Simple Builds That Make Great Holiday Gifts
- Lauren Twitchell
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Every holiday season, the stores fill with mass-produced items. Shiny, convenient, easy to wrap. But if you’ve ever given—or received—a handmade gift, you know it feels different.
A cutting board made by hand isn’t just wood. A wine rack crafted in your shop isn’t just storage. A wooden tray or set of coasters isn’t just décor. They’re personal. They’re thoughtful. They carry the maker’s heart in a way no store-bought item ever could.
And the best part? Holiday-worthy woodworking gifts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few tools and a weekend, you can create simple, beautiful pieces that friends and family will treasure for years.
Here are a few of my favorite builds that make great holiday gifts.
1. Wooden Coasters
Coasters are the ultimate scrap-wood project. Cut squares or circles, sand them smooth, and finish with a food-safe oil or resin.
You can even personalize them with wood burning, paint, or stencils for a festive touch.
Why they work as gifts: They’re small, useful, and easy to customize for different people. Pair them with a bottle of wine or a set of mugs, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift.
2. Cutting Boards
A handmade cutting board is a classic for a reason. It’s practical, beautiful, and surprisingly beginner-friendly.
Use hardwoods if you can (maple, cherry, walnut), sand thoroughly, and finish with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax. Add a simple ribbon, and you’ve got a gift that will get used daily.
Why they work as gifts: Cutting boards are timeless, durable, and always appreciated. Plus, you can batch-make them for multiple gifts in one weekend.
3. Wine Racks
For the wine lovers in your life, a small countertop rack is a simple but elegant project.
All it takes is a few boards cut to size, a couple of angled holes or slots, and a finish that matches their style. Rustic, stained, painted—whatever fits.
Why they work as gifts: They pair beautifully with a bottle of wine (maybe even homemade 😉), making the gift feel thoughtful and complete.
4. Farmhouse Trays
Serving trays are one of my favorite go-to projects. A simple rectangle of wood, rails on the sides, handles attached—it’s quick, functional, and endlessly customizable.
Paint it for a farmhouse feel, stain it for something classic, or add seasonal stencils for a festive touch.
Why they work as gifts: Trays are useful year-round—for hosting, organizing, or simply adding a touch of style to a coffee table.
5. Blanket Ladders
This one is slightly bigger, but still very beginner-friendly. Two long boards, a few evenly spaced rungs, and you’ve got a beautiful piece for displaying throws or scarves.
It looks like it came straight from a home décor store, but you can build it in an afternoon.
Why they work as gifts: They’re functional, stylish, and perfect for cozy holiday vibes.
6. Wooden Signs
Simple boards become heartfelt décor with a little paint or wood burning. Think “Welcome,” “Home Sweet Home,” or even personalized names.
Signs can be rustic or polished, holiday-themed or timeless—it’s up to you.
Why they work as gifts: They’re personal. A handmade sign says, I thought of you, in a way nothing mass-produced can.
Why Handmade Gifts Matter
When you make a gift, you’re giving more than wood and glue. You’re giving your time, your creativity, and a piece of yourself.
The person on the receiving end won’t just see a cutting board or a wine rack. They’ll see the effort, the thought, and the care that went into it. They’ll know it came from your hands—and that’s what makes it priceless.
Tips for Success
Batch builds: If you’re making multiple gifts, choose a project you can replicate easily.
Keep it simple: Focus on clean cuts, smooth sanding, and a nice finish rather than complexity.
Add finishing touches: Wrap with ribbon, pair with a small bottle of oil, or tuck in a note. Small extras make a big impact.
Final Word
This holiday season, skip the crowded stores and create something from your workshop instead. Simple builds like coasters, trays, and blanket ladders may not look complicated, but they carry something store-bought gifts never will: heart.
Because the best gifts aren’t the ones with price tags. They’re the ones made with hands, time, and love.
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