63 Best Gifts For Woodworkers (and 1 to Avoid!)

Need a great gift idea for your favorite woodworker? I’ve gathered 63 of the best gifts any woodworker will appreciate, plus one you should avoid!

Woodworker smiling at a gift on his workbench

If you’re looking for a present for a woodworker, look no further! From functional gifts to affordable stocking stuffers, there’s something for everyone on your gift-giving list. Plus, I’m sharing one gift you’ll want to avoid.

So, whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift, a birthday present, a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or just something to show your appreciation, read on and find the perfect present for the woodworker in your life.

I’ve categorized these gift ideas by budget and done my best to ensure the prices are up-to-date, but please keep in mind that costs can change without notice.

Originally published November 16, 2016, updated December 14, 2022, and September 1, 2023.

Table of Contents

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Gifts Under $10

1. Awl

Using an awl to make a starting point for a drill bit

An awl (pronounced all) is a handy tool woodworkers, and do-it-yourselfers use to create small holes in wood. The hole provides a starting point for a screw or drill bit, which reduces the risk of the bit slipping across the surface of the wood.

Related: What is an Awl? (+ How to Use It)

There’s no such thing as owning too many awls if you’re a woodworker. They’re small and always get misplaced. I have three and use one on nearly every project, but I still manage to lose them in my shop!


2. Drill Guide

A drill guide is a surprisingly inexpensive gift that any woodworker will find useful. They’re small, portable jigs that make perfectly straight holes in a workpiece. Drill guides make an otherwise complex job easy and accurate.


3. Prid Drawing Salve

Slivers are a common and painful problem for carpenters and woodworkers. Prid Drawing Salve and the perfect solution for removing them. It’s been around for decades, and not only does it reduce the pain, but it also draws out slivers that are otherwise impossible to grab with tweezers.

A drawing salve might not sound like the most exciting gift, but trust me, it will certainly be appreciated!


4. Glu-Bot

The Glu-Bot is a cool tool that allows you to spread glue evenly over surfaces. It’s also great for getting into tight spaces and corners. The Glue Bot is an affordable and practical gift. It may not be something they’d buy for themselves, but they’ll certainly appreciate it!


5. Retractable Pencil Holder

We all know how quickly pencils disappear in a woodworking shop. A retractable pencil holder is one of those gifts that your woodworker might not think to buy for themselves, but it’s incredibly useful and practical. They’ll be thankful every time they use it!


6. Microfiber Tack Cloth

A tack cloth is a lint-free cloth used to remove dust and debris from surfaces before staining or finishing. The downside to a traditional tack cloth is that it has to be thrown away after each use. On the other hand, you can use a microfiber tack cloth again and again.

Related: What is a Tack Cloth? (How to Use + 4 Alternatives)


7. Wood Glue

Wood glue is a necessity for any workshop. Nearly every woodworking project requires glue, so it’s not uncommon for a bottle to get used up quickly. A bottle (or two) of quality wood glue makes an affordable, practical gift.


Gifts Under $25

8. Speed Square

Using a speed square as a straightedge for a jigsaw

You can use a speed square to measure and mark angles and draw straight lines. I frequently use mine as a fence for making straight cuts with my circular saw or jigsaw.


9. Digital Caliper

A digital caliper is a handy tool for measuring the thickness of stock and other objects. Digital calipers are very accurate, making them perfect for various tasks in the woodshop.


10. Pencils

Tracing a pattern with a pencil

Pencils are a woodworker’s best friend, and they come in handy when it comes to marking cuts, tracing templates, and sketching designs. Any woodworker would be happy to get some new pencils as gifts!


11. Disposable Gloves

Hands covered with blue disposable gloves using a foam brush to apply wood stain

Disposable gloves are an essential part of any woodworker’s tool kit. I use mine to protect my hands from wood stains, harmful solvents, and polyurethane glue. It’s a simple but necessary gift that any woodworker will appreciate.

Related: What is Polyurethane Glue? (Pros, Cons & Uses)


12. Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are an important and often overlooked part of any workshop. It’s essential to protect eyes from flying sawdust, chips, and splinters when cutting or sanding wood. A good pair of safety glasses is the perfect gift for any woodworker.


13. Non-Slip Pad

I use a non-slip pad whenever I sand the parts for my projects with my orbital sander. The rubber holds the workpiece in place, so it doesn’t move around while I’m working. Plus, it’s useful when using a router or sanding block.


14. DeWALT Drill Drive

The Drill Drive is a versatile tool with a countersink bit on one end and holds standard hex bits on the other, so you can quickly switch between making holes and driving screws.


15. Reusable Shims

Reusable shims are great for fine-tuning the fit of joints and getting precise angles. They come in handy when assembling cabinets, doors, and drawers. Plus, you can use them over and over again.


16. Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet is a great tool for assembling furniture and cabinets. It’s much softer than a metal hammer, so it won’t mar the wood or damage delicate pieces.


17. Wood Burning Kit

A wood burning kit might be the perfect present if your woodworker enjoys making gifts with a personal touch. Wood burning is a great way to add designs and words to furniture or gifts for family and friends.


18. Painter’s Pyramids

Painter’s pyramids are simple but handy. You can use them to hold objects like cabinet doors and furniture while painting or staining. Plus, they’re easy to store and don’t take up much space.


19. Silicone Glue Brush Set

These silicone glue brushes are perfect for applying wood glue to projects. They come in different sizes so that you can use them on anything from small boxes to large furniture pieces. Plus, they’re reusable and easy to clean.


20. Corner Clamps

These corner clamps help you glue up mitered frames and boxes. They provide a secure hold so you can get perfect, tight joints every time.


21. Kreg Multi-Mark

Using a Kreg Multi-Mark to draw a straight line on the end of a board

The Multi-Mark is a tool I can’t do without! I use it to mark angles, transfer measurements, set spacing, adjust the depth of my saw blade, and more. I have two in my shop and use them for nearly every project I build.


22. Marking Knife

When precision is key, a marking knife is the tool of choice. With an edge that’s sharper than any pencil point, it allows you to mark cut lines with greater accuracy. It’s excellent for joinery work and other detailed jobs around the workshop.


23. Small Hand Plane

A small hand plane is a great stocking stuffer for any woodworker. It’s perfect for cleaning up edges, chamfering corners, and shaving off small amounts of material. I bought mine from someone who refurbishes old tools, but this new version is similar.


24. Respirator

A quality respirator is essential for protecting lungs from sawdust and is important safety equipment for any woodworker. It’s a great gift that will be appreciated and used often.


25. Corner Chisel

Using a corner chisel to square off a picture frame's inside corner

A corner chisel is a quick and easy way to clean out corners. After using my router to make a rabbet in a picture frame for the glass, I use mine to square off the inside corners.


26. Japanese Pull Saw

A Japanese pull saw is an excellent tool for quickly and easily cutting with little effort. It’s more flexible than a standard saw, which comes in handy when making flush cuts like trimming a dowel or fitting door molding around new flooring.


27. Tape Measure

A measuring tape is an essential for determining the length and width of pieces. You can never have too many, so don’t worry if your woodworker already has one. I have a few in my shop, one in my toolbox, and one in my car!

Related: How to Use a Tape Measure Correctly


28. Drill Bit Set

Drill bits come in handy for making holes in almost any material. This set includes a variety of sizes, so you’ll always have the right bit at your fingertips.

Related: 14 Types of Wood Drill Bits (Which to Use & Why)


29. Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is vital for protecting your ears from loud power tools. I prefer the earmuff style, but earplugs are also an option.


30. Dowel Jig

A dowel jig is a handy tool for making perfectly aligned dowel joints that you can use for assembling cabinets, furniture, drawers, and countless other projects.


31. Laser Level

A laser level projects a precise straight line and can be used for all sorts of tasks, from aligning frames to setting up rows of shelving.


32. Right-Angle Drill Attachment

Using a right angle drill attachment to drive a pocket screw

If you need to drill in tight spots, this right-angle attachment will come in handy. It allows you to reach corners and other hard-to-reach places with ease. I frequently use mine to drive pocket hole screws in confined spaces.


Gifts Under $50

33. Wood Putty

Wood putty is excellent for filling holes and cracks and repairing minor furniture damage. It comes in various colors so that you can match it to the existing finish.

Related: Wood Putty vs Wood Filler (Which to Use & Why)


34. Quick-Release Bar Clamp

These quick-release bar clamps are perfect for clamping larger objects. They come in various sizes so you can get the right size for any project.


35. Bar Clamps

Hands tightening a bar clamp

Bar clamps are great for clamping pieces together to ensure a tight and secure hold. They come in all sizes so that you can grab the right size for any job. And ask any woodworker. You can never have too many clamps!


36. Custom Branding Iron

A custom branding iron is the perfect, personalized gift for anyone who does woodworking, and it allows them to quickly and easily leave their unique mark on any project.


37. Countersink Drill Bit Set

Making countersink holes with a countersink bit

Countersinking screws is a great way to create a clean, finished look on any project. This set of countersink bits is perfect for making holes and creating smooth finish edges.

Related: How to Use a Countersink Bit


38. Digital Angle Gauge

Using a digital angle gauge allows you to quickly and accurately set the blade angle on your table saw, ensuring precise cuts every time.


39. Sheet Goods Carrier

Lugging sheet goods like plywood and MDF from place to place is back-breaking. A 4×8 sheet of 3/4″ plywood can weigh up to 60 pounds! That’s why a panel carrier is such an invaluable tool. It attaches to any plywood sheet and allows you to transport it easily.


40. Stud Finder

Finding studs in the wall can be tricky, but with a good stud finder, it’s a breeze. Now your woodworker can hang shelves and other items securely and accurately.


41. Edge Band Trimmer

Edge banding is a great way to add a finished look to any plywood project. This edge band trimmer makes it easy to trim off the excess and leave behind a smooth, perfect edge.


42. Cabinet Hardware Jig

This cabinet hardware tool is a great for accurately installing handles and knobs on cabinets, drawers, and more.


43. Kreg 320

Drilling a pocket hole with a Kreg Jig 320

The Kreg 320 is perfect for joining wood projects like cabinets and furniture with pocket holes. It’s easy to use and allows you to create strong, secure joints quickly and easily.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320


44. Shelf Pin Jig

Using a shelf pin jig to make shelf pin holes in a board

This shelf pin tool makes it easy to drill evenly-spaced holes for adjustable shelving. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to quickly and accurately install shelves in cabinets and furniture projects.

Related: How to Make Adjustable Shelves with a Shelf Pin Jig


45. Wood Carving Kit

Wood carving is a great way to add custom details to any project. This wood carving kit makes it easy to get started.


46. Wood Wristwatch

This wood wristwatch is perfect for the woodworker who has everything! It’s made from wood and has a unique, stylish look.


47. Apron

An apron is excellent for keeping tools and supplies organized while protecting clothes from sawdust and other debris.


48. Cutting Board Kit

This cutting board kit comes with all the materials necessary to make a professional-looking cutting board quickly and easily.


49. Circle Cutting Jig

This circle cutting jig attaches to almost any router and makes it easy to cut perfect circles of various sizes. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to add custom touches to their projects.


50. CA Glue Assortment

Bottles of thin, medium, and thick CA glue on a workbench

Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue is an invaluable adhesive for woodworking. From assembling small projects to repairing chips and filling cracks, this assortment pack contains three varieties, so you’ll always have the right type for the job.

Related: What is CA Glue? (Pros, Cons & Common Uses)


51. Forstner Bit Set

Forstner bit laying next to a hole made by the bit

I often use Forstner bits for my woodworking projects. Unlike traditional spiral drill bits that tear at the wood, Forstner bits cut holes with crisp, clean sides and a flat bottom.

Related: What is a Forstner Bit? (& How to Use It)


52. Grr-Ripper Pushblock

Hand using a Grr-ripper Pushblock to cut a small piece of wood on a table saw

Having a push block like the Grr-Ripper is not only important for safety when working with power tools but also makes it easier to control your workpiece when using a table saw, router table, or jointer.

Related: 21 Table Saw Safety Rules (& Mistakes to Avoid)


53. Kreg Rip-Cut

The Rip-Cut makes it easy to make perfectly straight cuts on larger pieces of wood like plywood and MDF. It easily attaches to almost any circular saw and helps you make accurate cuts quickly and safely.


Gifts Under $75

54. Wood Storage Rack

I recently installed this wall-mounted wood storage rack in my garage, and it’s been great for keeping my lumber organized and accessible.


55. Set Up Blocks

Set up bars or set up blocks are a great way to quickly and accurately set up table saws, routers, and other tools. They’re helpful for setting the fence and precisely adjusting the height of saw blades, and bits.


56. Paint Spray Shelter

This portable, lightweight paint spray shelter is great for anyone who wants to protect their work area from paint overspray. It’s perfect for painting cabinets, furniture and other projects.


57. Dowel Making Tool

This dowel making tool is an excellent way to create custom dowels of any size or shape. By making your own dowels, you can use wood from your project for an exact match and custom fit.


Gifts Under $100

58. Chisel Set

A good set of chisels is essential for cutting, shaping, and trimming wood. This set comes with a variety of sizes, so you’ll always have the right size for every job.


59. Kreg 520

Drilling a pocket hole with a Kreg 520

The Kreg 520 is perfect for joining wood projects like cabinets and furniture with pocket holes. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to make strong, professional-looking joints quickly and easily.

Related: Which Kreg Jig Should You Buy? (Here’s the Answer)


Gifts Under $125

60. Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum is a great way to keep your workshop clean and dust-free. This one is powerful yet lightweight, so it’s easy to move around when cleaning up woodworking projects.


61. Paint Sprayer

A paint sprayer is a great way to quickly and easily finish furniture or cabinets. This one is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve high-quality professional results without spending too much.


Gifts Under $150

62. Kreg 720

Drilling a pocket hole with a Kreg 720

The Kreg 720 makes strong, professional-looking pocket hole joints quickly and easily. It automatically adjusts to the material’s thickness and has onboard storage for tools.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 720


63. Router Bit Set

Router bits are perfect for anyone who wants to take their woodworking projects to the next level. This set comes with an assortment of bits so you can create custom edging and decorative elements quickly and easily.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

These gifts are great stocking stuffers or gifts for those on a budget. They’re practical presents that any woodworker would find useful, and they won’t break the bank!

For your convenience, I’ve included links to the description of each product that appeared earlier in this article and an option to buy now if you’re short on time.


Gifts for Woodworkers: What to Avoid

As a woodworker, I love getting gifts for my hobby. But there’s one thing I never want to receive: a power tool, especially a cordless one.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate the thought. Power tools are cool, powerful, and can make projects go faster, but there are a few reasons why it’s not always the best idea.

  • First, woodworkers are often loyal to one power tool brand (DeWALT, Makita, Ryobi, etc.) They’ve invested in that brand’s batteries, accessories, and attachments and don’t want to start over with a new brand.
  • Second, cordless batteries are not interchangeable between brands. Also, some brands have different battery voltages that are not interchangeable between their models.

If you want to buy your woodworker a power tool, such as a drill, impact driver, orbital sander, or router, you’ll want to ensure it’s the same brand (and voltage if it’s cordless) they already own; otherwise, I would choose another item from this gift list.


Final Thoughts

These gifts are just the start when it comes to gifts for woodworkers. There are endless gifts, ranging from tools to books to jigs. Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or something bigger, the right gift is here! Make your woodworker smile with one of these gifts this holiday season.

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!


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3 Comments

  1. I love so many of these ideas here. The one power tool I really want is a thicknesser planer. I could get a Ryobi one here (in Australia) for around $500. The only problem (apart from the cost) is that I’d have nowhere to store it. I live in an apartment with only a car space- instead of a garage- so storage is at a premium. I like to use lots of ‘free’ timber such as old fence posts, so running the pieces through a thicknesser would be ideal. Instead I have to do lots of sanding and hope to like the ‘rough’ uneven look for many years to come!

    About the stick-thing to push through the end of the timber on a table saw: I was taught to use an off-cut piece of timber instead. I found that quite sturdy though I don’t currently have a table saw- again due to storage constraints. I have to live with a hand-held circular saw so I flipped over to your post on making a jig for that. Great idea. Thanks!

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