25 Useful Gift Ideas For Builders And Tradesmen

Whether it's for a loved one or a sign of appreciation for a job well done, here are gifts that any builder would appreciate.

Construction work is a tough gig. 

As early morning starts, working outside in all weathers, lifting heavy loads, climbing up and down ladders, and working with toxic and harmful building materials, all take their toll. 

And it's even harder when this work is carried out on construction sites with no electricity, heating, or plumbing, which is more common than people may realise.

So being a builder or construction worker is definitely not for the faint-hearted, and as such they deserve a reward for all their hard work.

And to help you pick out something that they'll love and get a plenty of use out of, I've come up with the following list of gift ideas for builders that will all help to put a smile on their face.

Whether that is a gift to help them on the job, or one to simply thank them for their efforts.

1. A Pair Of Comfortable And Supportive Work Boots

One of the most important things for a builder or contractor to use on site are a pair of protective, comfortable, and supportive work boots.

As days spent working on concrete floors, in cold and wet conditions, climbing ladders, and handling heavy objects that can crush their toes, can all lead to their feet taking a hammering.

And not just their feet, as if they work with boots lacking in arch support, then the shocks and impacts from the concrete reverberate up through the body, causing them muscle and joint pain.

So getting them the right pair of work boots is a wonderful place to start when thinking about a gift for a builder.

And for a good all rounder, you could go for the Timberland Pro Pitboss work boots.

As these have good arch support, a solid grip to help them avoid any slips, a steel toe to protect them, and are comfortable to wear.

While some other options include: 

2. Work Gloves For Hard Working Hands

Another area that a builder will need to look after on site are their hands.

As these are prone to injuries when doing construction work, as you handle heavy, rough, and sharp objects, hammer in nails, and are exposed to chemicals and building materials that are terrible for the skin.

Not to mention working in the freezing cold, or the vibrations you get when using power tools.

So getting a builder a new pair of work gloves as a gift will be appreciated for sure.

And for a great pair of general purpose gloves, check out the Ironclad heavy utility work gloves.

As these have a good grip, are padded in all the right places, and are abrasion resistant to guard against cuts and scrapes.

While for builders that work outside in the cold regularly, you could look at the Ironclad cold condition work gloves instead.

And finally, for those that love a power tool, check out the Dewalt vibration reducing work gloves. 

3. A Warm Winter Jacket For Cold Sites

Builders often have to work outside, or no building sites with no windows or heating, where they are exposed to the elements.

And this can make working a really uncomfortable experience if they don't wrap up properly against the cold.

So getting them a really warm winter work jacket is a gift that can really help them out.

And many builders and contractors swear by Carhartt jackets.

As these have great warmth, and also help protect them against the wind and rain, yet are not too bulky, meaning they have the freedom of movement to be able to do their job.

So check out the Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Winter Jacket or a gift that will warm their cockles (literally!)

4. A Hi-Vis Warm Jacket To Comply With Those Site Regulations

Some construction sites may have regulations that their workers must wear Hi-Vis clothing, especially when working early mornings or at night.

So if this applies to your construction worker then the RefrigiWear Hi-Vis softshell jacket would be a better gift option.

As work jacket is super effective at keeping out the wind and cold while also being flexible and comfortable enough to work in happily.

While also having everything it needs to keep the site health and safety inspectors off their back too.

5. Thermal Base Layers For The Colder Months

Carhartt also do a great range of thermal base layers.

And these make for perfect gifts for builders that have to work outside during the colder months.

As layering up is incredibly important when they're outside working in the cold, especially the base layer.

Because the insulation this provides helps them retain as much body heat as possible, and when made from the right material, it will wick sweat away from the body, keeping them dry and warm as they work.

So check out the Carhartt Force mid-weight thermal base layers, and give them a practical gift that will help to keep them warm and happy throughout the winter.

6. A Thermos Flask For Much Needed Hot Drinks

Another gift idea that can help to warm them up on a cold construction site in the winter is to get them a thermos flask.

As this way they will always have a hot cup of tea or coffee on hand when they need one.

And they could also fill these flasks with soup, if they wanted something more warming and substantial than a boring sandwich for lunch.

So for a flask that is rugged and durable enough to survive life on a construction site, check out the Thermos Work Series 40.

7. Knee Pads To Protect Their Joints

A contractor's knees can take a real battering over the years, and this can lead to their knees becoming busted long before their time.

As hours spent kneeling on concrete or wooden floors as they work really takes it's toll, sending shock waves up through the knee joint.

This is especially a problem in trades such as carpet fitting, plumbing, and painting.

So if you are buying a gift for a contractor in one of these trades, getting them a pair of protective knee pads can be a life saver for their knees.

As these will cushion their knees against the hard surfaces, absorb the shocks, spread the pressure out evenly, and also protect them when kneeling on anything sharp.

So check out the NoCry professional knee pads for a gift that will make their working day a lot more comfortable and bearable.

8. A Back Support Belt To Help Them Avoid Back Pain 

Many builders will suffer from back pain due to the nature of their work.

As days spent lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting, digging, and shoveling, can all play havoc with their lower back, leaving them with aches and pains by home time.

However, a good way to help protect them against these nagging muscle pains, is to get them a back support belt to wear.

As these belts compress their abdomen to assist their core muscles and provide more support for the lower back.

And wearing one of these belts also encourages them to maintain a healthier working posture, which relieves pressure on their body.

So give your favourite builder a helping hand in staying healthy and pain-free by getting them the Maxar industrial back support belt.

As this belt is made for construction work, and is great for builders that do plenty of heavy duty work.

9. A Pair Of Protective Glasses To Avoid Eye Injuries

Construction sites can be really hazardous places for a builder's eyes.

As the air is can be thick with dust and debris, sparks fly from grinders and power tools, and the cold and wind whip into their face.

Which can cause their eyes to become dry and sore, which is really uncomfortable.

So how about getting them a pair of protective safety glasses to wear on site?

As the Toolfreak Spoggles do a great job of keeping their eyes clear and healthy, by sealing them with foam padding which surrounds the lenses, protecting them from any dust or nasty stuff flying in the air.

And the wrap around band means they'll stay fixed on them as they work, rather than other safety goggles that have a tendency to fall off every time you bend over.

10. A Tool Belt So They Always Have What They Need At Hand

Tool belts are a really useful item for many builders, especially if they do a lot of ladder work.

After all, they only have one pair of hands, and getting up and down a ladder constantly to swap tools over is tiring and torturous.

But by keeping their tools in a tool belt instead, they will always have them to hand and be able to switch at will.

So if you want to save a builders legs, patience, and energy, consider getting them a tool belt with enough pockets for all their stuff, such as the CLC Custom Leathercraft tool belt above.

11. A Tool Bag To Store And Carry Their Hand Tools

Knowing where all your tools are and being able to find them when you need them can save a builder so much wasted time.

Not to mention being able to avoid the frustration of frantically searching everywhere for the right tool, only to have to make do with something else instead.

So getting them a new tool bag that can house all their tools and be carried around on site, is a fantastic gift idea for any builder.

As this will allow them to look after their stuff, and get on with the job at hand with minimal fuss, and in a calm and relaxed manner.

So for a really high quality one for site work, check out the Veto Pro Pac open top tool bag.

As the open top design of this one means it's easy to carry around, and they can see where everything is and get easy access to it.

And it has tons of compartments and pockets that can house up to 50 hand tools, so they should be able to squeeze all the important stuff in!

12. A Cordless Impact Driver

Every builder and contractor will get plenty of use out of a cordless impact driver.

As these drivers help them to drill in screws quickly and effortlessly, saving them time, while also making life much easier on their hands and wrists.

So getting a builder an impact driver as a gift is always going to be a winner, and one that fits the bill is the Makita XDT15R1B cordless driver.

As this one is powerful and versatile, yet compact and light enough to carry around on site without any problems.

And it comes with a battery, charger, and carry case, making it a really attractive gift package.

13. A Magnetic Wristband To Hold Nails And Screws

Ok, so a third hand will probably trump any gift you could possibly get for a builder!

However until the day that the wonders of science make this a possibility, why not go for the next best thing instead, which is getting them a magnetic wristband.

As these wristbands can prove invaluable for builders, as they hold their screws and nails for them, while they have their hands full with other things.

And this is especially helpful when using an impact driver, or when working from ladders.

So getting a builder the Magnogrip magnetic wristband makes for a nice gift, and it's probably something they wouldn't have thought of getting for themselves either.

14. A Lightweight Stiletto Titanium Hammer

When you think of a builder, you probably imagine them with a hammer in their hand.

So why not get them an upgrade on their regular hammer by buying them a Stiletto titanium hammer as a gift.

As these hammers are much easier on their hands and forearms, as the titanium head means that no harmful vibrations are transferred to their arm when using one.

And they weigh much less than regular steel hammers too, so they'll be less likely to suffer from arm and hand fatigue.

They come in a wide range of sizes, handles, and head types, so choose one depending on their usual tasks and preferences.

But the Stiletto 16oz smooth face titanium hammer is a good example of one that is great for framing and finishing work.

15. A Pry Bar Set That Does The Job

If you are looking for a small stocking filler gift idea for a builder, then consider getting them a pry bar set.

As these are super versatile and useful tools to have around on site.

Allowing a builder to lever and lift heavy objects, pull out stubborn nails, and mate holes with the pointed tips.

So they'll definitely use these on a regular basis, and a good set to go for are the Dasco Pro 91 pry bars.

As they'll get 3 different length pry bars with this set, all with different styles to do slightly different jobs.

16. A Laser Level To Keep Them On The Straight And Narrow

Making sure things are level as they build them is a crucial aspect for pretty much every builder on a construction site.

And while spirit levels are great, there are more high-tech alternatives available now, such as laser levels.

These gadgets are amazing, as by setting them up where needed, they shine out a beam of light that gives you a perfectly level line to work to.

So no more relying on spirit levels, plumb bobs, or chalk lines, as these are far more accurate and easy to use.

And getting one of these as a gift for a builder is guaranteed to put a smile on their face, especially if they like their gadgets.

So for a really special gift, check out the Bosch 5-point laser level, as this one is capable of giving them accurate level lines in 5 directions simultaneously.

17. A Jobsite Radio To Pump Out The Tunes

Having music on in the background as they work can make life so much more pleasant for a builder, especially if they are working on their own.

As this will give them something to listen to and keep them entertained, and stop them going crazy!

And it always seems to make the working day go faster too, putting them in a good mood, and making it easier to get into a productive work flow.

So if you're looking for a gift for a builder that can replace the sound of silence, or drown out the whine of power tools, a jobsite radio is the one.

And a popular one that pumps out powerful tunes, and can withstand the dust, bumps, and hazards of being on a building site, is the Makita XRM05W jobsite radio.

18. A Cooler Box To Keep Their Food And Drink Fresh

Refueling with food and drink regularly during the day is super important for a builder, as this will keep their energy levels and spirits high.

However, when working outside during the warmer months, it can be hard to keep your drinks cool and your sandwiches fresh.

So a gift that can help them enjoy cold drinks and stop their food from going bad is to get them a cooler box.

As they can load these in the morning with their lunch and drinks for the day, and know they'll keep perfectly until they're ready to have them.

And my recommendation here is the Klein Tools tradesman cooler.

Because not only does it do a great job of keeping everything cool, it also doubles up as a seat for them to sit on while they're eating their cool and fresh sandwiches!

19. A Portfolio To Use When Quoting For New Jobs

A part of a contractor's job is to provide quotations for potential clients.

And when doing this you'll want to make a good impression to improve your chances of getting the work.

So while walking around with a pad and pen may get the job done, it just doesn't look very professional.

Which makes the Dewalt pro contractor's business portfolio such a cracking little gift.

As they'll look super classy and organised when walking in holding one of these.

And it contains everything they could possibly need when pricing up a job, such as a pen and paper, a calculator, a pocket to hold their business cards, and a small light for dark sites. 

20. A Construction Calculator For Easy Measurements And Estimations

Working out measurements, dimensions, conversions, and layouts can be a real pain in the backside when estimating and planning building jobs.

So a gift that a builder would really find useful is the Construction Master Pro calculator.

As this calculator will do all the heavy lifting for them, converting the various metrics and making planning things out on site so much easier.

Helping them to get things right, save on money and materials, and preventing any major headaches.

21. A Massage Gun To Work Out Those Tight Muscles

Construction work is tough on the body and many builders will come home after a hard day's graft full of aches and pains.

So it's important that they look after themselves to keep their bodies fit, strong and ready to go again the following day.

And this is where the TriggerPoint Impact massage gun can make for a top gift for them.

As this massage gun allows them to work out any tight muscles and muscle knots that have formed during the course of the day.

Which will help to relax them and also to keep their muscles healthy to prevent future injuries and pain.

22. A Pizza Cutter To Remind Them Of The Site

Another way for a builder to relax after a tough day on site is to kick back with a pizza and a couple of beers.

So the Pizza Boss circular saw pizza wheel is a fun little gift for them.

As not only does it help them to cut their pizza into perfect slices, it'll also remind them of the day job too!

23. A Tough And Durable Wallet For Work

Every builder and construction worker needs a wallet to keep their cash, cards and valuables safe as they work.

However, not every wallet is able to survive the tough and extreme conditions they can come into when being taken onto sites or kept in pockets as they work.

Which makes the Carhartt men's trifold wallet such a good gift idea for builders.

As this one is built to be super tough and durable, so it'll be a good companion for them and last for much longer than your average wallet.

24. A Novelty Construction Worker T-Shirt

T-shirts are nice and easy gifts to give and there are plenty of novelty designs aimed at builders and construction workers.

Featuring funny slogans and images of the job they love.

With one example I like being the funny construction worker t-shirt above, which taps into a common frustration among experienced builders.

25. A Builder's Mug To Enjoy Their Morning Coffee In

Many builders and constructions are very proud of what they do and also very confident in their own abilities.

So how about getting them a new coffee mug that taps into that self confidence while also poking a little fun at them.

As that is what you can do by gifting them the Rome Wasn't Built In A Day mug above.

And Don't Forget Those Thank You Gifts For Your Builder Or Contractor

Having work done on your home is always an unsettling and stressful time.

However, when you get a good builder or contractor they make the whole process so much easier.

As not only do you get the finish and quality of work that you are looking for, they will also be mindful to keep the noise, dust, and disruption down to a minimum while the work is going on.

So it's a really nice gesture to get them something for their troubles once the job is complete to thank them.

And this doesn't need to be anything expensive, as just the thought, consideration, and knowing that you're happy with their work will mean a lot to them. 

Beer

Construction can be thirsty work, and there's nothing better than getting home and cracking open a cold bottle of beer at the end of a long, hard day of grafting.

So why not treat your builder to a few of their favourite beers to help them to relax after all their hard work on your home.

As a case of cold beer from a happy customer is always going to be a nice thing to load onto your van as you are leaving a job.

Now any case of beer is likely to be appreciated, but if you want to get something a bit more special you could order them a mixed case of craft beers.

This way they get to try something new, and who knows, they may even discover a new favourite among the selection.

You can find some great craft beer gift options online at Honest Brew in the UK, and The Craft Beer Club in the US, that are perfect for saying thank you.

A nice bottle of wine or whisky

If you want a classier alternative to beer, a nice bottle of their favourite drink will also always be gratefully received at the end of a job.

And with builders you usually won't go too far wrong with a decent bottle of wine or whisky.

As they can enjoy this as a way of helping them unwind and bask in the glow of a job well done.

And it's also a gift they can share with their friends and family, which makes it a nice treat.

A gift card for something fun

As much as having building work done on your home is going to be tough for you, it's also hard work for your builder.

Because they have to stay on top of everything, overcome every unexpected problem that arises, keep the work running on schedule, and finish by a set deadline.

Which means they will probably end up doing more than their fair share of early mornings and late nights to stay on course and keep you happy.

Seeing less of their family than they'd like, and not having the time to enjoy themselves.

So a nice little gift to give them at the end of the job is a gift card to get away from all that hard work and do something fun.

This can be a gift card for the movies, for local restaurants, or whatever they are into.

That way they can treat themselves and their loved ones to a night out and some quality time together.

Which will be a nice way for you to thank not just your builder, but also their family, for all their hard work.

Cash in a thank you card

Now getting your builder a gift as a thank you will always be appreciated.

But there is one gift that absolutely everyone will love and find a use for and that is cash.

Because while this may feel like a bit of an uninspired and lazy gift, your contractor will love it as they can spend it on anything they want.

And when paired with a nice thank you card it becomes more personal, giving you the chance to express your appreciation.

So don't be frightened of giving a small cash gift to your builders on completion of a job well done.

Get the grub in on their last day

If you prefer not to give your builders an actual gift but still want to show your appreciation, another nice way to do this is to do something special on their last day on the job.

This works especially well if you have a large team of builders, and it's a lovely way for them and you to finish up and leave things on a happy note.

So on the last day of work why not order in some pizza or takeout food that you can all sit down and enjoy during their lunch break.

Or if you are handy in the kitchen you could cook them up a nice homemade feast instead.

This will be a lovely treat for your builders, and they'll definitely thank you for it.

But remember to not just limit this kindness to the last day of the job.

As regular cups of tea and coffee, along with some biscuits, cakes, and the occasional bacon buttie, will keep morale high and your builders wanting to do the best job they can for you.

So keep that kettle in play throughout!

Leave them a good review and recommend them to friends

Sometimes the best gifts you can give to someone are free, and this can also be the case for your builder.

Because leaving them a glowing testimonial online, or one they can use when they are promoting or advertising their business, can really help them.

As they rely on the power of word of mouth and a good reputation to keep the work flowing in.

So if you've had a good experience with your builder, don't be shy about letting the world know about it.

And recommend them to your friends and family when they need some building work to be done.

It's just a really nice thing to do, and your builder will love you for it.

Work is so much better and more fulfilling when you have a smile on your face.

So getting someone a gift that makes their working day more pleasant is a really great idea.

And for builders, the following gifts should help to keep their spirits high during even the toughest of days.

Rounding Up

Builders and contractors are hard workers, and as such deserve a little treat every now and then.

So I hope you've found something here that will be suitable for them.

Because each of these gift ideas for builders will help to improve their working life in some way.

Whether that is by keeping them warm and safe on site, or by giving them something that makes the job a little easier and more enjoyable.