10 Must Have Tools for the DIY-er and Home Décor Enthusiast

I always ask for practical gifts that support my hobbies and interests and of course, I’m a die-hard DIY-er. You may not ask for tools for birthdays and holidays, but I sure do. As a beginner, I found my arsenal was pretty limited and each DIY project I completed, tools were always a major factor. Once I had a few supplies built up, I found it much easier to complete projects without having to rig things.

Every girl needs a toolkit of her own if she’s ever going to get everything done. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting someone else to do the job, but if you can do it yourself and save time (and maybe even money) why not? So here’s your gift guide hint dropping list to your loved ones. Simply share via email or social media and take these items off your own shopping list. This list if for the average girl just getting started. As a beginner here’s what I find most helpful.

These items are my go-to tools for projects around the house. Life without them would just be tough. The links below are for your shopping convenience. If you make a purchase through the link I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.

10 Tools Every Beginning DIY-er and Home Decor Enthusiast Needs

1. Power Drill

You need to hang your drapes, photos, shelves with something and a screwdriver or hammer and nails just won’t do. Purchase a decent drill. My husband gave me the rundown of how to use his drill and I was hooked. No more waiting for him to hang stuff for me. This one is cordless which is always a win, and comes with drill bits which you’ll need.

2. Stud Finder

When you’re hanging stuff on the wall, you’ve got to be sure where your studs are. This handy stud finder will help you find them AND electrical lines to keep you safe.

3. Laser level

I admit I’ve hung a thing or two by just eyeballing it, but that’s not the way to go. Using a good level will ensure you hang the shelves just right.

4. Quality Paint Brushes

It goes without saying that you need paint brushes, but QUALITY paint brushes are key to professional-looking results. Using off-brand and dollar store paint brushes to do not yield the same results. To get you going you’ll need a 2-inch brush and an angled brush for cutting in.

5. Paint Sprayer

Anyone who’s rolled and brushed furniture knows it’s easy, but a little time-consuming. Cut your time by less than half by using a paint sprayer.

6. Electric Sander

You could get away with hand sanding or sanding blocks, but personally, I like quick. This sander is my favorite for quick jobs. Get the one that sucks up dust. Trust me, your hair will thank you.

7. Measuring Tape

You need to measure everything. Furniture, frames, placement, doorways, walls. Get a good measuring tape and keep it handy. I like to keep a second one in the glove compartment of my car just in case I need it while shopping.

8. Hot Glue Gun

Hot glue is life! You cannot be a self-respecting DIYer without this magic glue machine. It works on soooo many different applications. You can use a mini cheap one for a while, but eventually, you need to graduate to a big girl gun.

9. Staple Gun

Staple guns are great for small upholstery projects and quick fixes. Recover a bench or chair in minutes with a decent staple gun.

10. Craft Caddy

And finally, you need a good carrier to keep up with all your goodies. For those who don’t have a full craft room, here’s your first step to keeping your small tools and art supplies on the go. It doesn’t hold everything, but it holds a lot. I love this caddy for on-the-go decorating at events and carrying around the house when I’m working in different rooms. I don’t put my tools in this (just things like scissors, glue sticks, command stips etc.

11. Miter Saw

So I asked for a Miter Saw for Mother’s Day and had to add this one to the list making it 11.  it was the BEST.GIFT. EVER! There are so many projects you can do when you have the ability to make angled cuts. So far I’ve installed baseboards in the kitchen, made frames and several other small projects around the house. You NEED this saw in your life!

If no one gets these for you…you still need them! So catch a few sales and add them to your beginner toolkit.  These are very small investments you won’t regret making.