Buying gifts is always a fun yet challenging experience. Getting someone something they will actually use and like really puts on the pressure! Striking a balance between useful and fun is often where the sweet spot lies. And when you’re shopping for someone in a skilled trade like welding, you’ve got some great options that could go either way.
How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Your Welder
Is there a special person in your life who happens to be a welder? If so, you need this handy gift guide to get you through the holiday season and beyond.
The perfect gift is going to depend on the welder’s personality and preferences. It’s important to know if your welder is more interested in funny or practical gifts so you can choose what’s best for them. So ask yourself a few questions before reading ahead on this guide:
- Is the welder in my life a beginner or have they been in the business for a while?
- Does he/she get a kick out of funny (and sometimes awkward) gifts?
- Is this a person who tends to like gifts that are more practical to save them money or that are more entertaining to make them smile?
Once you’ve narrowed down the interests of your welder, we’ve put together a gift guide that should take care of the rest!
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Need a gift in a hurry? Here are our favorites.
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Description: Why we like it: What's a welder without the classic helmet? Every welder needs one, and probably even a couple. This is a great gift for the welder just starting out on their career as well as the experienced welder who could use a spare. |
Description: Why we like it: Everyone will get the joke (and be singing the song in their head). Plus we like the graphics and it's a useful gift, too! |
Description: Why we like it: Your welder can never have too many hats, and this one is just a little more thoughtful since you've taken the time to personalize it with their name. Plus no one else on the job site will try to steal it! |
Why we like it: What's a welder without the classic helmet? Every welder needs one, and probably even a couple. This is a great gift for the welder just starting out on their career as well as the experienced welder who could use a spare.
Why we like it: Everyone will get the joke (and be singing the song in their head). Plus we like the graphics and it's a useful gift, too!
Why we like it: Your welder can never have too many hats, and this one is just a little more thoughtful since you've taken the time to personalize it with their name. Plus no one else on the job site will try to steal it!
Practical Welding Gifts
While giving funny or sentimental gifts to your cherished welders is exciting, sometimes they need more practical gifts, especially if this is the beginning of their career.
If your welder is new to the game, you might want to help supply some equipment to help out. These fire-resistant, leather welding gloves could definitely come in handy for your MIG, Stick, or TIG welder. They’re made from kevlar-insulated cotton with air-isolated aluminum foil for maximum safety. The insides are soft cotton for maximum comfort.
These gloves are available in both 14” and 16” versions. We recommend the 16” length to provide maximum forearm safety with the heat-resistant, wear-resistant, puncture-resistant, cut-resistant, and oil-resistant outer leather.
If the welder in your life is a TIG welder, this welding rod holder may be a great gift. The 7” long holder has an ergonomic grip that allows your special welder to work longer before tiring. The TIG welder can lock the rod into the roller system, then use one finger to move the feeder roller. The TIG rod comes out, ready to be welded from the right distance.
This welding helmet not only protects your favorite welder’s head and face from flying sparks and metal shards, but it also allows the welder to see what’s going on with their work using the auto-darkening feature. The helmet comes in several different designs, including bright black, lightning, fire female, bald eagle, and cyberpunk.
This welding apron is both heat and flame-resistant, protecting your welder’s body from the work that’s being done. It’s made of split cowhide, making it especially durable. It has six pockets, including one for a phone and one for a pencil or soapstone. This is a great starter apron, with lots of storage options.
Welders may use angle grinders more than they use their welding machines. If you’re not familiar with angle grinders, they’re used to cut, polish, and clean metal. Your welder likely uses a corded angle grinder for long-term use, but this cordless version could be handy for smaller jobs.
Every welder needs a good chipping hammer to break up any slag that forms during the welding process. This hammer was forged in one piece, which is a great way to make tools that last. It has a patented shock-reduction grip that reduces vibrations from impact by 70%. It’s made in the U.S. with American steel.
Modern Welding is the textbook of choice for any beginning welder. It contains information on just about every type of welding your favorite welder may need to know. It’s completely in line with the American Welding Society SENSE program, which is “a comprehensive set of minimum Standards and Guidelines for Welding Education programs.”
Thoughtful Gifts for Welders
While your welder may seem big and tough, they probably have a softer side too. And everyone appreciates a thoughtful gift from the heart. Here are a few ideas that can show them just how much you care.
This soft, cozy blanket with a mink front and Sherpa back features pictures of a welder at work running up the sides. In the middle is a heartfelt letter to your welder dad. It will help him feel like you're giving him a giant hug, even if you can't be together in person.
A great stocking stuffer or part of a gift basket, this Playmobil welder comes with all the necessary welding gear, including a face mask and apron. It features welding tools, a folding table to repair, and blueprints of how the table is supposed to be put together. Playmobil advertises it for ages four to ten, but welders of all ages will get a kick out of having this displayed on a shelf.
This belt buckle proudly proclaims that its wearer is a welder, complete with images of welding equipment. The antique silver-colored buckle fits on belts up to 1.5” wide. It’s not too big, so it doesn’t pinch when your number one welder is wearing it. It's a great gift for someone who is proud of their profession but prefers to go a little understated.
If your particular welder is a LEGO fan, this mini figure is a must-have stocking stuffer or gift basket item. The LEGO welder comes with a removable welding helmet and welding tools. The welder parts are interchangeable with all other LEGO pieces. It stands about 2” tall, the same as other LEGO people. It would be great on a shelf or to have around when kids come into the office.
This dog tag-shaped, stainless steel keychain is meant to inspire by including the welder’s prayer. If the welder in your life feels like welding is more like a calling than a job, this is for them. It comes in a velvet bag, ready to go into your well-loved welder’s stocking this Christmas or slid into their hand on their birthday.
Personalized Welder Gifts
There’s nothing better than a personalized gift to mark a special event. These are perfect for occasions both big and small. Choose one to commemorate a milestone in your most-liked welder’s career, or just because.
This Christmas ornament shows a welder hard at work and you can add a personalized touch with their name and the year. Each ornament comes in a gift box. If you employ welders, this would be a great present to give them to show your appreciation for their hard work all year. If it's not Christmas time, this could also be turned into something that can be hung in a window or on a rearview mirror.
These five different styles of keychains can be personalized with your best-liked welder’s name. There are a variety of styles and images to choose from. The keychains are made of wood or acrylic plexiglass, and they measure approximately two inches square. They’re proudly made in the U.S.
This wall clock could really take the office decor up a notch. It is made from a vinyl record and has a very vintage look to it. It’s cut to show a welder at work with the face guard in place. The clock face is a sticker to help it stay lightweight on your wall. Make sure you order early; depending on where in the world you’re located, it could take 13 to 17 days to get this to you.
This gray baseball cap shows a welder on the front. You can personalize it with the name of your particular welder across the bill of the cap. It features breathable mesh sides and a snapback adjustment so the cap will fit almost any adult.
Funny Welder Gifts
If your favorite welder has a great sense of humor, you may want to consider these funny gifts. They’re perfect for any occasion, like Christmas, birthdays, graduation from welding school, and completing an apprenticeship.
Who doesn’t love getting a pair or two of socks in their stocking on Christmas morning? These judgy socks are thick and comfortable, hitting mid-calf, and perfect for wearing under welding boots. It comes with two pairs of black socks with the judgmental phrase carefully hidden on the bottom of the feet so their secret is safe with them; unless of course they choose to judge out loud! These socks are available in unisex sizes 4 to 13.
This long-sleeved t-shirt with a skull in the middle is a fun (and slightly edgy) play on words for the welder in your life. It’s available in 5 different colors and a variety of adult sizes.
If vintage is more their style, this t-shirt features a multi-colored welder surrounded by an ode, a la Louis Armstrong. Welder and Louis Armstrong aren't usually found in the same sentence, but trust us when we say that it totally works! It’s available in ten different colors and a large range of men's, women's, and children's sizes. Grab some for the whole family!
This funny crew-neck t-shirt is perfect for the quieter welder in your group. It's not as in-your-face with its message but still a little tongue-in-cheek, which will make them smile. Available in men’s and women’s sizes from Small to 3X-Large, this t-shirt is available in five colors.
For a more experienced welder, this black coffee mug highlights the amazing work they're able to do with just a few simple tools. They'll love that.
This white ceramic coffee mug has the perfect phrase for a new apprentice welder, a welding school graduate, or a welder who just got a new job. show them how proud of them you are with this simple but funny gift. To make it even more convenient, it’s both microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Maybe the welder in your life needs a little stress relief. Inside this adult coloring book you’ll find beautiful mandalas to soothe your preferred welder’s mind combined with funny quotes about welders. Add some fine-tipped markers, colored pencils, or watercolor paints for your welder to have the complete coloring experience.
Welding Gift Ideas for Her
If your much-loved welder happens to be female, there are a host of gifts designed just for her. From t-shirts to notebooks, you can find a special present for your special welder.
This 110-page paperback journal is great for taking notes about jobs, projects, or tips in welding classes. Make her laugh and give her a useful gift all at the same time with this one. Pair with some nice pens and you'll have a great gift at a very reasonable price.
This cheeky t-shirt is perfect for any female welders in your life. It boldly declares, “I know I weld like a girl. Try to keep up.” This shirt is available in 10 different colors in men’s, women’s, and kids' sizes from X-Small to 3X-Large. Getting one for each member of the family would be a great show of support for the strong female welder in your life.
This funny welding t-shirt is a perfect gift for any female welder you might know who may have been told to pick up a nice feminine hobby, like quilting or counted cross stitching. It’s a black, short-sleeved, crew neck t-shirt that comes in sizes from Medium to 3X-Large in unisex sizing.
If she has enough t-shirts, this same colorful design found on this t-shirt is also available on hoodies, tank tops, phone cases, totes, and throw pillows.
This heavy, titanium steel necklace perfectly mimics the quintessential welding helmet. While we put it in the “welding gift ideas for her” category, it’s also great for men who like to wear necklaces. The pendant is about an inch long and hangs from a heavy chain, making it a solid piece.
Last Tips for Picking Good Gifts for Welders
The easiest way to pick good gifts for your much-loved welders is to ask them what kind of things they most want or need. Here are a few other guidelines for picking good gifts:
- Give problem-solvers. If your welder friend has a sore neck and shoulders from long hours of welding, give the gift of an amazing massage. If the welder you love is saving up for a bigger piece of equipment, contribute to that fund or buy it for them.
- Nix the flashy in favor of the long-lasting. Don’t buy the cheapest welding helmet you can find for your beloved welder who’s just starting out. Pitch in on a higher-quality helmet that provides more functionality and protection and looks cool, too.
- Buy the best in class. Whatever type of gift you’re giving, make it the best one of its kind. A Swiss Army Knife will last far longer than the cheap version that has more parts but sticks whenever you try to open it.
- Giving great gifts takes practice, but even if all you do is ask what’s on their Christmas list this year, and then buy one of those things, you’ll stand head and shoulders above Santa himself. With some time, attention, forethought, (and this list) you can become one of the best gift-givers your favorite welder knows.
Related: Welding Schools and Careers by State
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