I’m always looking for woodworking projects that are both fun to make and genuinely useful.
These are pieces people will actually use every day — not just admire on a shelf.
This list focuses on practical, thoughtful projects that are easy to personalize and perfect for any occasion – you could also make these to sell as well.
Whether you’re making something for a friend, a family member, or just for yourself, these projects are simple, satisfying, and a great way to spend time in the shop.
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1. Cutting Boards and Serving Boards
Simple, functional, and always appreciated.
Combine maple, walnut, or cherry for contrast, sand smooth, and finish with food-safe oil for a clean, durable surface.
They’re one of the most versatile gifts you can make — useful in any kitchen and quick to build in batches.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Maple, Walnut, Cherry
2. Bread / Bagel Slicer
A hardwood frame with a guiding slot makes slicing loaves easy and even.
Add dowel feet for stability and a smooth finish for a professional touch.
It’s a simple yet impressive piece that turns an everyday task into something enjoyable.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Wood to Use: Walnut, Oak
3. Magnetic Knife Block
Sleek, space-saving, and practical. Route out recesses for rare earth magnets, cover with a thin face layer, and attach to a solid base.
It’s a functional design that looks high-end and fits in any kitchen.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Wood to Use: Walnut, Maple
4. Bottle Opener
A quick, practical project that always gets used.
Mount a metal opener insert on a small hardwood block, add magnets on the back to catch caps, and finish with oil for a smooth, durable surface.
It’s simple to batch out and makes a great gift or small item to sell at local markets.
Perfect for kitchens, bars, workshops, or anywhere cold drinks are enjoyed.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Ash, Maple, Cherry
5. Cookbook / iPad Stand
A folding design that holds a tablet, cookbook, or recipe printout at a comfortable angle.
Round over the edges and finish with food-safe oil for a clean, practical build.
It’s an easy project that adds function and style to any kitchen or desk.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Walnut, Maple
6. Coasters
Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and always useful.
Sand them smooth, apply finish, and bundle in sets for a clean presentation.
A simple project that lets you experiment with different wood species and grain patterns.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Mixed Hardwoods, Scrap Pieces
7. Key Holders
Compact and practical.
Add brass hooks to a small hardwood base and mount it with hidden keyhole hardware for a sleek finish.
An easy way to turn small offcuts into something people use every single day.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Oak, Cherry, Pine
8. Glasses Holders
A simple design that keeps reading glasses or sunglasses organized and scratch-free.
Drill a few holes, thread elastic or leather cord, and finish with oil for a smooth feel.
Perfect for desks, nightstands, or entryways.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Maple, Walnut
9. Picture Frame
Classic, customizable, and always meaningful.
Miter or butt-joint corners, add a chamfer or roundover, and finish with a durable clear coat.
Ideal for displaying photos, artwork, or prints — and a great use of smaller hardwood pieces.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Wood to Use: Oak, Walnut
10. Desk Organizer
Create matching trays, pencil holders, and card stands for a clean, organized workspace.
Keep lines simple and finishes natural for a professional look.
A practical, modern project that fits any office, workshop, or home setup.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Wood to Use: Birch Plywood, Walnut
11. Plant Stand
A small, cross-lap or dowel-joined stand adds a touch of modern style to any space. Pair it with a small potted plant for a finished look.
It’s a quick, minimalist build that works with nearly any décor.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Ash, Oak
12. Tea Light Holders
Simple blocks with shallow drilled recesses or multi-candle centerpieces — both are easy builds with a lot of design flexibility.
They make great accent pieces for tables, shelves, or patios.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Pine, Cedar, Maple
13. Lazy Susan Turntable
Glue up strips into a circular panel, attach turntable hardware, and finish with oil or clear coat.
It’s functional for serving, organizing countertops, or adding motion to any tabletop setup.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Wood to Use: Maple, Walnut
14. Bookmarks
Lightweight, easy, and perfect for batch making.
Plane thin strips of wood, drill a tassel hole, and personalize with engraving or paint.
A small, thoughtful item that works well for readers, teachers, or coworkers.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Thin Maple, Cherry, Walnut Veneer
15. Tic Tac Toe Game
Fun to make and fun to play.
Cut small square pieces for the board, stain them two contrasting colors, and finish with a smooth clear coat.
It’s a classic handmade game that looks great on any coffee table.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Wood to Use: Pine, Poplar, Scrap Blocks
Quick Reference
| Project | Skill Level | Approx. Build Time | Best Wood to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Boards and Serving Boards | Beginner | 1–2 hours | Maple, Walnut, Cherry |
| Bread Slicer | Intermediate | 2–3 hours | Walnut, Oak |
| Magnetic Knife Block | Intermediate | 2–3 hours | Walnut, Maple |
| Bottle Opener | Beginner | 45 minutes | Ash, Maple, Cherry |
| Cookbook / iPad Stand | Beginner | 1–2 hours | Walnut, Maple |
| Coasters | Beginner | 30–60 minutes | Mixed Hardwoods, Scrap Pieces |
| Key Holders | Beginner | 1 hour | Oak, Cherry, Pine |
| Glasses Holders | Beginner | 1 hour | Maple, Walnut |
| Picture Frame | Intermediate | 2 hours | Oak, Walnut |
| Desk Organizer Set | Intermediate | 2–3 hours | Birch Plywood, Walnut |
| Plant Stand | Beginner | 1–2 hours | Ash, Oak |
| Tea Light Holders | Beginner | 45 minutes | Pine, Cedar, Maple |
| Lazy Susan Turntable | Intermediate | 2–3 hours | Maple, Walnut |
| Bookmarks | Beginner | 30 minutes | Thin Maple, Cherry, Walnut Veneer |
| Tic Tac Toe Game | Beginner | 1–2 hours | Pine, Poplar, Scrap Blocks |
Final Thoughts
Each of these woodworking projects is designed to be useful, approachable, and enjoyable to make.
They’re great year-round builds — simple enough for beginners, yet polished enough to impress anyone you give them to.
Whether you’re working through scrap wood, trying a new joinery technique, or just making something practical, these projects remind you that the best gifts are often the ones you can actually put to use.