1Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 320
Pocket holes are the quickest way to make strong joints for shelves, cabinets and frames. The Kreg 320 is a portable jig that drills them in wood from 12mm to 38mm thick, with stops set for the common sizes. It comes with the stepped drill bit, a driver bit, sample screws and a carry case.
Pros
- Fast, strong joints.
- Portable and simple to set.
- Comes with bits and screws.
Cons
- They'll need a clamp to hold it, sold separately.
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Kreg product page ↗
2Kreg Automaxx 6in wood project clamp
Woodworkers always say they need more clamps, and this one sets itself. Squeeze the handles and Kreg's Automaxx clamp adjusts to the thickness of the wood, so there's no fiddling with screws. The wide pads won't mark the work, and it fits the 320 jig too.
Pros
- Adjusts itself to the wood.
- Wide pads won't mark.
- Works with the Kreg jig.
Cons
- Only reaches 6in, so not for wide glue-ups.
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Kreg product page ↗
3Stanley No. 4 smoothing plane
A No. 4 plane is the first hand plane most woodworkers buy, and they use it for years. Stanley's has a cast iron base, a hardened steel blade and an adjustable frog to suit different woods. With a sharp blade it takes off thin shavings and leaves a finish sandpaper can't match.
Pros
- The classic first plane.
- Adjustable for different woods.
- Leaves a smooth finish.
Cons
- Needs sharpening and setting up to work at its best.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Stanley product page ↗
4Starrett 12in combination set
Accurate marking makes or breaks a project, and a Starrett square is the one woodworkers trust for life. This 12in set has a square head, centre head and protractor head with spirit levels, a scriber and an etched satin chrome rule. It's an heirloom tool.
Pros
- Accurate for life.
- Square, centre and protractor heads.
- Built to last generations.
Cons
- Expensive compared with basic squares.
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Starrett product page ↗
5Titebond III Ultimate wood glue
Every woodworker gets through glue, and Titebond III is the one many reach for. It's waterproof enough for outdoor furniture and chopping boards, gives a longer open time for tricky glue-ups and cleans up with water while still wet.
Pros
- Waterproof once cured.
- Longer time to assemble.
- Cleans up with water.
Cons
- A practical gift, so pair it with a tool.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Titebond product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves making things in wood
Woodworkers are particular about tools, so stick to brands they'll recognise. The best gifts for woodworkers improve accuracy, speed up joints or replace things they use up. Find out whether they prefer hand tools or power tools first. Clamps and glue are always welcome.
How we picked these gifts for woodworkers
We picked each product for what woodworkers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
