Wooden Christmas Gifts Guide

Each year I am lucky enough that people choose items I have made as gifts for their loved ones.

When I first started woodturning, the idea that people would spend their hard earned money on items I had created to show people what they mean to them, wasn’t something I had considered much.

Over time though, and through various forms of feedback (be that a review on the website or a discussion at a market stall), I soon discovered that people were choosing my items as such gifts.

It is an incredibly fulfilling thing.

Yes, it nice regardless of the context when someone buys an item. When someone sees the value in my handmade work.

However, knowing they’ve also deemed it as an item they can use to share with a loved one adds an extra dimension… but maybe I’m just a sop and a hopeless romantic at heart.

Either way, I thought it might be useful to put together a small guide for those who are looking for handmade wooden Christmas gifts. Some ideas as to the kinds of items I make that could be gifted this Christmas.

Wooden Gift Stocking fillers (under £20)

Tend to have a variety of items that I make on a regular basis. At the lower end of the price scale, I have a number of smaller items that make excellent wooden stocking filler gifts.

Or items that can be paired with something larger to round off a gift.

This can include the simple but useful wooden ring holders.

A small item, but one that sits beside a bed or in the bathroom. Giving precious rings a safe place to remain when they are removed.

Or, my minimalist bottle openers make a great option. Pairing nicely with that special bottle.

Wooden Christmas Gifts (£20–50)

Sitting comfortably in the middle range in regards to pricing - and perhaps the sweet spot that a lot of gift givers are looking for - you’ll find a variety of wooden items.

An incredibly popular product is my Castle Law bud vase (at £25). Available in a variety of British hardwoods, these are perhaps one of the more popular items that I make.

The beauty of a wooden bud vase as a gift is that they are small and unassuming but help to accent almost any space.

Given they are suitable for dry flowers, they are also a versatile gift that a person can use all year round - refreshing the display with whatever colours and flowers they want for that particular season.

Similarly, my smaller wooden bowls also make excellent gifts. Each one is made with a food safe finish.

But they do not have to be used as a serving item. That is the beauty of a good well made wooden bowl. It can meet a whole host of needs.

From organisational all the way through to hosting. Or, even just a nice decoration. And accent in a room that adds some warmth and depth.

Statement pieces (£50 and up)

Every now and then I like to get fancy. There are just some woods that are a real honour to work with. That are rare and special.

These are at the higher end of the scale. But they are truly one of a kind pieces.

Such as the live edge vessels that I create from Burr Elm.

The wood for these is sourced from Pitlochry. Elm is a rare British hardwood (thanks to the devastation caused by Dutch Elm Disease), and on top of that, the burr is a particularly sought-after section of the tree.

Through struggle and stress, burr creates unique grain patterns that are mesmerising once shaped. Making excellent showcase pieces that can be both a centre piece and a conversation starter.

Perhaps my favourite things to make, I am always a little sad when they leave the workshop - as each one is a truly unique thing.

I often say that nature does the hard work with these. It’s just up to me to do my best to showcase that beauty.

Gifting Wooden Items This Christmas

If you are in the market for a handmade wooden Christmas gift, I hope that these ideas have helped in some way.

I also hope that regardless of whether you choose an item made by myself or another maker, you find something that resonates with both yourself and your loved ones.

In a world of mass-produced products from factories spread throughout the world, I hope you are able to find something closer to home that has been made with the same levels of care and attention that go into a truly handmade item.

A few questions I get asked

When should I order for Christmas?
Early. Most pieces are one-offs, so the real limit is stock, not the post. For posting, I’d say the very latest would be Saturday 19th December. To give me time to get it packed and sent.

How much is delivery?
UK delivery starts at £4.50 for tracked 48. Some items - such as the burr elm vessels - I send only by Special Delivery, because of their value and the cover Royal Mail provides. Delivery options will be presented at the checkout.

Will it look like the photo?
Not always. For the bud vases what you see is an example and a representation of what you will receive. As every piece comes from a different bit of wood, so grain and colour vary. For the more unique one off items - such as the burr elm vessels, the photo is the item you will receive.

Do you gift wrap? Can I add a message?
I do not. My skills at wrapping presents leave a lot to be desired. Trust me, you would not want to hand over a gift that was wrapped by me. I stick to my skillset - woodturning…!