Lockpick Gift Guide Christmas 2025: The Best Gifts for Hobbyists

December is always an expensive month. But I have good news, because Lockpickings is celebrating the holidays with you this year. I have temporarily put hundreds of lockpick sets and practice locks on sale.

Why? Because I simply enjoy making this hobby more accessible. And to be honest: December is traditionally a quiet month for lockpicking webshops. So instead of twiddling my thumbs, I’m lowering the prices. Your benefit, my pleasure.

Be sure to take a look around, as some sets are only available in limited stock.

Check out all the Christmas deals

Why a lockpick set is the perfect gift

Every year it’s the same story: what do you give someone who already has everything? Socks are boring, a gift card feels impersonal, and that gadget from last year is already gathering dust in a drawer. This year I want to introduce you to a gift that is truly different: a lockpick set.

Now I hear you thinking: lockpicking, isn’t that a bit… shady? Absolutely not. Lockpicking is a recognized hobby with an active community, similar to puzzles or chess. It’s about understanding mechanical systems, developing fine motor skills, and the satisfaction of solving a physical puzzle. In the Netherlands, owning and using lockpicks is completely legal, as long as you use them on your own locks or locks for which you have permission.

What makes it such a good gift? First of all, it’s original. The chance that someone else gives the same thing is virtually zero. Secondly, it’s a gift that keeps on giving: the recipient can enjoy learning new techniques and opening increasingly difficult locks for months. And thirdly, it fits almost any budget, from a starter set of 25 euros to a professional collection.

Who is this gift suitable for?

A lockpick set is suitable for a surprisingly wide audience. Let me sketch a few typical profiles:

The puzzler. Do you know someone who can spend hours with a Rubik’s cube, sudokus, or escape rooms? Lockpicking is the ultimate physical puzzle. Every lock is a new riddle to be solved.

The techie. People who like to understand how things work will be fascinated by the mechanics of locks. A transparent practice lock shows exactly what happens inside.

The prepper or outdoor enthusiast. Lockpicking is a practical skill that can come in handy in emergencies. It’s perfect for someone who likes to be prepared for anything.

The security-conscious. IT professionals, security experts, or just people interested in physical security. By learning how locks can be opened, you also understand better how to protect yourself.

Someone looking for a new hobby. Lockpicking is relatively inexpensive to start, you can do it at home, and there is a whole online community around you.

Gifts up to 50 euros

With a budget of up to 50 euros, you can already give a complete starter experience. Here are my recommendations:

2-Pack Lockpick Starter

Price: Around 25 euros

What you get: Two basic lockpicks and tension wrenches

Suitable for: The very first introduction

Lockpick Set with Practice Lock

Price: Around 35-45 euros

What you get: Complete set of picks plus a practice lock to get started right away

Suitable for: Beginners who want to get started immediately

Transparent Practice Lock

Price: Around 15-20 euros

What you get: A transparent lock that lets you see exactly what you’re doing

Suitable for: As an addition to an existing set, or for someone who learns visually

Tip: Combine a basic lockpick set with a transparent practice lock. This way you provide both the tools and something to practice with, allowing the recipient to get started right away.

Gifts from 50 to 100 euros

In this price segment, you get higher quality sets with more picks and better materials. This is what I call the “sweet spot” for a lockpick gift: good enough to learn seriously, without paying top dollar right away.

Sparrows Night School Set

Price: Around 60-70 euros

What you get: Complete set of picks, tension wrenches, and a handy storage case

Suitable for: Beginners who want quality

SouthOrd 14-Piece Set

Price: Around 50-60 euros

What you get: 14 different picks for various lock types

Suitable for: Someone who wants to experiment with different techniques

Practice Locks Package

Price: Around 70-90 euros

What you get: Multiple practice locks of increasing difficulty

Suitable for: Someone who already has picks but is looking for more challenge

The brand Sparrows is a safe choice for gifts. Their products look professional, are neatly delivered in beautiful packaging, and the quality is excellent for the price. SouthOrd is another reliable option with a long history in the lockpicking world.

Premium gifts for the serious hobbyist

Want to really impress? Or do you know that the recipient already has experience with lockpicking? Then these premium options are worth considering:

Sparrows Tuxedo Set

Price: Around 80-100 euros

What you get: Premium picks in a stylish design

Suitable for: Advanced hobbyists who appreciate style

Multipick Elite 11 Set

Price: Around 120-150 euros

What you get: German quality, precision picks for demanding users

Suitable for: Serious hobbyists or professionals

The Valyrian Set (Law Lock Tools)

Price: Premium segment

What you get: Handmade picks of exceptional quality

Suitable for: The true enthusiast who wants the best of the best

The brand Multipick from Germany is known for its unparalleled quality. This is the kind of tool that professionals use. If you know someone takes lockpicking seriously, a Multipick set is a gift they will never forget.

Practice locks as a gift

A often forgotten but fantastic gift: practice locks. They are perfect as an addition for someone who already has picks, or as part of a larger gift package.

I recommend choosing locks that offer progressive challenges. Start with a standard practice lock and add something more challenging, like a lock with spool pins or serrated pins.

Another option is the progressive practice locks from Sparrows. Here you can adjust the difficulty by installing different pins. This way, the lock grows with the skill of the recipient.

Handy accessories included

Want to complete the gift? Consider adding these accessories:

Storage case. A good storage case protects the picks and keeps everything organized.

Lockpick mat. A lockpick mat prevents small parts from rolling away and provides a professional workspace. The Mystic Lockpick Mat is both practical and stylish.

Vise. For serious practice, a vise is indispensable. It holds the lock in place so you have both hands free for the picks. The special lockpicking vise is ideal for this.

Book. For the theoretically inclined, The Visual Guide to Lockpicking is highly recommended. It explains the mechanics of locks with clear illustrations.

Tips for giving a lockpick gift

Inform the recipient about the hobby. Not everyone knows that lockpicking is a legitimate hobby. Refer them to articles about what locksport is or the TOOOL Netherlands community.

Choose quality over quantity. A set of 5 good picks is much more valuable than a set of 30 mediocre picks. Beginners only need a few basic picks to get started.

Think about the packaging. Many brands like Sparrows deliver their products in attractive packaging that is already gift-worthy. Check this before you order.

Order in time. Especially around the holidays, it can be busier. Order well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is a lockpick set a legal gift?

Yes, in the Netherlands, owning lockpicks is completely legal. You may buy, own, and use them on your own locks or locks for which you have permission. Only using them to break into somewhere is, of course, illegal. Read more about the legality of lockpicks.

Which lockpick set is best for a beginner?

For beginners, I recommend a set that includes a few basic hooks, a rake, and good tension wrenches. The Sparrows Night School Set or a set with practice lock are excellent choices.

How difficult is lockpicking to learn?

The basics are surprisingly quick to learn. Most people can open their first simple lock within an hour. The real fun lies in getting better and tackling more difficult locks. See our beginner’s guide for more information.

Can I also send a lockpick set to Belgium?

Yes, Lockpickings ships to Belgium and other European countries. Check the shipping policy for details on delivery times and costs.

What if the recipient already has it?

No worries. Lockpickers can always use extra practice locks, accessories, or upgrade picks. If you want to be sure, opt for practice locks or a vise, which are almost always welcome.