Just understand what level of carpentry they are at. For I am sure you want to give them something they will use. The only problem with that though is that if you, yourself aren't a carpenter then how do you go about choosing the right tools?

It's not as easy as it might sound, and there are a few things that you should watch out for. The first and number one thing is to watch out for the Unbelievable Bargain. No such thing exists. If it's unbelievable then there's something wrong somewhere. Unless of course they are running some type of clearance. Now if you run across a bargain and it's a well known brand you should snap up the tools immediately. Good carpenter tools at bargain prices are rare, so get them when you can.

Pro woodworkers will know what the good tool brands are and will know when to snatch them up and when to run the other way. In the case of the naive gift purchaser though, I would suggest sticking to something you can be assured of even if it's not at the bargain price you had hoped for. Here especially more than anyplace else, the Latin "Caveat Emptor" holds true, purchasers certainly beware of what you're getting yourself into. Good tools aren't cheap and experience woodworkers know the difference between a good tool and a poor tool. So, don't try to guess and fool them.

Also if you're purchasing the carpenter tools for somebody who's been at it for quite a hefty sum of time then the last thing that you'll want to do will be to give them lower-ranking grade carpenter tools. Something which comes in a set might be good for the novice who is just starting and thus has no clear idea of what they need, but that unquestionably won't do for the experienced carpenter. They need the good tools for several reason and yes one might be for the ego.

These carpenter tools should be of first-class caliber so that the receiver of your gift realizes the time and effort you put into purchasing the perfect carpenter tools for them. For the novice you can purchase them something more sophisticated when they can tell the difference between the tools and when they can feel the difference of holding a good set of carpenter tools in their hands as opposing to the beginner's set you gave them!

But if you have trouble deciding which set of carpenter tools to get ask a friendly sales person for advice and more often than not you'll leave the shop satisfied that you came forth with the real thing. You can also buy a gift card to their favorite tool store. You can certainly know the recipient of the gift will be happy for the first class gift you gave them.