As the holidays approach, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts. Everyone likes receiving thoughtful gifts, and contractors are no different. General Contractor License Guide wants to help by giving you gift options for your favorite general contractor or builder.
We know better than most what contractors appreciate, so we’re listing contractor gifts in different categories that are sure to be a hit.
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In a hurry? Here are our favorites.
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Top Pick
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Funniest Gift
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Best for the Whole Crew
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$79.99
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$19.95
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$97.69
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Why We Like It:
Functional, useful, and OSHA approved, these provide both entertainment and ear protection.
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Why We Like It:
This will make any contractor laugh with its rebellious attitude toward the old addage "measure twice, cut once."
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Why We Like It:
Not only will the whole crew love being treated to their favorite frothy beverages, but your GC will love having such a nice cooler.
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Gifts for Builders
Some of these are hokey while others are practical, but they are all things that your contractor likely doesn’t have yet.
Everyone who works with drill bits, nails, screws, and pencils knows that finding the one you need when you need it can be challenging. This wristband supports your wrist and has a broad magnetic surface and a few pockets to keep things on hand — literally.
You don’t have to figure out how to hold a flashlight, a screw, and a drill at the same time anymore! This pair of gloves is fingerless and features LED lights attached to both gloves, making tasks easier to see and do. Shed some light on the subject!
Job sites can be very loud, but you still need to be able to talk on the phone. You maybe like listening to music while working, too. Accomplish both tasks with these noise-reducing earplug headphones. They’re OSHA-compliant and waterproof, so they’re appropriate even for outdoor jobs.
Lifting, bending, and stretching can make muscles sore. This portable unit can be used anywhere to relieve pain. It’s rechargeable using a standard USB cord (included) and small enough to fit in a pocket.
Working on your feet all day can take a toll, especially if you don’t have good insoles in your shoes or boots. A pair of good insoles is an inexpensive gift that can really help your builder’s feet, legs, back, and hips. There are dozens of choices, but we like these from Copper Fit because they're unisex and are made to absorb impact while staying ventilated.
Things can break easily on job sites, and you don’t want a phone to be one of them. Do you know what kind of phone your contractor has? Consider buying a Lifeproof phone case so they can keep talking and conducting business with their phone. Prices vary by phone model and the case’s ruggedness.
Almost every building job requires some strange shapes that need to be cut, and a contour gauge is a handy tool to make these cuts easier. They come in different sizes but this one from Saker is pretty standard and very common.
Construction isn’t an easy job, and backs can get hurt. One way to help that problem is wearing a back brace. They support your back and prevent you from moving in some directions to reduce the risk of further harm. There are several possible styles depending on where their pain point is. You can choose an upper back or lower back brace or one that supports your entire back like the one in the photo. Most use adjustable fasteners for a secure fit.
Customizable Contractor Gifts
Personalization lets your contractor or builder know that you bought a gift just for them. These often require extended processing times, so be sure to start early so you’ll receive the item in time for your gift-giving occasion.
This insulated stainless steel tumbler with a lid displays a tool design and has space for a name or other text. Customize it further by choosing a color, a larger size, or adding a stainless-steel straw.
Have a bobblehead made to look like your favorite builder. Just supply a photo and some preferences, and you’ll have a customized bobblehead figurine that’s sure to please. Delivery times are extended since these items are made to order, so place your order early! You can find them on Amazon and also on Etsy.
Cold Weather Gear
One of the disadvantages of being a builder or contractor is that you still have to work outside regardless of cold weather. Keep them warm with these gift ideas.
Instead of having a separate face mask, beanie, and scarf, these clever one-piece balaclavas cover your head, face, and neck while leaving your vision clear. They’re available in different weights for varying temperatures, and many provide UV protection as well. They are a simple (and cheap) gift but they can make all the difference on those chilly mornings.
Regular gloves might keep hands warm, but they’re not easy to work in. Builders and general contractors need to work with their hands in harsh conditions, so a pair of insulated work gloves makes a great gift. They are waterproof to protect against snow or rain, and even allow you to use touchscreens while wearing them.
Heavy jackets keep your top half warm, but your legs deserve some warmth too. Insulated coveralls or overalls keep you nice and cozy while providing pockets and flexibility. These can get pricey, but the options we've linked to here from Dickies will do the job and do it well without breaking the bank.
Don’t forget about your feet! Work boots can help, but thermal socks add a lot more warmth. We recommend these merino wool socks for both comfort and breathability.
Insulated gloves can keep hands warm, but why not use hand warmers during breaks to break the chill? You can buy packages of disposable hand warmers or choose rechargeable sets. These aren’t expensive, and you can be sure they’ll be appreciated when it’s cold outside.
In exceptionally cold climates, a heated vest can really help your builder withstand the elements. They have multiple heat settings and use USB charging cables. This can really take their comfort up a notch when out on those job sites early in the morning. Take note that the battery is not included with this one so you will want to pick up a battery pack with it.
Cool Gadgets for Contractors
Contractors tend to either have a lot of gadgets or none at all, depending on their style. But here are a few that most will get excited about.
This self-leveling laser has a pivoting magnetic base and a bright green beam that’s visible up to 100 feet away. This gadget makes all kinds of tasks more manageable, especially for contractors or builders who need fast and accurate results.
Many people enjoy a fresh cup of coffee any time of day. If your contractor is on a job site, they may not think it’s possible — but it is! You can find several kinds of single-serve coffee makers to take with you. Some choices plug into an electrical outlet, but there are also cordless and USB-powered options. Try the CONQUECO Portable Coffee Maker if you’re looking for versatility. You’ll get a rechargeable coffee maker, a carrying bag, a car charger, and a wall charger. Best of all, you’ll get a single serving of fresh, hot coffee in no time!
Do you want an all-in-one option to make a cup of coffee in about two minutes? If there’s a source for hot water nearby, grab a WACACO Pipamoka single-serve coffee maker, add your favorite grounds, and sip away. The reusable stainless-steel filter makes cleanup a breeze.
Gift Baskets for General Contractors and Builders
Set a budget and theme for your gift basket, then select a few items from this gift guide to fill it. Rather than using an actual basket, use a lunchbox, tool organizer, or cooler instead. Be creative, and have fun!
This sturdy WORKPRO 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag has a waterproof base, multiple pockets, and two carrying options. Does your contractor have to carry lots of tools or have trouble finding them? The large capacity and organizational features make this a great gift. Or fill it up with snacks, carpenter pencils, and a handy gadget or two and you've got a fine contractor gift basket.
Does your contractor carry several tools along with buckets of supplies around, wishing they had more hands? Give them a Bucket Boss. This tool organizer fits over a standard 5-gallon bucket, providing several pockets on the outside for tools while allowing room on the inside of the bucket to carry more. Fill it with goodies before delivery and they might just make that last-minute change you requested.
With this selection, you’ll have three layers to fill with drinks, food, meds, or other necessities. You can fold it, expand it, and put ice or freezer packs in it. Each section has a sturdy zipper, so you won’t be searching through the entire box for that must-have cookie.
Ice packs are a great addition to any gift basket for a construction worker, whether you use a lunchbox as your container or not. They’re inexpensive and very handy.
Builders use pencils for marking every day. Add a few of these RevMark carpenter pencils with rulers to a gift basket or use them as stocking stuffers. You’re sure to get high marks! They're inexpensive and there are several to choose from, but we like these that double as a ruler for quick measurements.
Every builder or contractor and his crew enjoy a cold beverage at the end of the day. This soft cooler from RTIC is high quality and they'll love it no matter what's inside. Fill it with a case of beer or sports drinks and it will make for a much-appreciated gift basket for a general contractor. Don't forget ice!
Everyone uses electronics these days and contractors are always on the go. Phones and tablets have long-lasting batteries, but constant use can drain them before the end of a workday. A portable power bank can provide enough power to finish the day. You can get this high-quality Anker charger for a great price.
Working hands can crack, blister, and peel, making it difficult to keep working. This hand cream is specially formulated to provide relief. The company claims it’s the #1 hand cream in America, and it has a 4.5-star rating from almost 80,000 reviews. Best of all, it’s inexpensive and makes a great gift basket or stocking stuffer.
It’s sometimes difficult to stop and eat a meal when job deadlines are looming, but that doesn’t mean hunger goes away. Add some snacks to a gift basket. When you're wandering around your home build in the off hours, look in the dumpster. You just might see some wrappers of the crew's favorite snacks. Buy those!
Do you enjoy baking or making candy? Do you knit or crochet some really cool scarves, beanies, or gloves? These items give a personal touch that almost anyone would appreciate. And even if the GC doesn't like your cooking, they're sure to like this canvas bucket that is extremely useful on a job site.
Funny Gifts for Builders and General Contractors
For the builder or contractor with a sense of humor, consider mugs or t-shirts with funny messages.
Helpful hint: if you’re not sure they’ll think it’s humorous, it’s probably not a great idea.
This mug is sure to make them laugh, and unfortunately, it's probably all too true. Pair it with our on-the-go coffee maker and you've got a great and unique gift.
We've all met contractors or subcontractors who are super busy, often too busy to sit and chat. Plus a lot of them are more quiet or solitary by nature. This is the perfect t-shirt for those more reclusive builder types.
If your special contractor is the outgoing type, they might really like this funny t-shirt. It definitely draws more attention and could be a great conversation starter.
We've all heard the phrase "measure twice, cut once." We certainly hope that our builders live by that edict. This funny shirt plays on that phrase and would make any builder or contractor chuckle.
Nobody said that contractors have to be good spellers. If your contractor can handle being made fun of a little, this is a good fit for them.
Gifts to Make the Paperwork Easier
You may not be able to do the paperwork for them, but you can provide a gift that might help them with it.
Even with so much technology available, many contractors like to use pen and paper. This convenient zippered portfolio includes a calculator, flex light, and organizer pockets.
General contractors often conduct their business on the go, and phones sometimes just don’t cut it. A tablet makes several tasks easier while being small enough to carry around. There are cheaper options, but cheaper isn't always better. We like this simple Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 tablet. Don’t forget to add a protective case and a screen protector!
There are times when you need to print a contract, bid, or other kinds of important documents on the spot. Most have wireless Bluetooth capability, so your builder or contractor can use their phones or new tablet to generate these documents. Here is a middle-of-the-road one on Amazon. Like many electronics, prices can vary widely but we like this one to handle the basics.
What Is a Good Gift for a Contractor?
Whether you’re looking for gifts for loved ones, co-workers, or you just want to show your builder that you appreciate them, it can be hard coming up with good ideas. You may want your gift to make them laugh, make their work easier, touch their hearts, or just bring a smile to their faces.
One of the best ways you could show appreciation for your contractor would be to deliver lunch to him and his whole crew on the job site. Perhaps they’ve finished up your house and have moved on to the next, but you can still deliver food there.
A gift basket full of goodies and gift cards or a cooler full of cold beer at the end of the day could also do the trick.
When you’re going through ideas, think about the person to whom you’ll give the gift. Do they have a good sense of humor? Do they like gadgets? Can you think of gifts that might make their job easier? Try to find a gift that fits their personality and needs. And remember, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on gifts for the recipient to appreciate them.
Priceless Gifts That Cost Only Time
You can show your favorite builder or general contractor that you appreciate them without spending a dime. Leave favorable reviews and referrals online, and tell your friends to give them a call if they need to have work done. Your time can translate into more jobs for them, which is a great gift.
Gifts for Contractor Dad (or Mom)
When your mom or dad is a contractor, you probably know what they have, what they like, and what they’d enjoy getting better than most people. Use this guide to jumpstart your brainstorming.
If you can, create a treasure hunt for your parent. Hide their gifts around the house and write down clues so they can find his next gift. It can be lots of fun and add to the excitement of the occasion. It might even be an appropriate time to break out your video camera to record the hunt!
Are You Still Trying to Choose the Best Contractor Gift?
Hopefully, you’ve found a suitable present for your builder or general contractor in our gift guide. If not, maybe one of our suggestions can inspire something similar. If you’re genuinely stumped, give a gift card.
The great thing about gift cards is that you’re giving the recipient a gift of their choosing. This is an excellent option if you’re not sure which tools your favorite builder or contractor has or if you want to provide a massage or a meal at a nice restaurant.
Select a generic gift card that can be used anywhere (VISA or Mastercard) or one with a specific use (Amazon, Lowe’s, or a particular massage therapist or restaurant.) You can choose the amount on gift cards to suit your budget. In most cases, you can buy tangible gift cards or have them delivered by e-mail.
MORE GIFT GUIDES