Ideas inspired by public replies on X; Gift Almanac is not affiliated with Lenny Rachitsky, Michelle Sun or X. Product names belong to their owners.
Makers & hardware tinkerers
Prices checked 24–25 Oct 2026
Quick answer: Our top picks for makers and hardware tinkerers are a portable USB-C soldering iron (A$74.45), a handheld oscilloscope with a multimeter (A$139.95) and heat-set brass inserts for 3D prints (A$12.05), all under A$140 in Australia. All 10 gift ideas here link to real shops in Australia, the UK and the US, with prices checked 25 Oct 2026.
Tools and kit that people who build hardware, robots and 3D prints say they would buy again, from a soldering iron to a power bank that can run a laptop.
Also for makers & hardware tinkerers
A portable USB-C soldering iron
A small soldering iron that runs from a USB-C power supply or a barrel jack, with adjustable tip temperature, so repairs don't mean setting up a bench station. A battery-powered iron for easy repairs was named in the hardware thread. The power supply is separate, so check the shop page for what is in the box.
AU For shoppers in Australia
Pinecil – Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron (Version 2)
A compact iron with a small OLED screen, preset temperatures and a choice of USB-C or DC power. The shop notes that a power supply is not included. A lighter alternative to a full soldering station.
A proper bench soldering station with a temperature dial and digital display, from a brand that two replies in the thread named. The shop says this one is rated for 120V power only, so it suits US buyers.
A pocketable 3-in-1 for electronics, with a dual-channel oscilloscope, a multimeter and a signal generator in one battery-powered unit. A pocket oscilloscope was named in the thread as easier than carrying big bench equipment.
A nine-piece metric set of L-shaped hex keys with ball ends, so you can turn screws at an angle. Wera's ball-end keys were named in the thread. This set is stainless steel, which usually contains nickel, so check with anyone who has a nickel allergy.
US For shoppers in United States
Wera 3950/9 Hex-Plus Stainless 1 L-Key Set, Metric, Stainless, 9-Pieces
A 25,000mAh power bank that can charge a laptop and a phone over USB-C. A reply in the thread called high-voltage USB-C banks a game changer for lab and field work. Output is shared between ports, so check the shop page for the split.
Small brass threaded inserts that you melt into a 3D-printed part with a soldering iron, so screws grip properly instead of stripping the plastic. A reply in the thread explained exactly this problem. They are brass, so check with anyone sensitive to nickel.
AU For shoppers in Australia
Brass Heat-Set Inserts for Plastic - M3 x 4mm - 50 pack
A 1kg spool of 1.75mm PLA for a 3D printer owner, since a reply in the thread said you can never have enough. The price shown is a from price that depends on colour and on whether it comes on a spool or as a refill.
US For shoppers in United States
PLA Basic
From US$14.99 at Bambu Lab US Store
Prices on the page range from US$14.99 to US$17.99 depending on the option chosen.
A small reader for pulling files off SD cards from cameras, single-board computers and 3D printers. An SD card reader was a one-line favourite in the thread. Check the shop page for the connector type your computer needs.
A desk pad with programmable keys for shortcuts and workflows, named in the hardware thread. It needs Elgato's software to set up and takes some customising.