With the giving season coming up, here’s a list of gift ideas for the pinball and arcade community, all $25(ish) or less. Hopefully, this helps anyone looking for the perfect gift 😃.
This post was last updated on 09/10/2025. I will update the other Gift Guides in the near future.
Under $15 – Great Starter Tools
- $4.99 – FlexFuse – Simple device that can connect car fuses or circuit breaker in place of original fuse.
- $7.98 – Chip Lifter – A practical tool that helps remove ICs from their sockets. It’s also great for removing staples on a playfield.
- $8.99 – Wire and Nylon Brushes – I use these a lot to clean connectors and other rusted parts.
- $9.49 – IC Straigtener – really like this simple tool to help straighten pins or make the correct shape to place in a socket. Works on both .3″ and .6″ width chips.
- $12.99 – Damaged Screw Remover – Great tool for anything that has been stripped.
- $13.50 – Coil Sleeve Remover – Tool to help remove stubborn coil sleeves.
- $13.99 – Precision Tweezers – A good tool to help maneuver small parts.
- $14.99 – Zip Ties – Perfect for bundling up wires and harnesses.
Top Pick:
$15-$20 – Tools for the Hobbyist
- $16.00 – Ratcheting Wrench (9/16″ and 5/8″) – Great for removing pinball leg and head bolts. Easy tool to throw in the toolbox.
- $17.95 – PinGulp Beverage Caddy Premium – II used to laugh at these until I realized how handy they are to have.
- $19.66 – Magnifying Glass – For those with declining eyesight or anyone working with small parts. A definite must!
- $19.95 – Beginner’s Lock Picking Set – I started picking locks a few years ago and couldn’t believe I didn’t try earlier. Most of the time, this is easier than drilling out a lock.
- $19.99 – T-Molding Router Bit – Here’s a tool that many people don’t seem to have. The 1/16th slot cutter works on most arcade cabinets. Make sure to include 1/4″ or 1/2″ arbor and bearing.
- $19.99 – Polishing Kit – Keeps playfields looking great. This 19-piece set fits on a drill.
- 19.99 – Shall 6-Pack Mini Plier Set – These are a nice set of cutters and pliers to help with electronics. The cutters work well when cutting leads off components or snipping wire.
Top Pick:
$20-$25 Advanced Tools & Must-Haves
- $21.98 – Step bit – Good tool that can be used to create holes in wood, metal, and plexiglass. I also hear they are useful for breaking in ball-bearings.
- $22.95 – Getting Started in Electronics – This was on of the very first books I bought when I started in the hobby.
- $24.97 – Hex, Allen, and Star Keys – Another tool that is useful to have in the shop.
- Prices Vary – Pinball-Mods.com – A fellow Pinside member (Zitt) has made some cool mods such as clear drop targets and pop bumper caps. Another site to go check out.
- $25.95 – Ratchet Crimping Tool – Makes crimping connectors very easy. One squeeze of the handle will crimp both tabs to the insulator and conductor simultaneously. The tool will also hold the pin for you as you crimp.
- $27.62 – 1/4″ and 5/16″ Magnetic Nut Drivers – These nut drivers are great to have in the shop. I seem to always be reaching for these and the magnetic tip is what makes them so helpful. Both have hallow shafts, which is another added bonus.
- $25.99 – Mini Circuit Breakers – Great investment! The cost of a box of fuses is about the same price you can get one of these. These are great for troubleshooting shorts! I sell sets for $24.99 or $34.99, which includes shipping.
- $27.66 – Logic Probe with Audio – This is an inexpensive tool that really helps troubleshooting circuits. It’s a very simple tool to use, and the audible is a must for troubleshooting.
Top Pick
Honorable Mention
Anti-fatigue mat, alligator clips, magnetic parts tray, head lamp, shop towels, cleaning supplies, NOVUS (1, 2, and 3), wax, forceps, solder fume extractor, de-soldering braid, Soldapult, helping hand, and Kynar wire.
Do you agree with the list? What do you think should be included on the list? Feel free to comment below.
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When Dr. Chris Ross and his wife, Jean Ross, tried to come with a Christmas gift idea in 2018 that the entire family would enjoy, the settled on a pinball machine.
Can’t think of a better gift than that!