Holiday shopping can be a stressful activity for many busy people. Long lists of family and friends to visit and buy gifts for, crowded malls, and little time to do all the shopping.

You want your effort to be rewarded with finding a meaningful gift your loved ones will appreciate long-term. In our increasingly disposable society, this has become a difficult task. We are tempted to invest in things that are trendy now but unfortunately quickly become obsolete.

For those looking for something meaningful that will offer the recipient benefits for years to come, consider the gift of quality tools.

Here are five reasons why tools make a great holiday gift with long-lasting benefits:

Never “Out of Style”

During the holiday season, we are bombarded with advertising on how tablets, phones and computers would make the perfect gift. While there is no denial that receiving the latest tech gadget model creates a lot of initial excitement, we are all aware of the fact that the gift will be obsolete in less than a year, when the manufacturer releases its newest model.

Most hand tools do not require “an upgrade”. While hand tool manufacturers are always striving to improve products, the changes are rarely so radical that it forces you to replace the tool you already own.

To illustrate the enduring value of hand tools, take a look at the 2 catalogue pages below, from 1922 (left) and 2015 (right). The speeder part no. 686 was produced, under the same part number design, for over 90 years.

Can Be Passed On To The Next Generation

Given their durability, timeless design and functionality, tools are often passed down to the next generation. The emotional value attached to using your father’s tools greatly exceeds any monetary savings. Simple tools designed to perform a job can suddenly turn into precious objects that are treasured and cherished immensely.

This is where investing in brand name tools matters a lot. A reputable manufacturer that stands behind their quality will be able to provide repair parts for tools that have long been out of production, hence preserving the memories attached to owning it.

Kick Start a New Hobby or a Rewarding Career

Receiving the gift of hand tools is a strong motivator to pursue a new hobby, or thinking of a professional career that involves using tools on a daily basis.

Building something with your hands is one of the most rewarding life experiences. Whether you decide to restore the timeless beauty of a classic car or motorcycle, or keep a WW2 plane flying, owning quality hand tools will make your task easier.

Taking it one step further, the gift of hand tools can spark interest in a professional career using them. Pursuing a career in trades is one of the smartest choice your loved ones can make. It’s been well documented that skilled trades people will continue to be in high demand, with good paying jobs, and the ability to obtain government support while training.

Keep Things Working

You can never overstate the importance of having the right tool when you need it most. At home or work, there is always something that needs to be built, fixed or replaced.

Hand tools can be divided into “must haves” and the ones that allow the user to tackle projects that are more specialized. And while it’s been said that you can never have too many tools, it’s good practice to plan your tool purchase in advance. Try to learn as much as you can about the recipient’s needs, and assess what tools he/she might need most.

Good Resale Value

The latest digital camera will lose half of its resale value the moment you open its packaging. This is not the case with hand tools: they operate on basic principles that have not changed in centuries. Given their “timeless” functionality, the resale market for hand tools is very strong.

Brand name matters here too. A quality tool offered by a company with a proven history of standing behind its name will always be in demand. While the upfront investment might be higher, the amount that can be obtained on the resale market is also more substantial.

When you are building your holiday gift list, it is always useful to think beyond the obvious choices that are on everybody’s list. The gift of hands tools fits most budgets and provides the recipient with many years of use, and unexpected rewards.