As AI tools continue to rise in popularity, it’s easy to forget the satisfaction of using something that doesn’t need an update or a prompt to help you get things done. I’m talking about tools. They’re simple and rugged, and they don’t make things needlessly complicated. And now that the holidays are approaching, these tools can help you tackle projects you didn’t finish over the summer (or, let’s be real, two summers ago).

If you’re shopping for someone who would rather read a repair manual than scroll through a social media feed, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up options ranging from a long-lasting cast-iron skillet to a versatile multitool that’s useful for numerous tasks. There are also tools for tinkering with gadgets, like iFixit’s comprehensive Manta Driver Kit and CanaKit’s Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit Pro. Other tools we include can help you to improve your fitness or write and read on a tablet that’s free of incessant notifications.

How much do you want to spend?

$13

Crumbs don’t stand a chance on your keyboard with OXO’s laptop cleaner. The double-sided tool has a retractable soft brush that gets into tiny crevices to sweep away dust, and the microfiber pad can remove fingerprints and smudges on screens. I’ve been using one for the past few years, and it’s great for quickly tidying up after a long day of clacking away.

$37

Hoto’s rechargeable screwdriver is great for making small repairs. It features three torque modes with a rotational speed of up to 220rpm, as well as a circular LED for illuminating dark spaces. The durable case holds all 25 steel bits and an extension bar for getting into hard-to-reach places.

$37

Few tools in the kitchen are more versatile than a cast-iron skillet. You can sear a steak, roast veggies, and fry an egg, all with the same pan. It can be used on the stove or in the oven, and the more you use it, the better it gets, developing a seasoned surface that adapts to your cooking needs.

$90

Leatherman’s Skeletool CX comes with a 25-year warranty and all the basics you need for everyday use. The convenient multitool conceals a sturdy steel blade, a pair of pliers, and a large bit driver within its compact build, which easily slides into your pocket. It’s the kind of gadget that proves you don’t need every tool under the sun just to get the job done.

$14

The Thorvald carpenter pencil is a simple upgrade for a woodshop or jobsite. The bright orange body is easy to spot, and the built-in sharpener keeps lead ready for making marks. It can write on wood and metal, and it includes yellow leads for writing on darker surfaces. Plus, it features a removable finger grip, making it easier to mark in deeper holes.

$25

This Escali Primo digital scale is a trusty kitchen helper for making precise measurements. It measures in grams, ounces, and pounds, with 1g precision up to 11lb. The sealed, two-button control panel means you don’t have to worry about spills, while the scale’s compact design makes it easy to store.

$44

With a sharp rotating blade, Worx’s electric scissors make light work of tougher materials, including quarter-inch plastic, fabric, leather, and cardboard. A safety switch ensures it doesn’t unintentionally turn on, too, while a blade guard can help prevent an unwanted trip to the emergency room.

$70

The Manta Driver Kit is iFixit’s most comprehensive set, perfect for building PCs, taking apart radios, and maintaining road bikes. It features a wide assortment of precision driver bits — 112 in total — including your standard Phillips and flathead, but it also includes pentalobes and gamebits.

$100

BioLite’s versatile lighting kit comes with six hangable bulbs and six “hammer-proof” stakes, so you can set the ambiance at your campsite or even illuminate a workspace. The included solar-powered charging case can recharge each bulb twice, providing extended use when you’re off the grid, and each weatherproof bulb provides up to 20 hours of continuous use per charge.

$160

The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit Pro includes an 8GB RAM circuit board, a case with cooling components, and a 128GB microSD card. You can do a lot with this platform, like create a custom media server and emulate retro consoles.

$36

The Thrunite Archer 2A C is a powerful flashlight that’s about the size of a Sharpie. It supports five different modes, from firefly (0.3 lumens) to high (1,018 lumens). It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 27 days, and can work with two AA batteries as a backup.

$50

With just 30 minutes per day, this kettlebell from Rep Fitness can get you into the best shape of your life. It has a sturdy handle and features a textured matte finish that won’t slip out of your hands. Each one is also marked in both kilograms and pounds, making it easy to follow your favorite program.

$53

Megapro’s ratcheting driver offers a 28-tooth ratchet capable of putting out 225 inch-pounds of torque, making it suitable for tough jobs. It also features a durable, rubberized handle and a retractable rear cartridge that can hold six double-sided bits, fit for assembling furniture and numerous other tasks.

$148

The DeWalt 12V cordless drill / driver offers a great balance of power and portability, making it suited for heavy-duty jobs. At just 5.97 inches and less than 2 pounds, it manages to pack a brushless motor, two-speed transmission, 15 clutch settings, and a 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck for versatile bit use.

$179

These are among the best open-ear headphones for outdoor workouts. They rest on your cheekbones, delivering great bass and AI-powered noise cancellation, keeping your ears open to hear your surroundings. Their thin earhooks make them feel secure and comfortable — even if you wear glasses.

$80

The GooLoo GP4000 is something you’ll hopefully never need. But if your car’s battery ever goes kaput, the portable jump starter (that doubles as a gadget charger) can help bring it back to life with a surge of 4,000 amps — no tow truck needed. There’s even a boost button for batteries that are truly dead.

$269

EcoFlow’s midrange River 3 Plus is a great backup solution for emergencies and outdoor use, particularly when paired with an optional solar panel. The 268Wh generator delivers 600W of total output and features seven outlets — including a 140W USB-C port — for uninterrupted power to laptops, space heaters, and other small electronics.

$299

With up to 180mph at your fingertips, Ego Power’s 56V blower can easily shove aside wet leaves and grass clumps for up to 90 minutes per charge. The variable trigger and dial lock let you cruise between 225 to 500CFM, while a turbo button gives you a boost up to 650CFM.

$679

The Remarkable Paper Pro is the rare device that doesn’t distract you with apps or algorithms, allowing you to focus on doing your best work. It has an 11.8-inch color display and an adjustable reading light, and it offers a smooth writing experience thanks to the included Marker Plus pen, which has a built-in eraser.

$749

The Anker EverFrost 2 is a rugged, 58L dual-zone electric cooler that chills from -4–68 degrees Fahrenheit. It features three cooling modes (Max, Eco, and Smart), plus a retractable handle and wheels, making it easier to tow. You can recharge it with a wall outlet, solar panel, car port, or USB-C.

$25

Franklin Sensors’ 12-inch light level blends classic bubbles with a smart light system that turns green when perfectly level. The LEDs are visible from nearly any angle and in dim spaces, making night RV leveling or crawlspace work more manageable. A magnetic edge steadies it on metal, while the compact build is easy for one-hand use.

$18

This 20-piece DeWalt bit set covers the essentials without complicating your kit. The sturdy case has a clear lid and a bit bar that holds each piece in place, so you can see and grab the right bit without digging around. The magnetic drive guide helps keep screws steady so they’re easier to start.

$80

Soldering can be intimidating for beginners, but iFixit’s FixHub smart soldering iron makes it simple. It quickly heats up fast via USB-C, and packs safety features like a heat-resistant magnetic storage cap, an LED warning light, and motion sensors to automatically shut off if it falls from your hand. You can also adjust the iron’s temperature settings via your laptop or the Android app.

$80

Anker’s compact Prime Power Bank is a wall charger that doubles as a portable battery, delivering a total output of up to 65W through its two USB-C ports. At home, you can leave it plugged in like a standard wall charger. Hit the road, though, and the 9,600mAh battery can simultaneously power your phone and laptop or other gadgets.

$100

Keychron’s V1 Max is an excellent entry-level mechanical keyboard. It offers hot-swappable switches, web-based programming, and gasket-mount construction. We like the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, but the beauty of mechanical keyboards is that you can customize them to find the perfect typing experience.

$139

The Trmnl (OG) is an ambient E Ink display that taps into a powerful community of plugins. You can use prebuilt plugins to show info like the weather, your calendar, and to-do lists, or you can build a completely custom dashboard tailored to your needs. There are no apps to install, and the 7.5-inch device’s battery can last up to six months on a single charge.

Credits

Photographer, photo editor: Amelia Holowaty Krales

Art director and designer: Cath Virginia

Creative director: Kristen Radtke

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

• Brandon Russell