10 Best Woodworking Gifts Under $25
Finding the perfect woodworking gift under $25 can feel daunting. Especially for a non-woodworker, you can get overwhelmed by the vast array of tools and gadgets, unsure of what's truly essential or useful. However, there are plenty of woodworking gift ideas that won't break the bank and will make the perfect gift. As a woodworker, I know what tools I use on every project and those that were good ideas but eventually were thrown away. The following list of gift ideas not only fits under the $25 mark but will be tools a woodworker will use and make projects easier and more enjoyable.
FastCap Pro Carpenter Tape Measure
Surprise them with a woodworking accessory they didn't know they needed.
Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil
Upgrade their marking tools with the durable GraphGear 1000.
Irwin Quick-Grip Clamps
Upgrade their workshop game with these sturdy quick clamps.
Kreg Panel Carrier
Help them tackle big projects alone with a Kreg Panel Carrier.
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1. FastCap Pro Carpenter Tape Measure
My Take
The FastCap tape measure is my go-to for every project and ensures I have the best fit possible for all my pieces. This tape measure is designed specifically for woodworking and offers the best measuring possible unlike other tape measures designed for rough carpentry. I consider this an essential tool for any woodworker and the more they have the better, so it doesn't matter if they already have one.
Key Features
Easy to read fractions down to 1/16 inch
Highly accurate and consistent markings designed for woodworking
Measurements are readable from both the right and left side of the tape measure
Pros:
Tape Measure designed for woodworkers
Highly detailed and readable measurements
Built-in pencil sharpener and erasable notepad
Cons:
Only 16 feet long
Very detailed measurement labels
Not designed for construction or framing
Surprise them with a woodworking accessory they didn't know they needed.
2. Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil
My Take
The Pentel GraphGear mechanical pencil is the only pencil I use on my woodworking projects. The most critical functions of fine woodworking involve measuring and marking, but without a precise pencil, you won't be able to make accurate cuts. The GraphGear pencil makes a great gift because it's not something every woodworker thinks about. It's a high-quality quality full-metal pencil that retracts when not in use to prevent the lead from constantly breaking. I honestly don't know what I would do without this pencil in my workshop, and it has lasted a long time.
Key Features
A fully retractable tip that prevents the lead from breaking while in a pocket or woodworking apron
Full metal design with chiseled metallic grip pads
High-quality drafting pencil for precision in marking workpieces
Pros:
Full metal design that will last
Tip designed for rulers and templates
Weighted for precise drafting and professional work
Cons:
Small built-in eraser
Graphics on the barrel can wear off over time
Upgrade their marking tools with the durable GraphGear 1000.
3. Irwin Quick-Grip Clamps
My Take
The Irwin Quick-Grip Clamps are a great gift idea and are essential for every project, whether it's woodworking or DIY projects around the house. Clamps are a must-have in the woodshop and I always joke around that I never have enough. The Irwin Quick-Grip clamps were one of my first woodworking tools and I still use them today many years later. They are powerful tools that quickly secure my workpieces with one hand while I set up my joinery or screw in pocket holes. They also make great gifts because you can use them as an extra set of hands, clamping things around the house in DIY projects.
Key Features
One-handed quick grip handles and a quick-release
Non-marring pads that protect your workpiece from scratches and dents
Easy-to-use clamps for tight spaces and a quality design that will last
Pros:
Easy one-handed use
Good grip and versatility
Sturdy design with hardened steel bars
Cons:
Limited to smaller workpieces
Not for heavy-duty tasks
Upgrade their workshop game with these sturdy quick clamps.
4. Kreg Panel Carrier
My Take
The Kreg panel carrier is a perfect gift and an essential tool for large projects that involve plywood. The most difficult task in woodworking is trying to move a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood by yourself to the table saw. The Kreg panel carrier makes it easy to transport large panels around your shop with one hand. Every woodworker at some point will have a project that involves sheet material and this is a great way to handle plywood without having extra help. Whether they are doing home improvements or you get this as a gift for a woodworker they will thank you after they use it.
Key Features
Kreg GripMaxx pads allow it to hold the material without damage
Easily move large plywood sheets with one hand
Built to carry up to 100 lbs and 3/4 inch plywood
Pros:
Automatic clamping adjustments
Comfortable handle
Prevents muscle strains
Cons:
Weight limited to 100lbs
Limited to only 3/4 inch thick material
Help them tackle big projects alone with a Kreg Panel Carrier.
5. Incra TinyT 3-Inch Ruler
My Take
The Incra TinyT 3-inch ruler is something I always keep in my shop apron and use on nearly every woodworking project. Making small but exact measurements using a large tamp measure is annoying and is not very repeatable. The Incra TinyT provides precision in marking small measurements with holes every 1/16th, 32nd, and 64th of an inch, and is designed for fine woodworking. The TinyT also has a built-in T-Bar that allows you to slide the ruler along the edge of a board making repeatability and accuracy easy. I personally think every woodworker needs this for marking pocket holes, pilot holes, or with a doweling jig. They will definitely be thankful of this gift and recognize the TinyT offers a lot of bang for its size.
Key Features
Marking holes at every 1/16th, 32nd, and 64th from 0 to 3 inches
Holes account for the exact placement of marks with a .5mm mechanical pencil
T-Bar Design follows the edge of the workpiece for perfectly placed horizontal or vertical lines
Pros:
Compact and fits in a shop apron
Quickly mark your workpieces
High-quality materials
Cons:
Can easily bend if dropped
Only compatible with 0.5mm led
Give the gift of convenience and precision in one.
6. Rockler Work Bench Cookies
My Take
The Rockler work bench cookies are a must-have in a woodworking shop, and I use them every time I get out my sander. On both sides of the cookie, they have high-friction non-marring pads that easily hold your boards or projects in place while you sand. The Rockler cookies function great on any work surface and prevent any scratches or dents while you finish your project. They are by far the best way to stabilize a board while sanding or routing and I wouldn't think of using anything else on my projects. The Rocker work bench cookies would make great stocking stuffers or just gifts in general for any woodworker.
Key Features
Gripping material allows for a clamp-free work surface for routing, sanding, or sawing
Threaded insert for optional accessories and risers
Ideal for sanding your woodworking projects and a great way to prevent scratches on the opposite side
Pros:
High-quality materials for durability
Protects workpiece from scratches
Slip-resistant gripping material
Cons:
Accessories are sold separately
Limited quantity in the pack
Make their next project easier with a thoughtful gift they'll actually use.
7. FastCap Glubot & Brushes
My Take
Working with glue is probably the most frustrating part of woodworking and is always stressful. The FastCap GluBot is something I can't live without in my shop and may seem like an odd gift. However, the GlueBot is a big upgrade over standard glue bottles and makes things much easier. The GluBot dispenser has multiple tips for whatever type of glue-up you are doing from filling dowel holes, to a self-centering guide for panel glue-ups. The bottle is designed for woodworking projects by allowing you to squeeze glue at any angle and not drip on other parts of your project. This kit also comes with two silicone brushes that help spread the glue into mitered corners or along the edge of boards. I personally have a few GluBots and use them on every project build and believe they will make a great gift for any woodworker.
Key Features
Includes a silicone nozzle cover to prevent glue from drying out
Designed to prevent drips and spills
Allows vertical application of glue
Pros:
Mess-free application
Keeps glue from drying out
Multiple nozzles available
Cons:
Some issues with the gasket not sealing
Not ideal for extremely thick glues
Expensive for a glue bottle
Make their woodworking cleaner and faster with GluBot.
8. Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set
My Take
Similar to the Glu-Bot, this wood glue applicator set from Rockler makes my list of gift ideas under 25 due to its versatility. The kit comes with various tips and attachments that connect to the included bottle or with standard Titebond glue bottles. The large glue roller is a huge time saver if you are making a lot of glue-ups and is something not found in other kits. This set is not something that would replace a Glu-Bot but will work in tandem with them for more unique glue-ups. I would love to get this as a Christmas gift or for a special occasion and would use it quite a bit in my shop.
Key Features
Come with a glue roller applicator for larger glue-ups
Tips are compatible with Titebond glue bottles
Multiple tips are included to apply glue evenly on any surface
Pros:
Simplifies glue-ups
Versatile for different gluing tasks
Easy-to-clean materials
Cons:
No large glue bottle is included
Limited to small and medium jobs
Simplify their woodworking projects with this all-in-one glue applicator kit.
9. DFM Card Scraper Set
My Take
The DFM Card Scraper set will be a tool that most woodworkers won't know to buy for themselves, making it a great gift. It took me years to figure out I needed a card scraper and it comes in handy in the shop, especially with fine woodworking projects. Card scrapers are used to scrape the top layer of wood fibers creating a flawless finish without any sanding marks and are used extensively on handmade pieces. I use them all the time to clean up glue joints without sanding and they are a great way to finish surfaces before applying a stain. The DFM Card Scrapers are a high-quality set made here in America and include all the various angles and curves that you would need. Gifting a woodworker with the DFM Card Scraper set will help them finish projects faster and be a tool that will last.
Key Features
Crafted from high carbon steel for increased durability
Ideal for hardwoods and softwoods leaving a flawless finish
Curved cabinet scrapers can be used on concave and convex surfaces
Pros:
Quickly clean up glue joints
Minimal dust production
High-quality American-made
Cons:
May require a burnishing tool for optimal use
May tire hands quickly due to stiffness
Learning curve for sharpening and using
Surprise your favorite woodworker with these top-notch card scrapers.
10. Wen 123 Blocks
My Take
A major key to woodworking is precision, especially in calibrating your tools making the Wen 123 setup blocks a great gift idea for woodworkers. The blocks are precision-milled steel and offer perfect 90-degree sides and are exactly 1 inch x 2 inch x 3 inches in dimension. The blocks are used to quickly calibrate a miter saw, drill press, or act as a drill guide. These 123 blocks seem like an odd gift for woodworkers but since they are exactly 1,2 and 3 inches they can also help quickly offset and position a track saw or help speed up measuring and cutting. If you're looking for a practical and useful gift for a woodworker or DIY person, these blocks are worth considering.
Key Features
Blocks measure exactly 3 by 2 by 1 inches
Machined to be perfectly square for maximum accuracy
Comes as a set of two blocks, allowing for extended functionality
Pros:
Accurate dimensions within 0.02mm / .0001 inches
Made from durable hardened steel
Perfectly square for precision
Cons:
Oily residue when shipped and requires cleaning
Some tapped holes rough
Surface rust can develop if not oiled
Give the gift of accuracy in woodworking with these multipurpose project blocks.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect gift for a woodworker that won't break the bank might seem daunting, but this guide to woodworking gift ideas under $25 proves otherwise. This list ensures that you can find something special for your favorite woodworker and enhance their tool kit. Whether it's a holiday season or a birthday for a family member or friend who loves woodworking, the wide variety of tools in this article makes sure your money isn't wasted on needless tools. I personally use nearly all the tools listed here and highly recommend them as gifts.
To summarize, here are my top picks for woodworking gifts under $25:
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