NEW BRITAIN, CT – Tools are clearly one of the best gift ideas this holiday season, as evidenced by economic trends show that homeowners are ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle remodeling projects in 2013. Home improvement spending is projected to reach a thirty year high1 – combine that with the average homeowner willing to take on projects themselves and you’ve found the perfect gift item this year.

Danny Lipford, host of Today’s Homeowner TV Show, couldn’t agree more. “No matter where you look, new home stats are up and remodeling activity is underway with people either hiring contractors to get it done, or doing it themselves. This holiday season is an ideal time to purchase a practical gift for a new homeowner or an enthusiastic DIY-er looking to make their home more beautiful,” said Lipford. That’s why Lipford, a veteran remodeling contractor and long standing TV show host, recommends his top five favorite gift ideas for 2013.

“Everyone knows that kitchen and bath upgrades offer the best return on investment in your home,” said Lipford. In fact, next year homeowners will likely be focused on two key areas – updating kitchens and baths2, and making energy efficient upgrades like replacing windows and siding. Homeowners should feel confident undertaking common projects ranging from replacing drywall to installing a new bathroom cabinet to mounting new interior doors and more. How-To Experts like Danny can help educate and inspire homeowners to feel the satisfaction of doing some of these projects themselves while saving money. Lipford concludes, “There is no question that hand tools and power tools will be among the hottest gift items this year. This is a list of the bare essentials needed to help you get the job done.”

1. Stanley® FatMax® Tool Box

Finding the right tool starts with a tool box. To help keep tools protected and easily locatable in one place, choose from two new Stanley® structural foam tool boxes with water resistant seals. Available in a 23 inch and 28 inch option, these boxes are ideal for carrying power tools, hand tools and other small to large items. A convenient V-groove with a ruler on top of the lid holds materials in place for cutting.

2. Stanley® FatMax® Tape Measure

The 25 foot Stanley® FatMax® tape rule touts an impressive 11 feet of blade standout and is the ideal size for many home improvement projects. The tape features BladeArmor® coating on the first 6 inches of its 1-1/4 inch wide blade to maximize durability of the hook end and coupled with the Mylar® polyester film on the blade, provides long blade life. A high impact ABS case with rubber over mold ensures this tape is durable, and the cushion grip provides a comfortable, slip-resistant hold.

3. Stanley® FatMax® Hammer

A modern update to one of the world’s first tools, the Stanley® FatMax® 16 ounce Graphite Hammer features a 70 percent larger strike face when compared to traditional hammers, for improved striking accuracy. It offers a dual tempered head rim to help reduce steel chipping and spalling and a patented head-to-handle assembly for long-life performance and durability. The hammer also features a lightweight graphite core handle, complemented by overstrike protection to strengthen the handle. An ergonomic rubber grip maximizes comfort and minimizes fatigue.

4. Stanley® Stud Sensors

With Stanley’s updated Stud Sensor line-up, there’s a model for an array of skill levels – from novice DIY-ers to the pro of the family. Each unit features a convenient marking channel, soft comfortable grips, and AC detection which can detect live wires up to 2 inches below surface material. The most basic stud sensor can detect studs up to 3/4 inch below the surface and the most advanced unit can detect studs up to 1-1/2 inches below surface material. The top two stud sensors also feature OnePass Center Find Technology to locate the stud’s exact center.

5. Black & Decker® MATRIX™

Accomplish a wide range of common household projects with one power tool platform. Black & Decker® has introduced an innovative modular tool system available in different base power units and changeable attachments to drill, cut, sand, and more. The patented MATRIX™ Quick Connect System™ offers performance and value in a simple and practical way for power tool users to grow their toolbox at their own pace. Choose from three base power units 12V MAX*, 20V MAX* or 4.0 Amp AC available in January 2013, each sold with the drill/driver attachment, and purchase up to six additional attachments sold separately.

Source: Black & Decker