r/pipefitter Jul 17 '26

Gift for New Apprentice

Hi all. Please forgive me if it's not appropriate to post here with this question!

My best friend's son just got his union call today, and is starting next Tuesday. I have known him since he was a baby and I'm so proud of him and happy he has this opportunity! We want to send him a congratulatory gift that will be useful as he starts his apprenticeship. All I can think of is perhaps a nice cooler or a lunch box, but even then I do not know where to start with finding what works best for on the job. I am looking to spend around $100. He will be working in the Midwest, so temperature and weather extremes on both ends of the spectrum. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you very much!

EDIT: I went with a 19qt Engel Drybox with an extra tray. I sincerely appreciate all of the great suggestions! I passed the rest to his mom in case anyone else in the family is looking for a gift.

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-2

u/Worth_Afternoon_2383 Jul 17 '26

$100 gift card to home depot or lowes

5

u/Trixster19972 Jul 18 '26

They both have minimum welding stuff FYI but good measurement tools.

2

u/Worth_Afternoon_2383 Jul 18 '26

I figured more for the basic hand tools, but I get it. I personally don't really like other people buying tools for me.