Give the Gift of Creativity with These DIY Tools and Maker Kits

Maker kits and DIY tools are perfect for that crafty person in your life—supporting hobbies and also perhaps presenting new experiences. Here are some gift suggestions for your favorite do-it-yourselfer.

Raspberry Pi

This tiny, inexpensive computer can be used for all sorts of projects—from learning computer science to controlling a thermostat. They're so versatile and affordable ($40 on Adafruit) that even if your gift recipient already has one, chances are he or she could make use of a second (or third...). Point your friend to our Raspberry Pi tag page for project inspiration.

Kano

One of the best uses of the Raspberry Pi is simply as a computer you can code yourself. Designed to introduce kids to programming, the Kano combines the Raspberry Pi with all the other things needed to build a computer (except a monitor), along with the Kano OS, which is a fun operating system complete with coding tutorials and games. It retails for $150.

Arduino Starter Kit

The open-source Arduino platform is ideal for beginners interested in building their own electronics and interactive objects, whether or not they know how to code. This starter kit ($125 on Adafruit) makes it even easier to jump into Arduino, with all the hardware you need to get started plus a guidebook with fifteen different projects.

Leatherman Wave

Everyone could use a great multitool, and the top brand for multitools is Leatherman. The Leatherman Wave is our favorite model, packing 17 different tools in its sturdy stainless steel body. There are tools for just about any DIY or emergency situation: a knife and serrated knife, pliers, screw bits, saw, scissors, pliers, bottle opener, wire stripper, can opener, and more. It's $87 on Amazon.

Dremel Rotary Kit

Speaking of multi-tasking, the Dremel 4000 rotary tool is awesome for repairs and DIY around the house as well as craft and hobby projects. With it, your gift recipient can carve, engrave, grind, sand, cut, sharpen, polish, and clean just about anything. This kit ($136 on Amazon) comes with the powerful Dremel 4000, plus 50 accessories and a carrying case.

A Solid Tool Bag

A professional quality tool bag like the Custom LeatherCraft ($25 on Amazon) is a thoughtful gift for DIYers, who tend to have too many tools and not enough organizing storage for them. This bag keeps the most important tools at the ready, with 16 pockets and a multi-compartment middle tray, and is also comfortable to carry.

Helping Hands Soldering Station

Many DIY projects involve soldering, gluing, and otherwise fiddling with small parts. A helping hands station like this one from Pro-Line ($35) can hold a circuit board, cables, and other objects in place, freeing your hands for the fine work. It can even be used for close up photography. The magnifying glass and light come in handy too.

littleBits

littleBits are like the LEGO of electronics modules. Snap them together and these little blocks can be used for home automation projects, creative toys (great for introducing young kids to engineering), and more clever DIY projects. The base kit runs $99 on Amazon.

LEGO Mindstorms

Sure, LEGO Mindstorms is technically a toy—and a pretty expensive one at $350—but with it, kids of all ages can create a robot that walks, talks, and follows your commands (controlled through a drag-and-drop programming interface and/or a remote control). It's also hackable to support other programming languages.

Printrbot

3D printing is just cool. With it, a DIYer can print out his or her own objects, including replacement parts, gadget cases, and more. The Printrbot Simple Maker's Kit ($349) is probably the least expensive 3D printer you can pick up today and give as a gift. (Peachy Printer will be $100 and New Matter will be $249, but they're only available for preorder now.)

from Lifehacker http://ift.tt/1qWSAhq

Related Items