Gifts for Construction Workers and Tradesmen They'll Actually Use (Most Under $25)

Quick answer: The best gifts for construction workers and tradesmen are things they'll use on the job every day: a warm work hoodie, a sun-and-dust hooded shirt, a funny trade tee, a good cap, and small add-ons like a UPF neck gaiter or cooling sleeves. Most of the ideas below are under $25, and if you're not sure about size or style, a gift card is a safe bet.

Shopping for someone who works with their hands is tricky. They don't want "stuff." They want gear that holds up. We sell workwear to crews every day, so here are the gifts tradespeople actually wear, sorted by budget.

Under $10

Reflective UPF 50+ neck gaiter

The Reflective Neck Gaiter blocks sun, wind and dust and adds a bit of reflectivity. It's easy to stuff in a stocking and gets used year-round. Why crews love them: neck gaiters for the jobsite.

ANSI Class 2 surveyor vest

Everyone who's ever been on a site has lost or trashed a vest. The West Chester Class 2 Surveyor Vest has pockets for pens, phone and tape and is a practical under-$10 gift.

Under $20

Hooded work shirt with built-in face mask

Our best-selling product, and it has sold out more than once. The Hooded Work Shirt with Built-In Face Mask comes in 12 colors including Black Camo and Green Camo, and the Hi-Vis version comes in safety green and orange. It's ideal for landscapers, roofers, concrete crews and anyone who works in sun or dust.

Cooling arm sleeves

UPF 50+ Cooling Arm Sleeves turn a short-sleeve shirt into sun protection. They're great for tradespeople in warm states.

A work cap

A Hi-Vis Mesh Trucker Hat or the OTTO 5 Panel Mid Profile Cap. See all hats and caps.

Camo hooded tee for the hunter

If they hunt or fish on their days off, the Hunting Camo Hooded Tee is a crowd favorite. More in our camo hooded shirt guide.

Black work tees 3-pack

Practical, but tradespeople burn through tees. The 100% Cotton Black T-Shirt 3-Pack restocks the drawer.

Under $25: funny trade tees

Pick a tee that calls out their trade. They'll wear it to the site, the bar and the barbecue:

• Electricians: Strippin' for a Livin', We Turn Things On. More in funny work shirts by trade.
• Welders: My Thoughts Are Dirty But My Welds Are Clean, USA Welder
• Ironworkers: Paid to Get High
• Carpenters: I Am a Carpenter
• Diesel mechanics: Diesel Mechanic Tee
• Truckers: American Truck Driver
• Union members: Proud to Be Union
• General construction: Skeleton Crew Construction Shirt, Dead Tired and Underpaid

See every design in Graphic Tees.

Warm layers: hoodies and jackets

A hoodie they'll actually wear to work

The NuBlend Hooded Sweatshirt in Safety Colors is a pill-resistant 8 oz fleece in safety green or orange for under $25, so it's warm and bright. If you want a statement piece, the No Days Off, Just Eternity Hi-Vis Hoodie is a crew favorite.

A windbreaker for the truck

The Zip-Up Windbreaker with Reflective Strips is a light, water-resistant layer with reflective accents that works on and off the site.

Not sure what they need? Gift card.

Sizing and site requirements vary, like safety green vs orange or Class 2 vs Class 3. A Safety Apparel Zone gift card lets them pick exactly what they need.

Gift-buying tips for tradespeople

• Size up for layering. Workwear goes over thermals and under vests. Most of our shirts run S-5XL. See our big and tall fit guide.
• Check the color rule. Some sites require one hi-vis color. If you know it, match it.
• Order early. Popular sizes of our best sellers sell out in the holiday season.

Buying for a whole crew?

Holiday gear with your company logo makes a great year-end thank-you. See custom company hoodies for crews, or visit our wholesale page for bulk orders.