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Every year I put out a "woodworking gifts you can make" video. This being the 5th edition now, I had to dig deep to come up with new ideas!

1. Bear Claw salad servers Traced out 2 templates to cut these on the bandsaw. Worked out really well! Despite A LOT of sanding required.
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2. Kitchen tongs made from maple. Added walnut splines and rounded the handle for a nice visual detail.
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3. Phone dock / amplifier inspired by a design I saw on Etsy. Maple and walnut mitered into a cube with a slight bevel on the edges. Cut both ends and the slot at 33 degrees on the table saw.
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4. Soma Cube Puzzle This one is easy and fun for both adults and kids. See how fast you can assemble to 7 shapes into a perfect cube. All you need to do is cut 27 identical blocks and glue them together.
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5. House-shaped coin bank made from 4 sheets of 3/4 ply sandwiched together. Designed 2 templates: one to cut the inside and one to then cut the outside (this is done in phases).
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You can watch the full build video on YouTube and get the template free on my website if you're interested.

Always a good idea to get some input for small gifts.
I made some of those Claw salad forks a few years ago. The important thing to include is a pin (small short dowel) protruding on the center of back side just about where the waist is to prevent them from sliding into the salad bowl.

I love making wooden gifts too, and it’s always a blast when you can add your own personal touch. I’ve done a few projects like these, and what really makes them special is when you can customize them for the person you’re giving them to. If you're looking for more custom gift ideas, think about adding something unique, like an engraving or a special finish.

The bear claw salad servers look unique, and the kitchen tongs with walnut splines are both practical and stylish. The phone dock/amplifier design is really clever, and the Soma Cube Puzzle seems like a fun challenge for all ages. The house-shaped coin bank is adorable and practical. Thanks for sharing these creative projects and the free templates on your website!