Sundance
Upgrade your dad's standard pocket knife with one that will make him feel like MacGyver. With the Tool Chest in Your Pocket, no matter where he travels (or what he encounters), he'll be equipped with a pair of stainless steel pliers, a saw, file, 2-inch ruler, 1-inch and 2-inch knives, bottle opener, nail cleaner, and two flathead screwdrivers with assorted bits. Sundance; $28
frontgate
With the Classic BBQ Branding Iron, your dad can put his own stamp on every steak and burger on the barbie. Alternatively, the stainless steel brand can be used to personalize wood or leather surfaces, too! Frontgate; $59.50
Amazon
The days of considering a lithium ion drill a luxury are in the past. With comparable prices, a lighter feel than other cordless drills, and a torque conversion designed for driving screws without stripping them, these small drills have become a must-have for the DIY dad. Shown here is Bosch's PS20-2A 12-Volt Max Pocket Driver. Amazon; $64.99
Never again will your father have to worry about his pen exploding in his shirt pocket. The Wallet Pen is a sleek, sterling silver luxury writing instrument handmade in Vermont to fit neatly and discreetly into his wallet. It's simple, elegant, and guaranteed for life. The Daily Grommet; $75, engraving options available.
LL Bean
If the words "Can you hold the light right there?" still ring in your ears from childhood, then the Gorilla Torch will relieve you of any future responsibility. With flexible, articulated, and magnetic legs, this portable lamp can be mounted pretty much anywhere. Dad can even wrap it around a nearby tree or mount it to the side of a car while he's changing a tire. LL Bean; $29.95
http://woodthumb.com/index .html
For all the DIY dads with a sense of humor, the Wood Tie is the way to go. Lightweight and made from reclaimed redwood, this tie will certainly garner attention and help your dad make corny jokes at the next family get-together. Available in two sizes, and as a bow tie, too! Wood Thumb; $39.99
Amazon
Dad can do just about everything from his favorite chair, so why can't he answer the door too? The new VTech IS1700 series cordless phone and video/audio doorbell makes it possible not only to see but also converse with whoever is at the door, through the convenience of a handset. It's a phone too! VTech; (model shown) $119.95
Amazon
Though the name might be confusing, once you get these in the workshop, their function will not be. The no-slip Bench "Cookies" help keep objects in place while you're sanding, carving, and routing—without having to clamp them down! Shown: Bench Dog 10-035 Bench Cookie Work Gripper from Amazon; $10.22 (pack of four)
Restoration Hardware
If you're thinking of something in leather, look beyond a belt! This Artisan-Crafted iPhone Case uses bark and leaf pigments to achieve its rich chestnut coloring. This case is sure to give a classy, old-world tailored look to dad's new-world smart phone. Restoration Hardware; $30
Brookstone
Let your dad spend his time cooking, not cleaning, by giving him a Motorized Grill Brush. Using steam instead of chemicals, this clever brass-bristle-brush gadget fights caked-on grease and grime without any arduous scrubbing required! Brookstone; $29.99
If you're interested in more gift guides, consider:
Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!
Enroll now and learn DIY basics from the next generation of home improvement experts
