The wedding season is upon us and across the nation happy couples are preparing to move into their first home together. For many of these newlyweds, china and linens run a distant second on their gift wish list.
Instead, they’re requesting items that will help transform their new house into their dream home.
Tool showers have become a commonplace prenuptial party for couples, with well wishers wrapping up drills, hedge trimmers and even lawnmowers for the soon-to-be husband and wife – all of the standard fare needed for decorating, fixing and maintaining a new home.
According to The Home Depot, it’s not just the groom who is requesting the new extension ladder. Do-it-yourself brides also want socket sets, band saws and electric sanders.
“My fiancée was thrilled when I suggested that we register for tools,” said Kim Elliott of Atlanta, who will be married this fall. “The house we’ll be moving into needs work, so I figured it would help give us a head start.”
“Many newlyweds today grew up watching This Old House and spending Saturday mornings at the home improvement store,” said Home Depot Store Manager Bob McLaughlin. “Whether it’s painting a single room or redoing the entire kitchen, working on home improvement projects is a great way for couples to spend quality time together.”
If you’re in the market for a wedding gift this summer, McLaughlin suggests the following:
First and foremost. The standard toolbox is a must ? you can’t even think about working around the house until you have one. Equip a basic toolbox with all the essentials for hanging artwork, mirrors and shelving ? such as a hammer, nails, hooks, picture wire, level and stud finder. Top it off with an adjustable wrench, tape measure, crosscut saw and utility knife.
Drilling it in. What’s the one power tool a new homeowner absolutely positively cannot do without? You got it ? a cordless power drill. It’s easier to think of things for which you don’t need a drill. From hanging ceiling fans, to putting up shelving and changing out locks sets, the power drill is one of the great inventions of all time.
Power to the people. For the couple who are true home-improvement hobbyists, a complete set of all the essential power tools will put them in seventh heaven. Ryobi makes a combo kit that includes an 18-volt drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, a wet/dry handheld vacuum and a flashlight.
Zap it. And blow it away. Who doesn’t like a neat yard? New homeowners can take curb appeal to a new level with a trimmer or blower. How about both? Trimmers are more versatile than ever, thanks to attachments that convert grass trimmers to blowers, pruners, edgers or tillers in just a few seconds.
How-to know-how. The novice and expert alike will want to know what they’re up against before tearing up a bathroom, tinkering with plumbing or painting a bedroom. Home Depot’s newly-revised and expanded Home Improvement 1-2-3 book includes 340 projects and thousands of color photographs and illustrations to get newlyweds started.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
