Home renovation gifts probably seem a little dull, but trust me – the person on the receiving end will thank you! Tackling a project with sustainability in mind is easier when you have the right tools and gear for the job – check out our list of tried and true gift options after the jump!
While some of these items may not appear “green” at first glance, a big part of responsible renovating is protecting personal health and buying quality tools that will last. Also, although many of the products link to major online retailers, you could easily find the same or similar items at your local hardware or home improvement store.
FIRST ROW
1 Collage of Images 2 Books , $10-$20 from Taunton Press: Home renovations require inspiration and a bit knowledge, making books from Taunton Press an excellent resource. 3 Work Gloves and Goggles , $12.54 and $10.53 from Amazon: Keeping safe is one of the most important (although often overlooked) aspects of home renovation. Buy quality gear that will be effective and last a long time. 4 Fan Deck , $19.97 from YOLO Colorhouse: Painting a room is one of the most gratifying home improvement projects, but picking a color can be tough. That’s why I love this limited palette fan deck for zero-VOC paint. 5 The Bagster , $29.95 from Lowes: For projects with a lot of demolition, The Bagster replaces large black trash bags and is picked up by your local waste management (where available) when it’s full. (Tip: always check for recycling options in lieu of the landfill.)
SECOND ROW
6 Boost Boxes , $29.99-$189.99 from Boost Home: We wrote about these clever kits back in March and with a variety of DIY boxes, they’re a great gift for a new homeowner. 7 Makita Drill , $169 from Home Depot: A cordless power drill is perhaps the most valuable tool for a home renovator. Spend a little more and purchase a quality brand (like Makita, DeWalt or Milwaukee) that will last longer and get the job done. 8 Ultimate Painter’s Kit , $68.31 from Amazon: There is nothing quite as frustrating as ruining a wall because you bought poorly made, disposable painting supplies. Start your giftee off on the right foot with this painter’s kit from a solid brand like Purdy. 9 Fein HEPA Vac , $415 from Amazon: Whether you’re demolishing walls or running wood through a table saw, dust and debris can have a serious impact on air quality. In addition to adequate masks, this HEPA vac is a good investment for the home renovator. 10 Lead Test Kit , $20.63 (for 8 swabs) from Amazon: If a home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it has lead paint. Protect your loved ones with this inexpensive test kit (perfect for a stocking stuffer!).
THIRD ROW
11 Bucket Jockey , $6.98 from Home Depot: The first Christmas after we bought our fixer-upper, I got my husband a nice tool belt. Turns out it wasn’t as practical as this inexpensive Bucket Jockey – a great way to keep tools and supplies organized. 12 Laser Level , $147.99 from Amazon: If you know someone with an old house that’s a little wonky, a laser level is a great gift that will get used again and again. 13 Kill-a-Watt , $19.14 from Amazon: For those interested in energy usage, this monitor tells you just how much energy your appliances are using and how that translates into dollars per month!
2011 Green Gift Guides
• 10 Hostess Gifts for Friends Who Love to Entertain • Green Gift Guide: 20 Gifts Under $20 • Green Gift Guide For Kids • No-Gift Green Gift Guide: Charitable Gifts and Donations
(Images: as linked)
