What are the best gifts for a contractor?

The best gifts for a contractor are tools, workwear, and tool storage items. Tools are essential to every contractor's job; that's why you simply can't go wrong with getting a tool-based gift.

It is important to try and take stock of what your contractor already owns and find out if any of their tools are in need of an update. Old tools can always be upgraded, and most contractors use their tools nearly every day, so there could be any number of items that need to be replaced in their tool kit.

You should also take into account what type of contracting work they perform. If they are involved in plumbing, for instance, you should purchase plumbing-related items. Construction work has different needs in terms of tools; however, there are some standard tools that are essential to all contracting work.

A standard gift item for a beginner contractor is your basic tool set. This includes items like wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers. Make sure to get it from a trusted brand, as you'll want these essential tools to last as long as possible. You can also opt to buy tool set items individually if you know your contractor needs a replacement.

Even if your contractor already has a full tool set, they might still appreciate one because they could dedicate your tools to their personal projects rather than their paid work.

Contactors need to be organized; that's why tool bags and tool organizers make such great gifts. Good tool bags are a middle-priced item, while tool organizers can be on the expensive side. Tool bags are great for traveling contractors, while tool organizers are a great addition to their workshop or personal garage.

Heavy-duty truck bed toolboxes are an essential tool-related item for almost any contractor. They help them stay organized and make it easier for them to select and transport the different tools they have for specific jobs. Be sure that the model will fit the bed of their truck before purchasing though.

There might also be tools that could make your contractor's job so much easier, and they don't have them. One of these types of items is a drill. Contractor's often use drills in a variety of trades, that's why getting them a new drill or even a drill bit set can be a great gift.

There are large and small drill bit sets, depending on the skill and experience of your contractor and their trade of focus. Regardless, these are items every contractor is likely to be a fan of.

Laser levelers are another great option to improve your contractor's precision in their services. Adjusting a level can be difficult for some contractors. That's what makes having a laser leveler so appealing to many in the profession. A laser level is a perfect gift, and in addition to leveling, it also aligns angles and squares lines.

Hand planers are also great gifts for contractors if they do carpentry-related work. This can be one of the most versatile tools in a carpenter worker's set. It can assist in a wide array of tasks, including smoothing out flat stock and truing an edge.

There are electric hand planers for specific types of work, but manual hand planers are essential to many woodworking activities. Most come with adjustable throat plates to improve precision.

A digital caliper is a technologically advanced tool that any contractor would appreciate. Many use analog calipers, but a digital one allows your contractor to achieve supreme accuracy with their measurements.

Depending on the calibers they choose, the measurements can be adjusted between millimeters and inches. It can be set back to zero at the touch of a button and is very versatile. Accuracy can be obtained by your construction worker down to a granular level with a digital caliper.

Workwear is another area with some great gift options for contractors. Steel-toed work boots, for instance, are an essential item in nearly all contracting professions. Proper protection is an absolute must in building or maintenance environments. Steel-toed boots keep their feet safe when working with heavy materials. Just be sure you know their boot size before purchasing.

Contractors can also always use food-related gifts. Most contractors have to bring their lunch onsite. So you can get them a high-grade lunch container to keep their lunch warm or cold or a high-grade cooler to keep their beverages cold.

Well-made thermoses, like ones from the Yetti brand, are also great gift ideas. These keep liquids either hot or cold. So if your contractor is performing a job in the blazing heat, you can help them stay cool. Or, in the middle of a cold winter, they can keep their favorite hot beverage in the thermos to stay warm.

Contracting work typically consists of very intense physical labor. Contractors tend to come home with many aches, pains, or even injuries. Some have chronic back and neck issues as well. That's why another thoughtful gift you can get for them is a professional massage.

Massage packages can be purchased in the form of gift cards, and you have many different places you can get them, such as gyms, spas, health clubs, massage parlors, and more. Give them some relief from the physical demands of their job with this thoughtful gift.

In this same area, back massage chairs or neck massagers are also great options. These gifts can be used every day after they get home from their hard work.

If you are having a hard time figuring out the perfect gift for your contractor, a great and safe option is to get them a gift certificate to their favorite hardware or tool supply store. While this is a less personal gift, they are sure to be appreciative and will definitely use it.