22 Awesome Blacksmith Gift Ideas for Christmas (Practical, Fun & Unique Gifts)
The holidays are almost upon us, and that means it’s time to start finding those perfect gifts for your loved ones! If you have a relative or friend who is a blacksmith by trade or simply enjoys metalworking as a hobby, it can be challenging to know what to get them. Maybe you do not know very much about blacksmithing, or maybe the blacksmith in your life seems to have everything they need already. If this sounds like you, read on to learn about some items your blacksmith would love to receive!
Tools & Equipment (for the practical smith)
1) Tongs
Tongs are an affordable tool that blacksmiths always need and benefit from. Even if the blacksmith in your life already has a bunch of tongs, they will still appreciate another to add to their collection. Tongs are super useful to smiths because they are what allow blacksmiths to work with hot metal and provide more control over the work piece. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so if you know which ones your blacksmith has, you can pick up a more unique pair for them to play with!
If the blacksmith is a beginner, or if you’re not sure what to purchase, a quality pair of Wolf-jaw (pictured above) Tongs or V-bit Tongs are great choices! If you’re buying for a bladesmith, Z-bit Tongs are great for working swords, knives and finer metal. For more reading, be sure to check out our full tong guide here.
2) Hammers
Hammers are another tool that won’t break the bank but will surely make the blacksmith in your life extra happy. Like tongs, a quality hammer is something smiths use constantly and will last a lifetime, and as many say the hammer is practically an extension of the blacksmiths arm, it’s worth while to choose a high-quality product.
We recommend a high quality Ball-peen, Cross-peen (Swedish patterns are very popular!) or a Rounding Hammer as a more unusual choice. The former two are great multi-puporse choices for beginners, and the later would be a great buy for a blacksmith who has some hammers already, as it handles very differently to regular peens. Check here for more information in our in-depth hammer guide!
3) Hand Files
If the blacksmith in your life has an acute attention to detail, hand files are a must-have gift to give this holiday season! Files smooth out the surface and edges of a blacksmith’s work and give projects a more finished look and feel. They come in an array of styles for different kinds of projects, so no matter what kind you choose, your blacksmith will love it.
4) Vices
Vices are a more expensive gift option but definitely less costly than larger equipment like anvils or forges. A vice would be a great gift for an intermediate blacksmith who already has their shop set up, but still needs to add some smaller equipment to their collection.
Clothing & Safety Gear (for the cautious smith)
5) Aprons
Aprons are a must for every blacksmith! They protect against fire and grime and are a traditional component of a blacksmith’s protective gear.
6) Goggles
Safety goggles are another great gift idea for the blacksmith in your life. They may already own a cheap pair of safety goggles or glasses, but why not get them a high-quality pair built to last? Some even come with LED lighting to help them see in a dimly lit workshop.
7) Gloves
Gloves are another essential element of a blacksmith’s wardrobe and act as an important barrier between skin and fire. Gloves come in a variety of styles and prices so you’ll be able to find one that fits your price range and the preferences of your loved one.
8) Face Shields
A face shield protects the face from heat and sparks during the welding process. While not a complete necessity to blacksmiths, it’s a gift that is sure to surprise.
9) First Aid Kits
Help your blacksmith stay safe in the workshop by gifting him or her a basic first aid kit. If accidents happen, (which is likely when working with fire and hot metal!) having a first aid kit can save a smith from pain and infection.
10) Fire Extinguisher
While you may not think a fire extinguisher is a very fun gift, it is an essential item for every blacksmith’s workshop.
11) Smoke Detectors
Buying the blacksmith in your life a quality smoke or carbon monoxide detector can help keep him or her safe while working. It is a gift that they can appreciate for years to come.
Blacksmithing Accessories (for the perfectionist smith)
12) Soapstones
A soapstone is one of the items blacksmiths use for measuring and marking lines on their projects. Small items like a soapstone could easily be added to a Christmas stocking or a gift basket.
13) Measuring Tapes
Every blacksmith needs a good measuring tape. If the blacksmith in your life doesn’t have one already, this could be an affordable and handy gift that they can use again and again.
14) Metal Rulers
Metal rulers are cool because they do not get as dirty as wood or plastic ones might. They are also super durable and come in a variety of sizes.
Blacksmith Novelty & Fun Gifts (for the fun-loving smith)
15) Coal
Yes, trust me, your blacksmith will probably get a kick out of getting coal in their Christmas stocking. Coal has historically been one of the foremost sources of fuel for a blacksmith’s forge, and therefore is something important to a smith’s work. Plus, it’s a really funny (and cheap!) novelty gift.
16) Replica Swords
When people think of blacksmiths, sword making probably comes to mind. Although swords aren’t the only thing blacksmiths have created in history, they are definitely one of the coolest and your blacksmith will love getting a sword of their own.
17) Board Games & Dice
If your blacksmith is a lover of games, consider gifting them “Forge War.” This is an epic board game with a blacksmith theme involving quests, dragons, spatial reasoning and resource management. Another cool game-related item made for blacksmiths is a set of anvil metal dice sold on norsefoundry.
18) Blacksmith T-Shirts
There are an array of t-shirts made with blacksmiths in mind. From funny sayings to artsy designs, there is a t-shirt out there that will match the style and personality of your smith. For blacksmiths who own their own businesses, t-shirts can be a great way to celebrate the work that they do and advertise themselves. Upload the logo of your blacksmith’s workshop onto a t-shirt design website and have a custom screen printed t-shirt made just for them!
19) Blacksmith Jewellery
Metal jewellery with Celtic or Nordic designs is a great gift idea for blacksmiths as these kind of patterns have deep roots in traditional smithing throughout history, and are likely similar to those worn by smiths throughout the medieval period. An alternative idea are rings, bracelets or jewellery designed by actual blacksmiths with a highly “forged” design and appeal. These not only look great, they also may help provide inspiration for future projects.
This is one of the less practical gifts on the list, but certainly one that smiths will appreciate because they probably would not think to buy it for themselves!
Educational Material & Courses (for the curious smith)
20) Workshop Visits
If you would rather gift an experience instead of a physical item, a workshop visit is a great idea for the blacksmith in your life. Most historical societies and living museums include a blacksmith shop in their reenactments and these can be a great way to learn more about the history of blacksmithing and the types of tools that were used long ago. Research history museums near you and buy tickets online.
21) Courses (Online or In-Person)
Whether your blacksmith is a beginner or a seasoned professional, they would probably love to learn new skills through a course online or in-person. There are several courses available on teachable.com. In-person availability varies based on your location, but many blacksmiths offer courses at their workshops and in partnership with local blacksmith organizations.
22) Books
Reading is an effective way to grow your skills as a smith. There are books for every skill level and interest. A couple great ones for beginners include The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex W. Bealer and The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers.