Need Advice Christmas

[Mike Davis]

What are some good Christmas gift ideas that I can make.

 

[ScottM]

For friends and family I lean toward practical and specific gifts. If they like to cook or entertain cutting boards, wooden spoons, serving items, coasters, etc. if they are religious unique crosses. For craft people something they can use for their craft.

 

[Wiley's Woodworks]

• Wooden kitchen utensils
• Simple turnings shaped like Christmas trees as tree ornaments
• Special grained "cookies" as Christmas tree ornaments.
• Bench hooks for your woodworking buddies
• Pet bed boxes
• Raised drinking bowl holders for dog owners

 

[HITCH-]

Pens from the lathe are cherished heirlooms as are pepper ginders and candle stick holders.
I made a few kaladescopes too and they were appreciated.

 

[ptt49er]

I made a few salt boxes a few years ago that were received well. Just a simple 3"ish cube with a flip up lid to hold kosher salt.

 

[Al Olme]

I like to give "kits" so the recipient can enjoy putting them together. Vary the kit for the age and interests of the folks to whom they are given. Pull toys are good for folks with small kids. Bird houses or feeders are good for kids that are a little older or folks who like to attract and watch birds. Many people are astonished that given some sticks, paper and string, they can make their own kites. Everyone uses boxes in some way so precut parts with finger joints to make them are a hit.

 

[Claus]

Ready for the contrarian opinion? Make what you make and things that you enjoy making. It could be anything that gives you some enjoyable shop time, anything. The recipients will be thrilled that they have a handmade gift, from you, whatever it is.

Ansel Adam’s wrote about the getting to the point where he could do “assignments from within”. That is, photographing what he wanted, not an outside assignment commissioned by a client. I’m pretty sure you are at that point.

FWIW

 

[LeftyTom]

For friends and family I lean toward practical and specific gifts. If they like to cook or entertain cutting boards, wooden spoons, serving items, coasters, etc. if they are religious unique crosses. For craft people something they can use for their craft.

Ideas include:

For the average person: cell phone holders, orange peeler

For craft people: Items such as file handles, mallets

 

[Westpacx3]

I made a few salt boxes a few years ago that were received well. Just a simple 3"ish cube with a flip up lid to hold kosher salt.
View attachment 246423 View attachment 246424

I like that, im still in the little box mode. Made maybe 50 or more simple ones and gift them.

Whats holding the lid on?

 

[Westpacx3]

Small boxes for playing cards, woman's daily jewelry thst they remove at night. Small book box for kids or adults that read.

 

[Mike Davis]

Ready for the contrarian opinion? Make what you make and things that you enjoy making. It could be anything that gives you some enjoyable shop time, anything. The recipients will be thrilled that they have a handmade gift, from you, whatever it is.

Ansel Adam’s wrote about the getting to the point where he could do “assignments from within”. That is, photographing what he wanted, not an outside assignment commissioned by a client. I’m pretty sure you are at that point.

FWIW

I have been at that point. Just looking for some fresh ideas. Thanks!

 

[Mike Davis]

Small boxes for playing cards, woman's daily jewelry thst they remove at night. Small book box for kids or adults that read.

Very nice little boxes.

 

[ptt49er]

I like that, im still in the little box mode. Made maybe 50 or more simple ones and gift them.

Whats holding the lid on?

Just a short length of brass rod, maybe an inch long or so.

 

[Al Olme]

Ideas include:

For the average person: cell phone holders, orange peeler

For craft people: Items such as file handles, mallets

What does a wooden orange peeler look like?

 

[LeftyTom]

What does a wooden orange peeler look like?

A gigantic splinter shaped like an orange slice

 

[ChemE75]

My first turnings in 3+ decades were some small snowmen ornaments. Think I’ll stay on the lathe this fall to try some small vases or decorative ornaments depending on if/when I decide on a chuck or just stay between centers.

 

[Burly John]

Small boxes for playing cards, woman's daily jewelry thst they remove at night. Small book box for kids or adults that read.

When I first read Mike's original post, boxes are what came to mind. I can't imagine a home that cannot find a use for a lovely wooden box. And you have a wide choice of woods, carve or not, inlay, joinery, scrollwork, etc.

 

[Hmerkle]

I made a few salt boxes a few years ago that were received well. Just a simple 3"ish cube with a flip up lid to hold kosher salt.
View attachment 246423 View attachment 246424

That is a good idea @Mike Davis becasue you could even turn them and laser "Salt / Pepper"

 

[Hmerkle]

Small boxes for playing cards, woman's daily jewelry thst they remove at night. Small book box for kids or adults that read.

Jim, I like the card holders! (well, I like them all, but thought those were extra special!)

 

[Mike Davis]

Small boxes for playing cards, woman's daily jewelry thst they remove at night. Small book box for kids or adults that read.

Don’t know why I didn’t see this before. Small book boxes. My wife makes and repairs books. This should have been shouting at me. I’m going to consult with her on this.