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Odd/useful household or auto gadgets for the guy who has everything

8 years ago

For one of DH's gifts, I'm putting together a box of gadgets. Quirky but useful stuff. So far, I have: a set of small LED flashlights, a set of mini tubes of super glue (because whenever we try to use a tube that's been previously used, the glue is all dried up), beer savers (caps for opened beer bottles -- sometimes he buys those bigger bottles of craft beers and doesn't finish...okay, that hardly ever happens but it might), the zip drain cleaners that Ida Claire told us about, a couple of the night light outlet covers that I think also came from Ida... I think that's it so far. Any other ideas? I'm trying to limit the "collection" to house stuff but might add a couple for the car if I found any.

My second theme gift is for his hobby of photographing birds. A couple of bird books, a t shirt that says Bird Nerd, hand warmers for his gloves...if anyone has other ideas for this collection, too, let me know!


Comments (31)

  • 8 years ago

    I don't know anything about this gadget, but am considering it for my husband. It is called Smart Klear carbon device cleaner. They have one for eyeglasses too and he is obsessed with clean glasses. I can't find many reviews so I'm not sure if they are worth it. They also have lens cleaners for cameras. I'd be interested in anyone's knowledge about this device.

  • 8 years ago

    Magic Erasers

    Steel Thumbnail If I lost mine I would have to replace it. It doesn't get that much use, but when you need it you need it.


  • 8 years ago

    I love the suggestion of a OneDayU. Or if there is a well known bird photographer, see if he/she would agree to a hour or two tutorial.

  • 8 years ago


    Hexflex Multi-tool They are available in metric and standard.

  • 8 years ago

    A vehicle diagnostic code reader.

    My husband told me to tell you that : )

  • 8 years ago

    that steel thumbnail is pretty neat. I think it would actually come in pretty handy. I have something similar to that but it's a flat screwdriver head on my key chain and it' s come in handy on several occasions.

  • 8 years ago

    I'd look into a window breaker...in case, god forbid, you should get trapped in a car after an accident and need to get out.

    Rain X for windshields is also great as it makes the water bead up and roll off so even if you're wipers aren't working, you can still see.

    I also like those screwdriver kits that have a single handle and the various types of screwdrivers that fit into it. That way, whatever you need is right handy.

    DH has peanut butter and crackers every day and we buy natural pb, so it needs stirring. I got him this stirrer and he really likes it.


  • 8 years ago

    How about some bungee cords? My husband would stop on the highway to retrieve one from the shoulder if I let him. I am giving him this one that i saw on the odd gift thread.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    My brother bought infrared thermometers for the men in the family several years ago and it was a huuuge hit. Even my father, who never liked any gift we ever gave him, loved it. Another hit with my nephews, who are just like my dad was, was a large Maglite flashlight.

  • 8 years ago

    It's a lot more expensive than most "stocking stuffers" but I've given this to a few younger guys, just for the unique factor. Not sure how practical it is, but it sure is cool comes in stainless, too.


    Leatherman bracelet


  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    For birding, how far along is he in his Hobby? If he's sort of starting out a tripod might be welcome. A Dropcam for his bird feeder. A waterproof field notebook. Gift certificate towards more and more expensive lenses.

    http://www.riteintherain.com/pocket-sized-notebooks

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you all, these are great and I've added a few to my Amazon cart!

    Robo, he has a large collection of what seems to be every lens and accessory available. He goes places to take pics of birds like hawks and falcons, not at home. Hm, the notebooks are cool but he doesn't take notes...my DS might like those, though...

  • 8 years ago

    Annie I thought of you today after reading a Facebook post. Did you know that car seat headrests can double as a window breakers? After you pop them out the strong pointed ends can break windows.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    BlueDriver Scan tool is my favorite engine diagnostic tool.


    BlueDriver

  • 8 years ago

    This isn't a gadget, but it's a type of book I give to my son every Christmas, he who has everything too. These types of books are extremely informative/entertaining. He's a big reader so I don't even try to pick out a book for him, other than this type of book.


  • 8 years ago

    Hi Brushworks, I think my husband would like the BlueDriver. Do I need anything to go with it? I don't know about these things.

  • 8 years ago

    I just ordered this endoscopic camera tube thingy for my husband. I think that it could useful when trying to "see" in tight places when doing repairs on cars, etc.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I found these really nice lights at Container Store that you can stick in places that are hard to see. I put the one's I got in a cabinet that's dark even when the lights are on. I especially like them because not only are they bright enough but the battery lasts pretty long and is one that's easily replaced.

    http://www.containerstore.com/s/drawer-locker-lights/d?productId=10033086&q=Led%20lights

    They also have a multitool like the one above called a pocket monkey

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    J Crew pocket tee's make a good useful gift. My grown sons (and husband) like the slim cuts. They are not skin tight slim but are not a regular boxier pocket tee. All men like a cozy tee for jeans. They have non-slim as well, and long sleeve or short.

    Enter code - Presents -for a discount.

    For $10 you can get their initials on the pocket.

  • 8 years ago

    It may sound dumb, but I got DH a container full of assorted zip ties. He loves it and we both use it more than I ever thought we would. Comes in so handy!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    My DH finds his ratcheting tie-downs to be almost indispensable. His old ones were worn out and he picked new ones out for his own Christmas gift last year. He much prefers them over bungee cords.

    Maybe everybody has these already, but our all-in-one screwdrivers with the interchangeable tips are favorites here, too.

  • 8 years ago

    DH buys a package of ratcheting tie-downs about 3 times a year. He uses them in his business.

    I have my very own lighted all-in-one screwdriver and hammer and tape measure. I have to hide them from DH cause his are never where they're supposed to be...surprise (g) Oh, the assorted zip ties are indispensable!

  • 8 years ago

    A Ferrari.....and/or things like a good ROM Polisher (AT LEAST a $150 for a half-decent one...), Clay-bar kit, Polishes of varying correcting levels, expensive car waxes, etc. Griot's Garage has a catalogue I get monthly! SO many car/garage things!!! I've just gotta hint stronger about the Ferrari.....;-)

  • 8 years ago

    The endoscopic tube camera is what we, in industry, used to call a borescope. They fit into the bore of a hole allowing you to see what's inside. We used them to inspect the inside of jet engines. They used to cost thousands and required a boxy TV set to view. Now cell phones are the obvious viewer. For $22 I might get one out of nostalgia - then then my wife would have another excuse to kill me.

  • 8 years ago

    Does anyone know if there is a good endoscopic camera that works with iphone?


  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Does anyone know if there is a good endoscopic camera that works with iphone?

    I would just check Amazon reviews.

  • 8 years ago

    I've had a long, hard day. I thought someone was wanting to perform an endoscopy with an iphone :/

  • 8 years ago

    I just thought I would throw this out there for anyone looking for a neat stocking stuffer...I was at Walmart a couple days ago and they had small LED flashlights for ONE DOLLAR with the batteries. Go get some and give to everyone...HAHAHA! I bought two for myself and am going to go back and get some more. The batteries are worth more than a dollar! They are very bright.

  • 8 years ago

    Sigh...the zip drain cleaners showed up in the mail, just in their package, no box or envelope. Everyone was home and DD brought in the mail, saying "what the heck is this zip drain thing?" DH jokingly (he thinks) said, oh, that's mom's Christmas present for me. I just grabbed it and said, that's right, just pretend you didn't see it...

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