A Toolbox: The Gift Suggestion That Works for Everyone

There are several occasions that call for gifts and it can be tricky, or even downright frustrating, to come up with a gift that is appropriate, appreciated and affordable. I have a suggestion that just may fit the bill, whether it's for a Yankee swap, a bridal shower, a birthday, a new college student or Christmas. In fact, this gift can be appropriate for many other gift-giving occasions, as well. (Well, maybe not for Valentine's Day!) What is it? A toolbox.

Ok now, before you start groaning and hit the Back button, hear me out. How many times have you wanted to hang a picture and ended up banging a thumbtack into the wall with one of your high heels? Or needed to unscrew something and tried to use a kitchen knife or the edge of a dime? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. We've all been there. Broken thumbnails and unplanned holes in the walls tend to be the side effects. But it doesn't have to be like this. There's a better way. Follow me.

A Tool Box of Her Own

The first thing you need is the toolbox itself. Since this is not intended for the tool fanatic in the family, nor will it be used for earning the daily bread, it can be small. Heck, it can even be cute. Use your imagination. I like to use a man's lunchbox and decorate it with stickers, or pick up a fishing tackle box in a great color and buy tools with handles in matching colors. The point is, it should be fun as well as practical and it should be compact enough to use in a home or dorm. It should have a sturdy handle and have enough room for the tools and some other little extras.

The Right Tools for the Job

The list of tools is actually fairly small. Look for the following: a small claw hammer, a small set of screwdrivers, a small pair of pliers, a folding utility knife with extra blades, a picture level, a small measuring tape ( twelve to fifteen feet is perfect) and a pair of sturdy scissors. These days there are some very cool, affordable cordless drills that come in compact sizes and they can be a marvelous addition, especially for real do-it-herselfers. They can also be a boon for those with arthritis, or those with joint pain. Some other things to add are: a roll of duct tape, a package of picture-hanging paraphernalia and a small tube of all purpose adhesive. This sets the toolbox up enough to handle most of the small challenges that come up, like hanging a picture or tightening a loose bolt or screw. None of these things are too intimidating to use and most of us are capable of hanging a picture if we have the right tools.

Some Final Thoughts

The first time I gave this gift, it was at a bridal shower. My gift was one of the last to be opened, and I had sat through innumerable pieces of lingerie, dishware, doodads and yes, two fondue pots. I was sweating. What had seemed like such a good idea before, now seemed like the height of stupidity. What bride wants tools? When my gift was opened, I was stunned, in a good way, by the response. And not just from the bride. Everyone loved it. They loved looking at the cunning little tools, all in matching red handles, and the box, decorated in sunflower stickers. They were so envious and the bride was thrilled. Later, she took me aside and thanked me for my practicality and said that she loved the independence of doing things on her own. At the wedding, the groom told me that my gift was by far the best one and that he wondered if it was for both of them. I told him that was between him and his handy bride. Twenty years later, as of August 12, they are both still using "their" tools and still think it's the coolest gift. Who am I to argue?