6 unusual, inexpensive gifts from Lee Valley

Although Lee Valley Tools has traditionally focused on the needs of woodworkers and gardeners, their line has expanded over the years to include a number of neat products appealing to a much broader audience.  These are perfect little gifts for coworkers, close friends, and of course, yourself.

The following descriptions are from the Lee Valley site; click on any of the images to see the item there:

Mini Containers

These waterproof, hard-anodized aluminum containers can be used to hold emergency pills, identity information, matches, or whatever you wish.

Machined from solid aluminum, they are 1/2″ in diameter by 1-1/2″ long and have a nylon lanyard for looping through buttonholes or around belts and backpack straps for security.

$1.95 each; Qty 5 or greater:  $1.55 each

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Pen & Pencil Holders

Although these coil-spring holders with rare earth magnet bases are wonderful fridge magnets for holding a pen or pencil plus a grocery list, they are equally useful in the shop for similar purposes, and to hold small LED flashlights, Sharpies, screwdrivers, chuck keys, etc.

Sold in sets of three in a tin that is perfect for small-item storage since it’s a snap-lid style – press the center to open, press the edge to close.

Pkg of 3:  $8.95

Book Darts

These paper-thin, 1″ long bronze markers slide onto the page and securely stay in place.

They are perfect for use as non-slipping bookmarks that can even be positioned to point to a specific line. Unobtrusive and indefinitely reusable, they eliminate the need for bent corners, paper clips, underlining, highlighting, sticky papers, etc.

A good-quality item that is ideal for anyone doing research, they are popular with students, lawyers, executives, research assistants, voracious readers, etc. Tin of 50 markers.

Made in USA.

Pkg of 50:  $8.95

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Pocket Screwdrivers

This innocent-looking 1″ dia. flat steel bagel is really a very versatile pocket screwdriver. What makes it so effective is the range of edge thickness (from 0.030″ to 0.090″) created by a ramp formed on one side.

It replaces dimes, quarters and table knives, all of which have width and strength limitations. We sell them by the dozen because they make excellent gifts, particularly to those whom you want to discourage from using cutlery for household repairs.

These screwdrivers should be in every kitchen knife drawer and pocket. Made in the USA. Guaranteed to be the only screwdriver in the shop that will snugly fit the cap iron screw on a plane.

Pkg of 12:  $9.50

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Notebook LED Light

Anyone who has used a notebook computer in dim lighting will appreciate this compact light. Designed to clip over the leading edge of a notebook screen (up to 5/8″ thick), it has a swivel head for best positioning. The five LEDs produce a soft, diffused light to illuminate the entire keyboard.

Power is supplied by the USB port on the notebook, and the USB cord is retractable for organized, compact storage. This is a great gift for the student, traveller, or night owl.

$9.50

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Magnet Compass

This tiny (1/4″ long) barrel-shaped rare-earth magnet is a near-indestructible compass.
Set on its side on a smooth flat surface (or on a leaf in water), it will quickly swivel to a N-S orientation, indicated by a red dot on the north end. It comes in a screw-top, waterproof aluminum cylinder with an integral loop that makes it easy to attach to a belt, button hole, strap, etc.

An ideal gift for hikers, kayakers, or anyone who wanders the woods.

$4.95

The Fine Print:  I have no connection whatsoever with Lee Valley

$9.50(SO

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