'Tis the season to get crafty! The holidays are knocking on our doors, and there's something truly special about gifting your loved ones with something crafted from the heart.

Making your own gifts for your loved ones is a great feeling for both the giver and the receiver. DIY wooden gifts are heart warming and elegant. They show that you have put great effort into your gifts and can also become a heirloom for generations to come.

Here’s a list of wood working projects we put together to give you some gifting ideas. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a beginner at wood carving, there’s one in here for everyone.

Let’s dive in!

DIY Wood Carving Projects for Holiday Gifting

Picture a room aglow with soft, warm lights, plush cushions strewn across comfortable seating, and the gentle hum of your favourite holiday tunes in the background. Though the evening is about bonding and revelling over a game of chess, a little back drop to the cosy evening can make this night all the more cheerful and warm.

Wooden Keepsake Ornaments

Kick off your woodworking escapade with an elegant wooden ornament. Grab some metallic markers or a wood burner to etch a personal message or design onto it. Your creation will be the star atop the Christmas tree, for sure! For intricate details, consider using the V-gouge or U-gouge chisel from the 7 Piece Hand Wood Carving Chisel Set.

Hand-crafted Children’s Toys, Blocks, Trucks, and Cars

For the little munchkins, why not fashion some toys instead of grabbing them off the shelf? Start with blocks and let your imagination run wild. With a dash of creativity and craftsmanship, you'll have playtime companions that are truly one-of-a-kind. The flat chisel is perfect for shaping and smoothing the edges of these wooden toys.

Tablet Stand for Virtual Gatherings

A simple tablet stand becomes a practical gift for family Skype calls while adding a touch of elegance to the tech space. Just a few pieces of basswood, hot glue, and a touch of paint – and you've got a stand that enhances the virtual connection. The skew chisel is ideal for creating precise angles and details in the tablet stand design.

No-Melt Snowman

Bring the joy of a snowman indoors with a festive, no-melt snowman project. Using a 4”x4” fence post as the base, you can add buttons, eyes, nose, and fabric accessories for a project perfect for beginners. The gouge chisel from the 7 Piece Hand Wood Carving Chisel Set is great for carving out the rounded features of the snowman.

Hand-crafted Nativity Scene

Drench yourself in the spirit of Christmas by crafting a nativity scene. Whittling enthusiasts can make this project both fun and memorable for the recipient. A good detail chisel with a firm grip is essential for creating intricate features in the nativity scene characters.

Wooden Snowflake

Elevate your porch's festive charm with a wooden snowflake decoration. Get creative and watch this project come to life, celebrating the uniqueness of snowflakes in your holiday décor. The V-gouge chisel is perfect for adding delicate details and patterns to your wooden snowflake.

Wooden Bookends

Add character to any shelf with DIY bookends. These bookends can not only hold novels but also become a statement piece in any room. They are also easy to make depending on your design. Your bookends can be wooden letter blocks or intricate carvings depending on your expertise and taste. Any which way, it would make a great gift for your favourite book lovers. The flat chisel can be useful for shaping the main structure of the bookends, while the gouge chisel can add decorative elements.

Chevron Wooden Earrings

Merge fashion with woodworking through trendy chevron wooden earrings. Perfect for the style-conscious or the teenager in your life, these earrings only require a drill, wooden discs, wood glue, a chevron stencil, wood stain, mod podge, jump rings, and earring hooks. Gift a touch of handmade style this holiday season. Use the V-gouge chisel to add intricate patterns and details to the wooden discs.

Wooden Beer Tote

Craft a thoughtful gift for the beer lover in your life with a wooden beer tote. Perfect for intermediate woodworkers, this project provides a stylish way for recipients to carry their favourite brew. This fits in well in a man-cave or a rustic space, bringing elegance to the bar table. The skew chisel can be handy for creating precise angles and details in the beer tote design.

Wooden Wall Clock

Infuse a dash of rustic charm into any space with a do-it-yourself wooden wall clock. This easy and inexpensive project requires 12 wooden slabs, screws, painter's tape, a tape measure, level, screwdriver, and four different paint stains. Create a statement piece that not only tells time but also becomes a focal point in any room. The skew chisel can be used to create intricate details on the wooden slabs.

Cherish the Art of Handmade Gifts with Appleyard & Crowe

As we wrap up this festive woodworking journey, remember that the joy of creating handmade gifts goes beyond the finished product; it's about the love and effort invested in each piece. Whether you're fashioning wooden keepsake ornaments, crafting a hand-crafted nativity scene, or designing chevron wooden earrings, each project reflects your unique touch.

To preserve the longevity of your creations and the precision of your craft, maintaining your wood carving tools is crucial. Regularly sharpen the chisels, clean them after use, and store them in a dry place to prevent rust. Treat these tools with care, and they'll continue to be your trusty companions in countless future projects. Get your hands on the Appleyard & Crowe’s 7 piece wood working kit to get started on your DIY holiday gifting projects.

May your holiday season be filled with the warmth of handmade gifts and the satisfaction of creative endeavours. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!