I was surprised to find out it was also capable of running my coffee pot, microwave oven, or deep freezer at home.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: EcoFlow River 3 Plus

With 52 pieces included and a compact case, the toolant Impact Driver Bit Set will prepare your giftee for just about any job. It includes hex, torx, Philips, square, slotted, and Pozidriv screwdriver bits, nut drivers, a bit holder, and a socket adapter, all color-coded for organization. 

Made of 100 percent goat leather, the Vermont Glove Flatlander is a premium work glove worth gifting. The leather material and inside glove seams (hand-stitched with heavy-duty nylon thread) makes the gloves durable but supple, maintaining better dexterity that bulkier gloves can take away. 

The Ryobi Speed Bench Mobile Workstation is the best workbench for those who need an easily-portable workspace. It’s on wheels, so it rolls easily from spot to spot, and it doubles as a hand truck for even more convenience. It’s a little less stable than stationary options (that’s the trade-off for portability) but our testers still had plenty of space to work on the 42- by 22-inch worktop, with a 400-pound weight capacity. 

What our tester says: “The Ryobi Speed Bench has an advantage over non-mobile benches because it can be rolled from project to project, offering an instant work surface no matter where the job is. It also doubles as a hand truck, which makes it even more versatile.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

The DeWalt Atomic Multi-Head Drill/Driver is a product that renovators and DIYers will love for its versatility. It comes with a ½-inch metal chuck attachment, ¼-inch hex attachment, ¼-inch hex right-angle attachment, and ¼-inch hex offset attachment, so it can connect to a variety of attachments and reach into tight spots. It’s compact, lightweight, and powerful, but just note that this tool-only version doesn’t come with a battery or charger. 

User-friendly operation, great safety features, and excellent cutting power make the Bosch 18V Brushless 1¼-inch Reciprocating Saw a tool worth gifting. It offers KickBack Control and end of cut detection for safety, and six speed settings, adaptive speed control, and an orbital/inline switch for versatility. This is another tool-only product. 

The HOTO Snapbloq tool kit is a nifty little kit that’s perfect for small, precision projects. It’s a mini tool kit for all sorts of tinkering, creating, and repairing, with a screwdriver set, mini rotary tool set, and mini drill set included. Besides being very functional, it’s modular and looks cool too, which makes it great for gifting. 

What our tester says: “I really liked the size, weight, and overall design of the tools. They felt comfortable in the hand, were easy to control, and provided more than enough power and runtime for assembling parts, drilling moderately hard materials, polishing, and shaping.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: HOTO Snapbloq tool kit

 

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