As one of the most popular and versatile building materials, wood can be used for projects on both large and small scales. Wood is often used to create one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and other special occasions. Whether you’re new to woodworking or have years of experience, you can surprise your friend or family member with one of the following memorable wood gifts.

3 DIY Wood Gifts 

1. Pencil Holder

This easy-to-make gift provides convenience and rustic beauty. Gather three 1-inch by 4-inch boards cut at a 9-inch length, an acrylic sheet, glue, a jigsaw, a miter saw, wood glue, 1¼-inch finish nails, and a hammer. Use the miter saw to cut the three 1-inch by 4-inch boards to length, and then use a jigsaw to cut two of those boards diagonally. Next, use wood glue and finish nails to attach the boards, and use a jigsaw to cut two pieces of the acrylic sheet to 3½-inch wide and 9-inch lengths. Finally, peel back the acrylic sheet’s protective film, and use glue to attach each piece of the sheet to the wood.

2. Knife Block 

Delight the cook in your life with a gorgeous knife block. Gather a 3/4-inch by 8-inch by a 4-foot hardwood building material and a 6-inch by 6-inch piece of 1/4-inch hardwood plywood. Cut off a 10-inch length of the board, and cut the leftover 38-inches to 6 inches wide. Along one face of the board, cut five saw kerfs 5/8 inches deep. Next, crosscut the slotted board into four 9-inch pieces. Glue the pieces into a block, and saw a 15-degree angle on one end before screwing the plywood under the block’s angled end. Next, cut the 6½-inch by 3-inch lid from the remaining board, and cut the leftover piece into 1/4-inch pieces. You’ll use those pieces for the end and sides of the box. Glue them around the plywood, and cut a rabbet on three sides of the lid. Finally, drill a 5/8-inch hole for a finger pull and add a finish.

3. Photo Sculptures

Let your loved one display their favorite memories by giving them unique photo sculptures. First, apply photo mount adhesive on pieces of 1/4-inch hardwood plywood. Next, press the photos on the pieces, and use a scroll saw to cut out the sculptures. Try choosing photos with clearly outlined subjects so you can more easily follow the cutting line. Finally, glue the sculptured photos onto a wood base for a thoughtful, eye-catching gift.

To create a strong, beautiful wooden gift, pick up some high-quality wood from Weiss Do It Best Lumber. Located in Perryville, AR, the trusted store offers a wide variety of building materials along with power tools, hand tools, and other equipment to help you complete your project safely and efficiently. Call (501) 889-2695 to discuss your project’s needs with a friendly team member and explore the store’s building materials online.