10 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Woodworker or Woodturner in Your Life
Finding the perfect gift for a woodturner can be challenging. Between the specialized tools and their knack for purchasing what they need, it’s easy to feel stumped during the holiday season. But fear not! We've compiled a list of 10 thoughtful gift ideas that will bring joy to your favorite woodturner’s workshop. Plus, stick around for a bonus idea at the end!
Convenient links for each of these ideas are down below!
1. Magnets for the Workshop
Magnets are an affordable and practical stocking stuffer for any woodturner. They’re perfect for keeping tools like hex keys, wrenches, and rulers conveniently stored near the lathe or other equipment. Strong rare-earth magnets or ceramic ones work wonders for organization. For instance, I use magnets to store hex keys inside my bandsaw or keep rulers handy around the shop. This small gift has endless uses and will quickly become a favorite workshop hack.
2. LED Task Lights with Magnetic Bases
Brighten up your woodturner’s workspace with an LED task light. These small, inexpensive lights (usually under $10) attach to equipment like lathes, drill presses, and band saws, providing targeted illumination exactly where it’s needed. Their portability and compact design make them a workshop essential—grab a few to maximize convenience!
3. Calipers and Dividers
Every woodturner knows you can never have too many calipers. These tools are vital for measuring diameters, especially when working on spindles or bowl interiors. Multi-packs of calipers make excellent gifts, allowing woodturners to measure multiple dimensions simultaneously. Bonus tip: Dividers can double as large compasses by attaching a pencil to one leg—another handy workshop hack.
4. Quality Sandpaper and Abrasives
Sandpaper might not sound glamorous, but it’s a workshop staple that’s always in demand. Opt for high-quality abrasives like 3M Xtract discs or Kingsplor products. These last longer and perform better than standard options, saving both time and money. A fresh stock of commonly used grits—80, 120, 150, 180, and 220—will be a welcome addition to any shop.
5. Live Center Sets
Upgrade your woodturner’s tailstock game with a live center set featuring multiple points. These tools improve workholding by distributing force evenly and preventing splits in the wood. Ensure you purchase the correct Morse taper size for their lathe (#2 for larger machines, #1 for smaller benchtop models). Not sure which to get? Consult the lathe manual or ask for help!
6. Membership to the American Association of Woodturners (AAW)
An annual AAW membership is a gift that keeps on giving. Members gain access to exclusive publications, online tutorials, and a treasure trove of woodworking resources. The association also offers a monthly magazine filled with tips, project ideas, and inspiration. Pair this with a local chapter membership for live demos and networking opportunities. At around $75 per year, it’s a worthwhile investment in their craft.
7. Modular Tool Rest Systems
A modular tool rest system enhances precision and accessibility during projects. These versatile tool rests come in various shapes and sizes, such as "S" shapes for bowl turning or smaller rests for tight spaces. Ensure compatibility by checking the tool rest post size (e.g., 1-inch diameter for my lathe). If you’re unsure, sneak a peek at their workshop or refer to their lathe manual.
8. Lathe Chucks and Accessories
Scroll chucks are game-changers for woodturners, making workholding easier and more versatile. If your turner already has a chuck, consider gifting additional jaws to expand their capabilities. Brands like Nova and Easy Wood Tools offer excellent options. Pro tip: Confirm the headstock thread size of their lathe before purchasing.
9. High-Quality Turning Tools
Woodturning tools like gouges, scrapers, and skews are essential, and quality matters. Look at their current tool collection to identify gaps—maybe they’re missing a specific size or have a heavily used tool due for replacement. Trusted brands like Robert Sorby and Hamlet by Henry Taylor are excellent choices.
10. High Quality Carbide or Insert Tools
When we talk about woodturning tools, we cannot forget about carbide or insert cutters. Your woodturner may already have a favorite or a system they are using. Filling in their collection or picking up replacement cutters are a great gift!
Bonus Gift Idea: Woodturner’s Smock or Vest
Wood shavings have a way of getting everywhere, so a woodturner’s smock or vest is a practical and thoughtful gift. These garments protect against flying debris and keep tools close at hand. Smocks provide maximum coverage, while vests balance protection with convenient pockets. Either way, it’s a gift they’ll appreciate every time they step into the workshop.
If you’re a woodturner reading this, share this list with your friends and family—they’ll appreciate the guidance! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter or channel to keep these ideas handy for future gifting seasons.
Whether you’re shopping for big-ticket items or budget-friendly accessories, these gift ideas are sure to bring holiday joy to the woodturner in your life. Still have questions? Drop a comment or visit Turning Stitches for personalized advice. Happy holidays and happy turning!
Links for the Gift Ideas
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Gift Idea 1 - Magnets:
Cermic Magnets (30-pack) - https://amzn.to/3ANaZrU
Rare Earth Magnets (30-pack) - https://amzn.to/48HXxSG
Gift Idea 2 – Task Light
30 LED Gooseneck Magnetic Task Light - https://lddy.no/1krqe
Gift Idea 3 – Calipers
Outside (OD) Calipers - https://lddy.no/1krqj
3 Piece Set Premium – https://lddy.no/1krqi
5 Piece Set Deluxe – https://lddy.no/1krqh
6 Piece Measuring Kit – https://lddy.no/1krqg
Double Ended Bowl Calipers - https://lddy.no/1krqf
Gift Idea 4 – Sandpaper & Abrasives
3-inch discs (3M Xtract)
80 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqk
120 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krql
150 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqm
180 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqn
220 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqo
5-inch discs (3M Xtract)
80 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqp
120 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqq
150 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqr
180 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqs
220 Grit - https://lddy.no/1krqt
Gift Idea 5 – Live Center Sets
Live Center Set M2 - https://lddy.no/1krqu
Live Center Set M1 Sorby - https://lddy.no/1krqv
Gift Idea 6 – American Association of Woodturners
Membership - https://www.woodturner.org/
Gift Idea 7 – Tool Rest
1” Post - https://lddy.no/1krqx
Bowl Crossbar Toolrest - https://lddy.no/1krqy
9” Crossbar Tool Rest - https://lddy.no/1krqz
Gift Idea 8 – Scroll Chucks & Jaws
Nova Supernova 2 Chuck - https://amzn.to/3YE1eG6
Nova Pen Jaws - https://amzn.to/3BiMtie
Nova Big Jaw Bundle - https://amzn.to/4fIG7Yn
Nova Cole Jaw Bundle - https://amzn.to/3Z1sKwU
Easy Wood Tools (Easy Chuck) - https://lddy.no/1krr0
Gift Idea 9 – Gouges, Scrapers, Skew Chisels
Robert Sorby ⅜ Bowl Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr1
Robert Sorby ½ Bowl Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr2
Hamlet by HT ⅜ Bowl Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr3
Hamlet by HT ½ Bowl Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr4
Robert Sorby ⅜ Spindle Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr5
Robert Sorby ½ Spindle Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krr6
Hamlet by HT 3/8 Spindle Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krrg
Hamlet by HT ½ Spindle Gouge - https://lddy.no/1krrh
Robert Sorby ½ Round Scraper - https://lddy.no/1krrf
Gift Idea 10 – Insert Woodturning Tools
Robert Sorby Turnmaster - https://lddy.no/1krr7
Easy Wood Tools Rougher - https://lddy.no/1krr8
Easy Wood Tools Finisher - https://lddy.no/1krra
Easy Wood Tools Detailer - https://lddy.no/1krrb
Easy Wood Tools 3 Piece Set - https://lddy.no/1krrc
Bonus Idea – Turning Smock/Jacket
Robert Sorby Long-sleeve Smock - https://lddy.no/1krrd
Easy Wood Tools Short-sleeve Smock - https://lddy.no/1krre
