The holidays are coming up fast, and between the cookie decorating, tree trimming, yuletide caroling, and what you’re fairly positive is your 125 rewatch of A Christmas Story, you have to find time to do your holiday shopping. Not to worry though, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a list of holiday gifts made up of suggestions directly from our tool reviewer panel.

Diagnostic tools

• Thermal imager: One of our reviewers noted receiving a FLIR thermal imager was one of his favorite tech-related gifts. Perhaps your technician would like one too? 
  • FLIR E5 Pro Infrared Camera 
  • TOPDON TC005 Thermal Imager
  • Matco Tools Maximus Diagnostic Thermal Imager
• Scan tools: Scan tools are an everyday use item for technicians, but not all scan tools are made the same. While one scan tool may work fine for simple diagnostics or a specific type of vehicle, it may not get the job done for another. This means technicians need a variety of scan tools to help get their work done efficiently. Before considering purchasing a gift like this, talk with your technician to understand what they need the scan tool to accomplish. Here are a few of many options:
  • Xtooltech USA XT70W Smart Diagnostic System
  • Autel Maxicheck MX900
  • Thinkcar Platinum S12
• A paid update for one of their scan tools: If purchasing your technician a new scan tool is a bit out of your price range, try picking up the tab for one of their scan tool updates instead.
• Inspection camera: 
  • Oasis Scientific Vividia CX-6010M Flexible Smartphone Joystick Articulating Inspection Camera Borescope
• HU31035 Sensor Simulator by ANSED Diagnostic Solutions: The reviewer who suggested this product believes it would "make an awesome gift for any diagnostic technician!" See his full review here.

Power tools

• 1/4” rechargeable battery-powered ratchet: The reviewer who recommended this type of tool, says that it would be "very handy for dash work where dragging an air hose is no joy." 
  • DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless Cordless 3/8" and 1/4" Sealed Head Ratchet Kit, No. DCF500GG1
  • Matco Tools 16V Cordless 1/4" Sealed Head Ratchet, No. MCL1614SR
  • Milwaukee Tool M12 Cordless 1/4" Ratchet No. 2456-21
• Ingersoll Rand 2135QXPA Series Impactool: This tool is another reviewer favorite. He notes that he received this tool years ago and still uses it to this day. 
• Milwaukee Tool Straight Die Grinder and the Milwaukee Tool Angle Die Grinder: If you know a technician who's trying to eliminate cords from their workspace or just their shop overall, either or both of these tools could help them get one step closer. 
• Snap-on Extended Reach cordless 3/8” ratchet

Shop equipment

• Low profile floor jack:
  • Harbor Freight Daytona 3-Ton Super Duty Floor Jack in Metallic Purple
  • Ascot Supply Corporation 3.5-Ton Floor Jack
  • Martins Industries 2-Ton Professional Floor Jack, No. MFJ-P2T
• Rechargeable LED work light: An everyday use item for many technicians. 
  • NextLED Rechargeable Neck Work Light, No. NT-6633
  • SP Tools USA Compact COB LED Work Light, No. SP81448
  • Maxxeon MAXXBAR Hood and Interior Work Light Platform, No. MXN010183
• Harbor Freight 44” toolboxes: A cost-effective option for any technician looking to expand their toolbox set-up. 
• Air compressor:
  • ABAC International Silent Roll Cage Air Compressor
  • Forney Industries Fornair 4.5 CRM Air Compressor, No. 555
  • Jenny Products Electric Two-Stage, Horizontal-Tank Stationary Air Compressor Line
• Milwaukee Tool Compact Inflator: Another addition to any shop or technician's cordless tools collection.

Other

• A gift card to the tool distributor of their choice: If you're not sure what your technician needs you can't go wrong with a gift card, especially if it's to their favorite tool distributor. 
• A hand-written holiday card: Let the technician in your life know how much you appreciate them by taking the time to write them a thoughtful message.