The 10 Best Scrap Wood Holiday Gifts You Can Make This Season

Every year around this time, the same question shows up in my inbox, my DMs, and honestly—my own workshop:

What can I make for the holidays without buying a bunch of new lumber?

And every year, the answer is sitting right there in the corner of the shop.

Scrap wood.

Those offcuts, short boards, ripped-down pieces, and “too good to throw away” piles are some of the most powerful materials you have as a maker—especially during the holidays. Scrap wood projects aren’t just budget-friendly. They’re personal. They tell a story. They feel intentional in a way store-bought gifts never quite do.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to create something “big” or “impressive” for the holidays, let me say this clearly:

Small, thoughtful, handmade gifts are often the ones people treasure the most.

Below are 10 of the best holiday gifts you can make from scrap wood—projects that are approachable, giftable, and deeply satisfying to build. Many of these can be made in batches, finished in an afternoon, or customized for the people you love.

Let’s dig in.

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1. Wooden Ornaments

If you make one thing from scrap wood this season, make ornaments.

They’re fast. They’re forgiving. And they’re endlessly customizable.

Scrap-friendly ideas include:

• Simple circles, trees, or stars cut from thin stock

• Slice ornaments from dowels or branches

• Minimalist house shapes or initials

• Layered ornaments using contrasting woods

You can leave them natural, burn designs into them, paint them, or add subtle details like twine or leather loops. Cedar, pine, maple, and even plywood scraps all work beautifully here.

Why they work as gifts:

Ornaments become keepsakes. People pull them out year after year—and they remember who made them.

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2. Wooden Bookmark Tabs

Bookmarks are one of the most overlooked handmade gifts—and that’s a mistake.

Thin offcuts are perfect for simple wooden bookmarks. You can:

• Cut slim rectangles

• Add a small notch or drilled hole

• Sand them smooth and finish lightly

They pair beautifully with a book gift, a journal, or even as stocking stuffers. If you want to elevate them, add burned initials or a short phrase.

Pro tip: These are excellent batch projects when you’re short on time.

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3. Tea Light Holders

A small block of scrap wood can become something incredibly cozy.

Drill shallow holes to hold tea lights, sand the edges, and you’ve got a gift that feels warm and intentional. You can make:

• Single tea light holders

• Rows of two or three

• Rustic versions with rough edges

• Clean, modern styles with crisp lines

Cedar, pine, or hardwood scraps all work well here.

Why people love them:

They create atmosphere. And they feel especially right during the winter months.

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4. Rustic Wooden Coasters

Coasters are practical gifts that don’t feel boring when they’re handmade.

You can make them from:

• Square or round hardwood scraps

• Branch slices

• Thin plywood layered creatively

Add cork to the bottom, burn simple designs on top, or leave them raw and natural. Wrap a set with twine or tuck them into a small box.

Best part:They’re small, forgiving, and a great way to use oddly sized scraps.

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5. Wooden Spoon Rests

If you cook—or gift to people who do—this one’s a winner.

A spoon rest can be as simple as:

• A small slab with a shallow routed or carved groove

• A gently curved piece shaped with hand tools

• A flat piece with rounded edges and a subtle lip

Hardwoods like maple or walnut scraps are ideal, finished with food-safe oil.

Why this makes a great gift:It’s useful every single day—and feels thoughtful without being flashy.

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6. Mini Picture Frames

Small frames are incredibly scrap-friendly and deeply personal.

You can build:

• Simple mitered frames

• Rustic nail-together frames

• Minimalist slab-style frames

Add a favorite photo, a handwritten note, or even leave it empty and let the recipient choose what to display.

Holiday bonus:

Frames pair beautifully with memories—and that’s what most people actually want.

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7. Wooden Gift Card Holders

If you are giving a gift card, this is how you elevate it.

A small scrap board can be turned into:

• A slotted card holder

• A hinged mini box

• A simple clip-style holder

Add a burned message like “Made for You” or “Something Special Inside.”

Why this matters:

It turns a practical gift into a personal one.

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8. Small Catch-All Trays

Catch-all trays are one of those gifts people don’t realize they need—until they have one.

Use scraps to make:

• Small square or rectangular trays

• Valet trays for keys and wallets

• Desk organizers for pens or jewelry

Even imperfect boards shine here. A little texture adds character.

Perfect for:

Teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or anyone you’re hard to shop for.

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9. Wooden Plant Markers or Mini Planter Boxes

For gardeners, houseplant lovers, or anyone dreaming of spring—this one hits.

Scrap wood works great for:

• Simple plant markers with burned names

• Small desktop planter boxes

• Herb starter boxes

These gifts feel especially thoughtful in winter, when everyone’s craving green things and new beginnings.

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10. Handmade Wooden Tags or Labels

This one is simple—but powerful.

Use thin scraps to make:

• Gift tags

• Stocking tags

• Name labels for baskets or gifts

They can be reused year after year, which makes them both sustainable and sentimental.

Bonus:

They pair beautifully with other handmade gifts.

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Why Scrap Wood Gifts Matter More Than Ever

There’s something deeply grounding about making gifts from what you already have.

Scrap wood projects:

• Reduce waste

• Lower pressure

• Encourage creativity

• Make crafting more accessible

But beyond that, they slow you down.

They remind you that making doesn’t have to be about perfection or scale. Sometimes it’s about presence—standing at the bench, shaping something small, and thinking about the person who will receive it.

And that’s what the holidays are really about.

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A Final Word (From One Maker to Another)

If you’ve been staring at your scrap pile wondering if it’s worth keeping—this is your sign.

It is.

You don’t need expensive lumber or elaborate plans to make meaningful gifts. You just need time, intention, and the willingness to let small projects be enough.

Because they are.

If you make any of these this season, I hope you enjoy the process just as much as the giving.

And if your scrap pile gets a little smaller in the process?

That’s a holiday win. 🎄🪵