Family Handyman is one of the longest-running American do-it-yourself magazines, published by Trusted Media Brands, the company behind Reader's Digest and Taste of Home. The website publishes free how-to articles and sells magazine subscriptions, DIY books, special issues and woodworking project plans.
Most people buying from Family Handyman are choosing between a print and a digital subscription, or picking a book or plan for a specific project. Getting that right, and managing the renewal, is where the money goes further.
What a Family Handyman subscription includes
The magazine covers home repair, remodelling, woodworking, tools, yard work and car care, with step-by-step photos and skill ratings on each project. It is written for homeowners doing real work, not for professionals.
Family Handyman publishes a set number of issues a year, fewer than twelve, so check the issue count in the offer rather than assuming monthly. Some bundles include digital access or special-interest issues.
A large share of Family Handyman content is free on the website. The magazine's value is the curated, edited format and projects that are easier to follow on paper in a workshop.
Print or digital
Print suits people who read in the garage, mark up pages and keep back issues for reference. The Family Handyman photo sequences are easier to follow on a large page than on a phone.
Digital editions cost less and can be read on a tablet beside the job. They are the better choice if you mainly want to search for a project later rather than keep a shelf of issues.
Check which platforms the digital edition works on before buying, and whether a print subscription already includes digital access, which some Family Handyman offers have done.
Auto-renewal and pricing
Family Handyman subscriptions, like most Trusted Media Brands titles, are often set to renew automatically. The introductory rate is usually lower than the renewal rate.
Note the renewal date and price when you subscribe. If the renewal notice shows a higher price, contact Family Handyman customer service or look for a current new-subscriber offer before paying.
Beware of third-party renewal notices from companies that are not the publisher. Renew only through Family Handyman or a known magazine agent.
Books and special issues
Family Handyman sells hardcover and paperback how-to books that collect projects by theme, such as home repair, woodworking or outdoor building. They are organised for reference and suit someone setting up a first home.
Special-interest issues focus on one subject, such as workshop tips or seasonal projects, and are sold singly. They are a good way to try the Family Handyman style before subscribing.
Before buying a book, check its publication date. Much of the content overlaps with past magazine issues and the free site, so an older compilation may repeat what you already have.
Project plans
Family Handyman project plans give cutting lists, materials, dimensions and step-by-step drawings for builds such as workbenches, storage, sheds and furniture. Plans are usually sold as downloads.
Check the skill rating and tool list before buying. A plan that needs a table saw, a router and pocket-hole joinery is frustrating without them, while a plan built with a circular saw and a drill suits most beginners.
Price the materials before you commit. Lumber costs have swung widely in recent years, and a plan's own estimate may be out of date.
Gifts
A Family Handyman gift subscription is a common present for new homeowners and hobbyists. Gift offers often appear around Father's Day and the holidays, sometimes with a second gift at a reduced price.
Check whether a gift subscription is set to auto-renew on your card, and turn that off if you only meant to pay for one year.
Where the Family Handyman savings are
The 25% code is the largest percentage. It is likely a holiday promotion and may apply to the shop's books and plans rather than subscriptions, so try it on your basket and check where it lands.
The 20% welcome code targets first orders at the Family Handyman shop. Use it if the holiday code is refused.
The buy-one-get-one-half-off code works best when buying two books of similar price. On two items, it equals 25% off the pair, the same as the holiday code, so pick whichever validates.
Family Handyman codes typically do not stack, and subscription offers have their own set pricing that codes may not change.
Common questions
How many issues of Family Handyman come each year?
Fewer than twelve. Check the issue count stated in the current offer.
Is Family Handyman digital cheaper than print?
Usually yes, and some print subscriptions include digital access.
How do I stop a Family Handyman subscription renewing?
Turn off auto-renewal in your account or contact customer service before the renewal date.
Are Family Handyman plans suitable for beginners?
Many are. Check each plan's skill rating and tool list first.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Family Handyman → |
| Buy One Get One Half off | Promo code | View at Family Handyman → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Family Handyman → |
| Buy 1 and Get 1 50 Percent off | Promo code | View at Family Handyman → |