Decker The Halls

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 18, 2013 · 146 Comments

While doing research (and recruitment) for this year’s holiday posts, I got a pretty harsh email from a guy-oriented brand about how my blog was way too girly for their product. I let it go, but not before informing them that ultimately the admittedly lady-dominant audience for my blog also has the job of buying gifts for the guys in their life. In fact, a lot of the guy-oriented posts I write tend to be amongst the most popular as the ladies seek out gift ideas for their lads, and the boys rise up in full force with their own commentary. Anyway. Today’s post is definitely a little more guy-tinged, but that’s not to say your parents as a unit won’t appreciate each of these items from stalwart brand Black & Decker. Let’s jump in, shall we?

Black & Decker Matrix Multi-Tool 20V Starter Kit – $149.99 @ Canadian Tire
When my husband and I bought our first home, that first Christmas my dad actually surprised us with a pretty comprehensive Black & Decker tool kit – one we still have to this day – to help keep our home(s) in tip top order. I have to admit though, this multi-tasking tool may have outdone that expansive set. It’s one of those things where you have to ask – is there anything it can’t do? With multiple attachments, this all-in-one fixer-upper can sand, drill, and saw items with equally awesome performance across the board. Once you’ve worked your way through those nifty applications, you can pick up other attachments for future gift-giving purposes…not to get too girly, but it’s sort of like the KitchenAid Stand Mixer for men.

Black & Decker NCC218 18-Volt Cordless Trimmer and Sweeper Outdoor Combo Kit – $1 19.99 @ Amazon.ca
If you’re buying for an amateur (or expert) landscaper, consider upgrading their manual tools to these battery-powered ones that still offer the same level of precision. This two-in-one set provides plenty of ample power to help you get the job done faster, a light weight that makes it easy for even your retirement-age parents to operate, and an ergonomic design. Personally, I think battery power rocks for outdoorsy equipment because you’ll NEVER have the excuse (or frustration) that you’ve run out of gas. And if you happen to run out of battery juice, both of these gadgets charge up pretty quickly. The trimmer is particularly great for lawn junkies that want to touch up all the places their mowers can’t reach – like alongside concrete driveways or paths.

Black & Decker Platinum BDH2000FL 20-Volt Max Lithium Ion Flex Vacuum – $1 49.99 @ Amazon.ca
A vacuum may not seem like the sexiest gift ever…but oh my goodness will you love it if you have a good one. This compact model seriously blows traditional vacuums out of the water, thanks to its ridiculously long-lasting battery power (up to 18 months) in lieu of the hassles of plugging a cord into the wall. No more tripping! No more tangles! No more accidentally pulling the plug out! No more having to reset your position as your cord runs out of slack! Oh, and it works pretty well too, with a bendable tube that makes it easy to get into tight crevices, and a number of attachments that will help you suck up pet hair and freshen up upholstery. A really great choice for your pet-loving parents, the cabin-owning types, or those that are sadly still stuck in the vacuum bag era. There’s a better way – trust me.

Black & Decker BDCS40G 4-Volt Max Gyro Screwdriver – $27.30 @ Amazon.ca
If you’re on a budget but buying for a power tools user, this is a great, innovative product to stock up their workbench with. Through a simple twist of your wrist, you’ll be able to change the direction and speed of the screwdriver, for greater control and less chance of damage while working on a home improvement project. The unique technology that goes into this lightweight, rechargeable gadget is inspired by the same motion sensor technology many peeps are quite familiar with through the use of their motion-capture video game systems, making it a snap to learn and kind of fun to use while you’re at it.

Black & Decker WM125 Workmate 125 Portable Work Bench – $39.39 @ Amazon.ca
If you’ve always got projects literally on the go – as in, around your home – or perhaps you don’t have a formal workshop area, this portable, surprisingly sturdy bench is the perfect present. Despite its nimble size and stature, this folding bench can actually hold up to 350 lbs of weight. The top of it is actually adjustable as well, to make it easy to hold awkward items like a piece of furniture that requires a touch-up job or a bike you’re tuning up. Beyond that, it also works as a great place to rest your power tools while you’re working.

There you have it! Black & Decker is pretty widely available throughout Canada, at the likes of Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart, as well as online at Amazon.ca. With pretty reasonable prices and tools for the seasoned DIY-er and the beginner handyman, it’s a great place to get inspiration after peeking at your giftee’s tool bench to see what they’re missing. If you feel like your tools could use an upgrade, you’re in luck! I’m giving away a Matrix Multi-Tool 20V Starter Kit valued at $149.99 – which includes attachments for drilling, sawing, and sanding. Want to win it? Here’s how to enter:

1) Visit the Black & Decker website and leave a link back to the item you’d most like to gift, and who it’s for. You’ve got till December 5th.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 6th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entries: Follow and send out a Tweet to Black & Decker about why you think they’re awesome for gift-giving, then leave a comment below with a link back to your Tweet to earn ONE bonus entry. Like Black & Decker on Facebook, leave a comment to a similar effect, leave a link back to your comment, for a SECOND bonus entry.