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Makers like to tinker and create. Check out these Costco deals that can help them design and build just about anything.
Many of us have makers in our lives, the folks who like to design, code, build, and tinker, figuring out how things work — and how to make them work better. Makers are often quite passionate about their hobbies, so it’s a good way to inspire your gift-giving.
If you’re looking for a big-budget gift for your favorite maker, Costco has a few notable deals out right now. Watch those sales dates, however, as they’re ending soon.
1. $300 off: Lenovo Flex 5i 16″ Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop
This two-in-one laptop has a lot to offer techie and artistic makers, offering a full touchscreen complete with a Lenovo digital pen. You can sketch, design, code, or simply browse the net for inspiration, all in one machine.
More details: Lenovo Flex 5i 16″ Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop – 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U – Windows 11 – Abyss Blue
Sale price: $599.99
Sale ends: Dec. 4, 2023
2. $200 off: TRINITY 66″ Stainless Steel Rolling Workbench
Makers who like to DIY and home repair need a solid place to work, and this stainless steel workbench is certainly solid. It features a durable butcher block top, drawers that can hold 100 pounds a pop, and heavy-duty casters for easily moving it around the workroom or garage.
More details: 20-gauge stainless steel, 1.5″ thick butcher block top, heavy-duty 5″ x 2″ casters, lockable drawers and cabinet
Sale price: $779.99
Sale ends: Dec. 17, 2023
3. $100 off: Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine with Smart Materials
If you can design it, you can cut it on more than 100 different materials with this machine. This includes vinyl — we love making our own decals! — iron-on, stock paper, felt, leather, and bonded fabric. Make your own t-shirts, cut custom holiday cards, design bespoke quilts; push your creativity to the limit.
More details: Bluetooth compatible, requires free Design Space app; bundle includes a variety of Smart Materials, as well as a few basic tools
Sale price: $299.99
Sale ends: Dec. 4, 2023
4. $30 off: LEGO Main Street
Amateur engineers can build three different pre-designed City Adventures with this single set, including a quaint Main Street, four-floor apartment building and park, or a bustling market street. Or they can let their imaginations out and design their own charming town center.
More details: 1,459 pieces, including six minifigures; recommended for ages 9 and up.
Sale price: $94.99
Sale ends: Dec. 4, 2023
More affordable gift ideas
Alright, so I’ll be the first to admit that these are not exactly the most affordable items. As much as we like shopping at Costco, you may have to venture elsewhere for the right gifts. You can easily find something great that’s also more financially friendly.
Tool or project kits
Every maker, tinkerer, and DIYer I’ve ever known loves their tools, so this is often a safe bet. Get them chatting about their hobbies to get an idea of what kinds of tools they have, and what they might need.
Project kits that come with the tools, supplies, and a guide are especially great gifts for younger or beginning makers. Having a specific project to complete makes it easier to explore something new without being overwhelmed by the possibilities.
Parts and supplies
Depending on the nature of your giftee’s hobbies, this could take on all sorts of appearances. Most maker hobbies involve some sort of consumable, and we’re always happy for more!
Do they like to build their own circuits? A collection of resistors, capacitors, and other various parts could be a welcome gift. Are they more of a fixer — or, at least, a taker-apart-er? Hit the thrift shop for older electronics they can take apart and (maybe?) put back together again.
Again, have a chat about their hobbies to get a better idea of what sorts of things they go through the most. (You can also ask parents or spouses, who likely are all too familiar with what supplies their kids/partners are always using up.)
As you can see, you can find great gifts for makers of all sorts all along the price spectrum. It’s really up to you — and your bank account — how much you spend.
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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.