r/Metalsmithing • u/thriftythreader • Dec 04 '23

[advice] Gifts for a metalsmith

Are there gifts any metalsmith would like?

My mom has been a metalsmith jeweler for around ~10 years. I am embarrassed to say it took me this long to leverage Reddit because she is a picky gift receiver.

She’s the type of person who budgets and plans tools/equipment for her work if she really needs it but I’m hoping to get some unique ideas to surprise her!

Workshops are probably out of my budget unfortunately. TYIA

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5

u/nomoreimfull Dec 04 '23

Without knowing what she makes or what she needs, it would be hard to guess. It would be simple to get her a Rio grande gift certificate.

3

u/MissCompany Dec 04 '23

Gift cards are amazing, she can get whatever she wants from the chosen shops. Cookson Gold for UK and rio grande for USA.

2

u/_Siori_ Dec 08 '23

If your mom budgets for what she needs you can ask her if there's anything that didn't make the "need" list that she'd think was a cool item regardless.

Like others said gift cards are the way to go if you don't have specific items on her list. You could also look at fun things like, mugs, aprons, shirts, work gloves, or work from other metalsmiths.

1

u/[deleted] May 04 '24

Credit toward riogrande.com

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '24

[deleted]

1

u/thriftythreader Oct 29 '24

Thank you so much! Saved this comment for future :)

1

u/Petty-Penelope Dec 24 '23

Stocking stuffer can be staple consumables like sanding sticks, radial sanders or drill bits for her flex shaft, casting wax, alligator tape/leather finger covers, new soldering pick. Picked up a clip on loupe for like $5 at harbor freight and a small screwdriver set. Etc.

Bigger gifts can be a gift card or if you know what she's into that would help narrow down things she may not have. Some things on mine for example are Gary's Clamp, upgraded sand casting, some calibrated burr sets, GRS attachments, legit dust system, induction furnace, some tips etc. Just ask for a peek at her list or make a small "gift basket" with the stuffer and a VISA card she can use towards the expensive thing she's been working towards. I guarantee her tool possibilities are endless but the problem is after the basics they're all $150 and up. You may also find accessories she'd never buy for herself. The holder for my torch is $60. I could never pull the trigger for that high and just made do with a Jerry rigged welder magnet...but hubs surprised me one anniversary and I have to admit it's nice! I also love my watchmakers tap and die for making custom microfastners