Best Gifts for Aspiring and Accomplished Woodworkers
Woodworking isn’t for everyone — you’re perpetually covered in sawdust, the margin for error is small, and losing a finger isn’t completely out of the question. But if you have a friend or family member who’s decided to make it their passion, we have more than a couple ideas on how to celebrate their craft. From saws and sanding discs to a woodworker’s journal and wooden watch, here are the best gifts for woodworkers of all skill levels.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$41 from Amazon
For the woodworker who seemingly has every saw imaginable, this highly rated Japanese pull saw is a new tool to incorporate into their hobby. Unlike European-style push saws, pull saws are lighter in weight and make for a cleaner cut. Made from Japanese steel.
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$49 from Walmart
A woodworker may have plenty of lumber but nowhere to put it. This wood rack should do the trick — each of six levels can hold up to 110 pounds, and the rack can hang in a wood shop, garage, or wherever the magic happens.
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$44 from Amazon
Help the woodworker in your life tap into their creative side with this exotic hardwood variety pack, which includes padauk, zebrawood, purpleheart, and merbau. Reviewers are fond of the woods’ beautiful colors and nicely milled grains.
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$55 from Woodcraft
This rugged tool apron is a great way to store woodworking’s necessities, with plenty of pockets for nails, pencils, hammers, and other tools. Adjustable straps allow it to fit any body, and the waxed canvas material guards against liquid stains.
$17 from Amazon
Every woodworker should have a solid set of sanding discs in their toolbox. This lineup includes 20 pieces each of 60, 80,120, 150, and 220 grit discs, all of which can fit most 5-inch orbital sanders. “This actually does the job,” one reviewer wrote.
$30 and up from Amazon
Dealing with flying dust is a reality for woodworkers, which is why a respirator is so important. This colorful option comes in two sizes and is designed to fit the wearer’s face ergonomically without impeding visibility.
$10 and up from Amazon
Even the best woodworkers can make nicks in their furniture. These wood repair markers help smooth things over, and include six markers and six wax sticks in various shades: maple, cherry, mahogany, oak, walnut, and black. Reviewers call the markers easy to use and perfect for hiding imperfections.
$170 from Amazon
Accurate angles are your best friend in woodworking, made easier by this aluminum precision square. Though there are buyers with qualms about the tool’s price, most say it’s worth it. “The quality and precision is second to none,” one reviewer writes.
$40 from Amazon
For woodworkers who have already nailed down the basic techniques, it’s time to make their creations their own. This wood-carving kit lets craftsmen add personal touches to their handiwork with a detail knife, cutting knife, roughing knife, leather and polishing compound, and a tool roll.
$11 and up from Etsy
This is a sophisticated way to put a personal stamp on furniture, cutting boards, and other wooden items. Made from metal, brass, wood, and steel, the branding iron comes in various sizes and handles.
$21 and up from Etsy
Does the woodworker in your life have a sense of humor? This “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Table Saw” should give them a laugh — though hopefully it’s not a situation that bears out in real life. Safety first, folks!
$34 from Amazon
Woodworking can be incredibly noisy. Keep their ears safe with a set of quality earmuffs, such as this option with pivot points that make for easy customization. A twin band helps reduce heat, and replaceable ear cushions ensure that this pair will last for multiple woodworking projects.
$19 from Amazon
This 2001 timeless classic is a favorite among woodworkers and perfect for beginners. Featuring tips, step-by-step illustrations, and complete plans for more than 40 projects, the book touches on everything from setting up a workstation and making joints to operating various tools and applying finishes.
$38 from Amazon
Any woodworker would appreciate the craftsmanship that went into making this wooden watch, a statement piece all on its own. The Sentai watches feature luminous pointers for reading the time in the dark, and come with extra links for adjusting. A “quality watch at reasonable price,” one reviewer writes.
$150 from Amazon
A favorite among craftsmen, this hand planer makes smoothing out wood pieces a breeze. Featuring a cherry wood handle and knob, it also offers an adjustable throat plate for various wood types.
$25 and up from Amazon
Reviewers love this highly rated (and water repellent!) tool bag from Carhartt. “I have kept this, fully loaded, in a humid garage,” one reviewer raves. “NO RUST after 5 months.” Store tools in one of the 18 slots or three small parts pockets, which can hold everything from tool sets to painting supplies.
$10 from Etsy
Budding woodworkers will want to keep track of their creative accomplishments, and this shop journal is a great way to start. Personalize the cover with their name, then add a dedication page on the inside for extra motivation. From there, craftsmen can record their woodworking tools and projects.
$45 and up from Ashley Isles
Used for shaving rough surfaces, scraping off glue, and sloughing off corners, chisels are a vital tool in any woodworker’s toolbox. These American pattern bench chisels come in various sizes, and feature bubinga wood handles that are beautiful and functional.
$8 from Amazon
This measuring tape is the gold standard among woodworkers and craftsmen. It features an erasable notepad where they can write down their notes, along with a protective rubber boot that holds the tape in place. One reviewer writes that it’s “durable and bright so I can always spot it wherever I set it down” — a definite plus when you have a messy workstation.
$13 from Amazon
A pencil? As a gift? Here us out: This mechanical pencil is meant for reaching into deep pockets such as drilled holes and other tight surfaces so woodworkers can mark up their projects as they see fit. It works on wet and dry surfaces and has a pocket clip that makes it easy to keep around while working.
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