Gifts for woodworkers | What to give a woodworker?

Why it’s time to give a special gift to a woodworker?

Really, there’s no distinct reason behind wanting to give gifts to anybody. Whether they be a woodworker or a major, giving gifts is a way to express admiration and/or gratitude. Though woodworkers tend to be the ones making the gifts, to be on the receiving end of one is surely a breath of fresh air.

In this guide, we’ll not only list the top 10 gifts for woodworkers but more than that. So why is it time to come up with a gift idea?

1. Motivation. Woodworkers work hard, both physically and mentally, so getting a gift every now and then provides them with a much-welcomed boost and incentivizes diligence.   
2. Encourages creativity. Most woodworkers are innate artists, so coming up with a gift to give them challenges the giver to think out of the box and get really creative.
3. Show of appreciation or reward. Giving gifts to anyone, especially after successfully completing a project or endeavor, provides them with a sense of accomplishment.
4. Special occasions. Holidays, birthdays, someone got the job – all these are instances wherein gifting someone you know, who also happens to be a woodworker, makes the occasion more memorable.

What gift to give a woodworker?

• Something he hasn’t bought for himself. Getting a woodworker something he doesn’t have, but actually needs really makes for a great and lasting gift. Like if he has all the tools but no work apron, then get him that!
• Something he wants to use but doesn’t have the time to buy. Busy people can’t afford to take breaks as they say. Woodworkers can be swamped with projects and often won’t have time to pursue personal leisures. Use this hint to think of an ideal gift.
• Something to boost creativity. Even if these would appear out of place, mediums that would allow them to better visualize their designs and plans, such as whiteboards and drawing boards, can come in handy.
• Something to improve performance. Think about what can add value to their work. If they already have the equipment, consider getting them additional accessories or maybe even new power sources.
• Something to help organize. Nothing beats keeping things tidy after work. Cabinets, toolboxes, organizers – gifts like these will help reduce clutter and improve equipment lifespan.

For his workshop

These are gifts that would add more variety and flexibility to a woodworker’s arsenal.

Japanese hand saw

The Japanese saw, pull saws, or Nokogiri is a special carpentry tool that’s designed to cut on the pull stroke as opposed to European saws that cut on the push stroke. They’re inexpensive and last considerably longer than most non-premium western beginner saws.

Pull saws are usually purchased in sets of 4 which contain a Dozuki(dovetail), a Ryoba (saw with 2 sets of teeth), a Kataba(a ‘backless’ dozuki), and flush-cut saws.

Brands: Gyokucho, Tajima, Suizan

New woodworking chisel set

A woodworker isn’t truly a woodworker without woodworking chisels. A woodworking chisel set allows woodworkers to carve and sculpt wood the finest of shapes and details.

A woodworking chisel set, especially a new one, to a woodworker is like a new 48pc Faber Castell colored pencil set to a kid. These are often a combination of the various bench, mortise, and paring chisels, making them extremely versatile. 

Brands: Two Cherries, Narex, Von Haus

Wood clamps

Woodworking clamps are a must for a woodworker. They help secure and stabilize workpieces of various shapes and sizes. There are bar clamps, pipe clamps, ratchet clamps, and many others.

While they function nearly identical to metalworking clamps, woodworking ones are designed to handle softer materials and often have padded, non-damage jaws.

Brands: Irwin, Bessey 

Portable thickness planer

A thickness planer is a great tool to have for processing and correcting dimensional errors in lumber.

Serious woodworkers would surely invest in one thickness planer sooner than later, meaning that gifting one is bound to put a huge smile on their face. While any planer will always be expensive, a portable planer will cost tons less than standard ones.

Usually, a 12-13” unit, means carpenters can create consistent 1/2” boards on the go with a constant flow. 

Brands: DeWalt, Makita, Ridgid, and Triton

Hand planer

Compared to thickness planers, a hand planer functions in very much the same way but takes off a more controlled amount of material.

Hand planers are used to “shave” off any excess material to either flatten or smoothen a wooden surface. It’s more of a detail-working tool, so detail-oriented woodworkers will really get a kick out of these wooden cheese-graters.

Keep in mind that there is a bench (flat), joinery, and molding planes. 

Brands: Yogeon, Stanley

Biscuit joiner

Biscuit joiners or plate joiners are highly innovative joinery tools that complete any woodworker’s toolkit.

How a biscuit joiner essentially works is that it cuts a very precise, measured slot [2] that fits a specifically-sized ‘biscuit’ that’s used to join two wooden surfaces. 

It’s fast, convenient, and has revolutionized the landscape of the practice of wood joinery. They make great gifts and throwing in a bag or two of some delicious trader joe’s cookies definitely seals the deal. 

Brands: Makita, DeWalt, Lamello

Portable edging mill

Sometimes referred to as ‘mini mills’, these are literally smaller Alaskan mills that mostly hold chainsaws of bar lengths 16-36” vertically to edge and plunge-cut lumber.

An edging mill is surprisingly effective and flexible despite its seemingly tiny appearance and frame. These make amazing gifts because of their easy setup and use. 

Make precise length and width cuts on timber straight from the forest to turn into furniture! 

Brands: Granberg, Carymra, Haddon Lumbermaker

Pencil marking set

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually many types of marking pencils, not just the common lead-based ones.

Not all wood shares the same kind of surface and, as such, various types of marking pencils will have varying levels of visibility which can make or break a project.

There are specific carpenter pencils that work great on wood and some are even mechanical, just like those used by crafters and artists! 

Brands: Dixon, Swanson, Pica

For organized work

Productivity is boosted by neatness. Maintain efficiency and cleanliness with these gifts.

Woodworking apron

Aprons aren’t limited to just the kitchen. Woodworkers can look fashionable and remain highly productive with the help of woodworking aprons.

These pieces of functional apparel are often made of quality waxed canvas and help woodworkers keep their wits about their tools while staying mobile, thanks to their numerous pockets and compartments.

These aprons aren’t very constricted by size and you can actually get premium-quality ones for under $40! 

Brands: Texas Canvas Wares

Rolling tool bag

Back in the 5th grade, trolley-style bags were all the rage. Similar to those bags, rolling tool bags make for awesome gifts because they technically transform into mobile workshops!

Rolling tool bags come in various shapes and sizes, but all focus on storing and securing tools while on the go.

There are some canvas-type models that look like duffel bags on wheels, while there are more rigid variants called rolling tool boxes that may be bulkier, but offer better protection and more space. 

Brands: Milwaukee, Klein, DeWalt

Magnetic wristband

Very useful go-to gifts for woodworkers that you can get for well under $20 are magnetic wristbands.

These handy garments not only provide wrist support and help steady one’s grip but are also outfitted with strong magnets that can literally hold several hand tools at once.

They’re lightweight and breathable, often made from 100% nylon fabric with adjustable velcro straps. 

Brands: RAK, Spartan

For safe working

Safety is always a priority. Work safely and well with these gifts.

Dust mask with replaceable filters

Especially in a shop, dust can form and accumulate fast and, unbeknownst to the non-carpenter, sawdust can be quite harmful if inhaled in relatively large amounts.

Functioning similarly to gas masks, dust masks are specialized in that they efficiently prevent users from accidentally inhaling dust and other small debris.

They’re light and are often washable due to the fact that they’re made from a mixture of rubber, fabric, and various plastics.

Brands: 3M, GVS

Anti-vibration gloves

Woodworking can bring serious stress to the hands. Long-time woodworkers have numerous calluses that attest to their skill and experience.

Working with a number of tools that really kick, as well as rough and splintery materials, it makes sense why anti-vibration gloves make for really great gifts.

They’re padded and are designed to reduce vibration, thus limiting damage to the hands and improving control. Ergonomic and highly functional – now that’s a duo anyone would like.

Brands: Vibrastop, Endura 

Quality safety glasses

Safety glasses are always included in any work that involves debris flying all over the place.

Especially for woodworking, where dust and other small particles can potentially get into the eyes, a pair of quality safety glasses can make all the difference between being blind and being dust-proof. They’re effective, comfortable, and some are even downright fashionable! 

Made often in either latex, polycarbonate, or even metal frames, along with the inclusion of non-slip grips, UV protection, and various lens coatings.

Brand: NoCry, DeWalt

Thumb and finger guard

Woodworking machines and tools can damage fingers without protection [1].

These are essential ‘sleeves’ for your fingers that shine most when carving or whittling.

Usually, with elastic straps, these padded and non-slip accessories help improve grip and control, while also minimizing the likelihood of getting cuts and scrapes.

They’re like socks for your fingers and some even come in leather. 

Brands: RingSun, Highland, Rockler

Dust collection system

Unless their specific tools already have built-in dust collection systems, a standalone dust collector is a woodworker’s dream. With these dust air-vacuums, a woodworker can keep their work area dust-free.

Most modern dust collectors are very portable and are easy to install. The main things with these systems are the airflow and motor capacity, not necessarily a ‘bigger is better’ principle, but good specs on both will mean way less discomfort. 

Brands: Powertec, Jet

For the ears

Nothing beats doing work to the tune of your favorite beat/s. Work and groove with this cool gift for woodworkers.

Jobsite radio

Jobsite radios are rather robust and versatile pieces of equipment. They’re compact and sturdy, easy enough to bring along yet tough radios enough to handle the stress and dirt of busy job sites.

Modern radios are Bluetooth compatible, meaning that people can simply connect and blast music from their smartphones. The best ones even have built-in charging ports, doubling as portable charging docks. 

Brands: DeWalt, Milwaukee

Practical gifts for $15

There are thoughtful gifts under $20 or 15$ that can really make any woodworker’s day and help them out with smoother projects. Such gifts are mechanical pencils for better and easier marking, or perhaps a pair or two of some small clamps. On their own, Japanese saws are actually more affordable and reliable than most European and western saws.

A magnetic wristband can get right up there too, along with giving even just a single piece of wood to work with and shape into something with the right tools.

Conclusion

There are a lot of gifts you can give to a woodworker. It’s actually simpler than you might think. Anything that helps them out with their hobby or profession is the best gift for woodworkers, whether it enhances performance or provides a little added safety. 

Tools, accessories, apparel, these can all very much add to any woodworker’s toolkit, thus further enhancing their scope and capabilities. The holidays are just around the corner and, while it’s still rather early, it’ll pay off to at least have an idea on where you could start looking.