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.
Photographer, photo editor: Amelia Holowaty Krales
Art director and designer: Cath Virginia
Creative director: Kristen Radtke