5 Easy DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Looking for quick and easy Christmas gift ideas? Sheryl from Woodshop Diaries has shared five delightful projects that are perfect for the holiday season. These gifts are not only simple to make but also utilize scrap wood, making them budget-friendly and eco-conscious.

Materials and Tools Needed

• Scrap wood (various types)
• Wood glue
• Drill
• Miter saw
• Forstner bits (1 1/4″ and 3/4″)
• Sander
• Polycrylic finish
• Wood finish (optional)
• Corks or silicone stoppers
• Dowel rods
• Plexiglass (for frames)

Step 1: Salt and Pepper Shakers

For the first project, Sheryl creates a pair of salt and pepper shakers from scrap maple and walnut wood. The process is straightforward:

1. Cut two pieces of each type of wood to about four inches long and glue them together to form a 2×2 block.
2. Drill a 3/4″ hole in the center, about half an inch deep, for the cork or silicone stopper.
3. Trim the cork if necessary and consider using a screw to make removal easier.
4. Finish with a few coats of polycrylic for protection.

Step 2: Napkin Holder

Using leftover wood from the shakers, Sheryl makes a matching napkin holder:

1. Cut pieces with mitered ends to form triangles for the front and back.
2. Glue the triangles and attach a base piece.
3. Finish with polycrylic to protect the wood.

Step 3: Connect Four Game

This project is a fun and interactive gift. Here’s how to create it:

1. Use quarter-inch plywood for the game board’s front and back.
2. Rip half-inch plywood into strips for the game piece dividers.
3. Drill 42 holes for the game pieces, ensuring they align correctly.
4. Assemble a box from scrap wood to store the game board and pieces.
5. Stain the game pieces in two colors for added fun.

Step 4: Simple Book Stand

This book stand is perfect for any book lover:

1. Cut three pieces of one by six board at angles to create a stand.
2. Glue and nail the pieces together, filling any gaps with sawdust mixed with glue.
3. Finish with a wood sealant for durability.

Step 5: Picture Frames

Finally, Sheryl shows how to create minimalist picture frames:

1. Cut scrap wood to create a frame that fits a 5×7 piece of plexiglass.
2. Cut slots in the wood for the photo to slide in.
3. Glue the pieces together and finish with a wood sealant.

These simple DIY projects are not only thoughtful gifts but also a great way to spend time crafting this holiday season.

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