Need help with gift for German carpenter and cabinet maker

[2Busy]

Merry Christmas GJ! I’m trying to help my daughter come up with a gift idea for her bf’s father (possibly future FIL??!!). For years he’s been a master carpenter/cabinet maker in Germany (very high-end kitchen and bath installations). As you’d expect he already has every tool imaginable for his trade, plus he uses them less these days since he’s now in a sales/GC role. I’m a home gamer with basically no sense for what a pro like this would really like, so what better place to ask for help than this board!

She‘d like to keep it within $50 but let’s say $100 just to cast the net a little wider. If there’s a gift that’s clever, cool, etc that would make him smile and wonder how that American gal ever came up with that, then mission accomplished. Lots of options, she can get something made in USA while she’s still over here, stick with Euro, etc. If you think a guy like this would want anything but work-related stuff for Christmas please say so because a nice sweater is always an option. Also, in case it matters, his English isn’t strong.

Thanks for any help from you fellow GJ members. Looking forward to hearing your ideas—and happy holidays!

 

[kyrbz]

You might look at Garrett Wade's website. My wife calls it the "gentleman's tool catalog"

I'm sure he has tape measures, but if he's more in a sales/gc role now, maybe he'd appreciate something like a nice leather covered tape measure like this one to impress clients "Beautifully Made In The USA"

https://garrettwade.com/product/leather-cased-pocket-tape-measure

 

[Davefr]

This. Invaluable for precision cabinet work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002CSBP2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RTM]

My German co workers love old vintage tools, Starrett measuring tools are a big hit.

One thing a sales / office guy might like is this portable office folio type case.

Lee Valley Portable Office - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

 

[subroc]

A couple Japanese pull saws.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Lee Valley has hundreds of great options. Much of what Lee Valley sell can become a collectable. Check them out. super high end tools and hardware.

 

[lardy1]

A couple of nice PBSwiss screwdrivers. Can't miss.

 

[never enuf time]

If he's an older guy, your probably not going to get him something he already doesn't have. I would get him something made here, that he can't get easily in Europe.

Carhartt/ Duluth trading products are nice. Mother inlaw got me a Carhartt lunch box that I love.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Look on ebay for something from bridge city tool works, before they sold to the Chinese. They made lots of one off wood working tools and copies of existing tools and improved them. I’ll bet they made something he doesn’t have, and very high quality.

 

[2Busy]

Thanks guys, all really great suggestions. Exploring the Lee Valley and Garrett Wade websites now. Also going to look at PB Swiss for unique/novel options (thanks lardy1). I’m a big PB fan myself, just wondering if he already might have a lot of it. I’ll keep everyone posted on how this goes. Meantime, still taking any and all suggestions.

 

[Pexto]

Just minutes apart, davefr and RTM suggested Starrett, and I absolutely 100% agree.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Starrett 4" double square. Vintage ones in great shape are easily available (in the box) for not much money. It will satisfy the German need for order and precision ( ) , it is a highly useful tool, and it can also sit in a desk drawer to be pulled out and fidgeted with during interminable work calls.

If his English is an issue, just tell him "Starrett ist die allerbeste Amerikanische Ware" (Starrett is the very best American goods).

Edited to add: I just realized SAE vs. metric might be an issue. If you can find a rule with both metric and standard that would be perfect - a way for two worlds to meet.

 

[Vesinbo]

If he’s got all the tools he could ever need, maybe go for something more personal. One idea I’ve tried before is a digital photo frame, like the ones at https://www.nixplay.com/. You can load it up with family photos, cool shots of his past projects, or anything meaningful. Well, it’s a bit different but still thoughtful, and it’s not tied to work, which might be a nice change.

 

[tymbo]

What Vesinbo said. Do not, I repeat do not attempt to buy him a tool! What you may consider appropriate will probably make him cringe.

 

[CGarage]

How old is he?

If you must give a gift, probably best to avoid something “Made in USA”. It will make it look like you are waving the flag, and attempting to promote superiority of your American culture over that of his native German ancestry. Not a good thing. Not a good look.

Does he drink beer? What part of Germany is he from?

 

[CGarage]

My German co workers love old vintage tools, Starrett measuring tools are a big hit.

One thing a sales / office guy might like is this portable office folio type case.

Lee Valley Portable Office - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Won’t work for him in Germany.

European printing and paper sizes and hole dimensions for binders are different than in the U.S.

 

[gahrajmahal]

This is unique and available everywhere, a retractable carpenter pencil on a spring loaded reel. Make your mark then let go. It clips on your belt or apron.

 

[Vinny]

They ever get married?

 

[RTM]

Won’t work for him in Germany.

European printing and paper sizes and hole dimensions for binders are different than in the U.S.

Did you even look at it? It doesn't take punched paper, it takes hard bound books up to 9" x 7", so regardless of metric or U S dimensions, it will fit. And it came with the first set.


And guys, You are posting on a 2 year old thread that some noobie resurrected. As @Vinny said, did they ever get married?

 

[CGarage]

Did you even look at it? It doesn't take punched paper, it takes hard bound books up to 9" x 7", so regardless of metric or U S dimensions, it will fit. And it came with the first set.


And guys, You are posting on a 2 year old thread that some noobie resurrected. As @Vinny said, did they ever get married?

I did.

And it won’t work.

“The complete system measures a very compact 8" × 10" × 1 1/2"”


Won’t fit European paper formats.

 

[RTM]

I did.

And it won’t work.

“The complete system measures a very compact 8" × 10" × 1 1/2"”


Won’t fit European paper formats.

That's the outside edges of the folder, all folded up to go in your bag, not the working size of the paper.

The paper sizes it uses are smaller, 9x7, or smaller.

I'm just baffled by your response, as I was sharing this with a Swiss German after I found it, and he loved the idea, including the sizes.