Cool Presents for Guys

Hello, this is Mr. Montebello Mom guest writing today’s blog post.  I received some positive feedback on my “Stocking Stuffers for Guys” article, so I decided to do one on presents for those special guys in your life.  For this list, I have kept the prices of the entry level units between $25 and $120 so that a nice present will not break the bank.  So forget the neckties and cardigans and check out my list of Cool Guy Presents.

Knives!

tactical knives: very manly!

The clothes might make the man, but a good knife makes him even manlier.  Every guy should have at least one good quality all-around pocket knife.  My personal preference is a “tactical knife”: a folding knife with locking blade and a pocket clip.  Don’t settle for some “Made in China” knife; get a good brand-name like Benchmade, SOG, Gerber, Spyderco, Case, Victorinox, Kershaw or Buck.  The best local place to get a quality knife is Ross Cutlery, located at 310 S. Broadway in Downtown L.A. Or check out Smoky Mountain Knife Works (www.smkw.com), a reputable on-line dealer of fine cutlery. Expect to pay between $50-120 for a good piece. 

Lowes has this unit for $80

Cordless Drills

Black and Decker (B&D) makes some of the best units.  Look for at least 12 volts, and a kit that comes with a removable battery and separate charger instead of the charger that plugs directly into the drill.  Lowes has an 18 volt B&D unit that comes with 2 batteries, a charger and a bag for under $80. 

sears.com unit for $85

Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners.

Great for cleaning up after projects, or sucking up the water in the bathroom floor after your toddler stuffed the toilet with grocery bags and flushed it 5 times.  Lowes has a 16 gallon, 6.5 hp. Shop-Vac unit for $109.  If you are looking for something smaller; Sears has a 6 gallon, 2.5hp unit for under $40.

Sale: $100 mechanic's tool set at Sears

Hand Tools

When it comes to quality hand tools, Sears’ Craftsman is the best you can get at the retail level.  Most are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty.  Every guy should have at least a basic “mechanic’s set” with wrenches, screwdrivers and a socket set.  This week (12/4/11) Sears has a 154pc set for $100 and a 182pc set for $140.  Both come with a tool box.

Portable Tool Boxes

3-drawer steel tool chest $79

Guys have tools, and we need a place to put them and keep them organized.  Sears has this 3-drawer steel unit for under $70.  Similar unit in plastic goes for about $50. Lowes has a great unit for about $30.

Harbor Freight Tools

My dad calls them the “cheap tool store”.  Although I usually don’t purchase their hand tools for everyday use, this is a great place to get specialty tools that will only be used for one or two projects.  I have been impressed by their product variety and value for your money.  The closest one is located at 3660 E Foothill Blvd in Pasadena, or online at www.harborfreight.com.  Check the Sunday paper coupons for an insert full of specials at the store, like an air compressor for under $40. 

Hopefully this list will help you pick a great present for the special guys in your life.  Remember: giving him power tools is a great way to encourage your guy to do that project you’ve been waiting for.  If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact us at montebellomom@gmail.com  Happy Shopping!