Holiday Woodworking Projects That Actually Sell
The holiday season is the best time for beginner woodworkers to turn simple DIY projects into extra cash. Whether you’re selling on Etsy, at local craft fairs, or just creating handmade gifts, holiday woodworking projects to sell for beginners are in high demand.
Related: Build And Sell Woodworking Plans
From rustic wooden ornaments and crates to festive candle holders and toy boxes, there are dozens of easy projects that can be built with basic tools and affordable lumber. Even if you’re just starting out, you can create woodworking gifts that buyers love and pay top dollar for during the holiday rush.
In this guide, we’ll share 12+ beginner-friendly holiday woodworking projects to sell, complete with materials, step-by-step tips, and selling strategies to maximize profit.
Table of Contents
Why Holiday Woodworking Projects Sell So Well
- High seasonal demand: Holiday gifts, décor, and handmade items are top sellers from October through December.
- Handmade appeal: Shoppers value unique, handcrafted items over mass-produced décor.
- Low startup cost: Many projects can be made from scrap wood, reclaimed boards, or inexpensive pine.
- Profit margins: Even small items (like ornaments or trays) can sell for $20–$50, while larger builds (toy boxes, wine racks) bring $100+.
👉 Pro Tip: Focus on functional + decorative projects. For example, a rustic crate that works as both décor and storage has higher buyer appeal.
Tools & Materials for Beginner Holiday Projects
Most holiday woodworking projects to sell for beginners can be built with simple tools:
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Drill + driver bits
- Orbital sander or sanding block
- Measuring tape & carpenter’s square
- Clamps
- Wood glue & screws/nails
- Finishing oil, stain, or non-toxic paint
Beginner-friendly woods: pine, poplar, birch plywood, reclaimed pallets.
Related: Woodworking Plans For Beginners
12+ Holiday Woodworking Projects to Sell for Beginners
1. Wooden Christmas Ornaments (Best Seller!)
- Why they sell: Lightweight, easy to ship, perfect as gifts.
- Materials: Scrap wood, stencils, paint or pyrography tool.
- Tips: Sell in themed sets (snowflakes, reindeer, personalized names).
- Profit Potential: $10–$25 per set.
2. Rustic Wooden Crates for Gift Baskets
- Why they sell: Used for holiday hampers, décor, and storage.
- Materials: Pine boards, screws, stain or paint.
- Tips: Offer different sizes. Add stenciled holiday lettering.
- Profit Potential: $25–$40 each.
3. Wooden Advent Calendars
- Why they sell: A timeless Christmas tradition.
- Materials: Thin plywood, hinges, small drawers.
- Tips: Build a wall-mounted version or a 24-compartment box.
- Profit Potential: $50–$120.
4. Holiday Wine Racks
- Why they sell: Perfect as Christmas gifts.
- Materials: 1×4 boards, screws, drill.
- Tips: Try compact tabletop racks for easier sales.
- Profit Potential: $40–$75.
Related: Wood Projects That Sell Good
5. Festive Candle Holders
- Why they sell: Functional + decorative.
- Materials: 4×4 posts or scrap wood, drill bit for candles.
- Tips: Offer themed sets (3-piece rustic holders).
- Profit Potential: $15–$40 each.
6. Personalized Wooden Signs
- Why they sell: Great for families, holiday quotes, or custom names.
- Materials: Pallet boards, stencils, paint/vinyl letters.
- Tips: Add hooks so they double as stocking holders.
- Profit Potential: $20–$70.
Related: Front porch décor ideas
7. Wooden Snowman or Reindeer Yard Stakes
- Why they sell: Popular for outdoor décor.
- Materials: Plywood cutouts, jigsaw, outdoor paint.
- Tips: Seal with exterior polyurethane for durability.
- Profit Potential: $25–$90.
8. DIY Wooden Serving Trays
- Why they sell: Festive and useful for hosting.
- Materials: Plywood, handles, stain/paint.
- Tips: Offer custom engraving for higher sales.
- Profit Potential: $30–$60.
9. Toy Storage Boxes
- Why they sell: Parents love useful gifts.
- Materials: Plywood, hinges, paint.
- Tips: Add wheels or themed stencils (reindeer, snowflakes).
- Profit Potential: $80–$150.
10. Wooden Christmas Tree Shelves
- Why they sell: Unique décor + gift display.
- Materials: 1×4 boards, screws, paint.
- Tips: Small tabletop sizes sell best for shipping.
- Profit Potential: $50–$100.
11. Keepsake Wooden Toys (Beginner Friendly)
- Why they sell: Timeless handmade gifts.
- Materials: Scrap wood, sandpaper, non-toxic finishes.
- Tips: Kitchen play sets, small cars, puzzles.
- Profit Potential: $25–$75.
12. Wooden Coasters & Holiday Cutting Boards
- Why they sell: Small, giftable, easy for beginners.
- Materials: Scrap hardwood, mineral oil finish.
- Tips: Offer personalized engraving or themed shapes.
- Profit Potential: $15–$40 per set.
Where to Sell Your Holiday Woodworking Projects
Etsy:
Ideal for small, shippable projects such as ornaments, trays, coasters, and rustic décor. Etsy attracts shoppers worldwide who specifically look for unique, handmade holiday gifts.
Related: Wood projects that sell like crazy
Craft Fairs & Holiday Markets:
Great for showcasing personalized signs, wooden crates, and outdoor yard décor. These events allow you to connect with buyers in person, display multiple projects, and take custom orders on the spot.
Facebook Marketplace:
Best suited for larger projects like toy boxes, wine racks, or advent calendars. Local buyers love saving on shipping costs, and you can arrange quick pickups for cash sales.
Local Stores & Boutiques:
Approach gift shops and home décor boutiques with wholesale bundles of ornaments, coasters, or candle holders. Retailers love having seasonal, handcrafted inventory that stands out from mass-produced items.
Marketing & SEO Tips for Holiday Wood Projects
Use seasonal keywords
Add terms like “Christmas,” “Holiday Gift,” and “Rustic Décor” to your product titles and descriptions. This helps buyers find your projects when they search online during the festive season.
Bundle products
Instead of selling one item, offer sets (e.g., 3 candle holders or 6 ornaments). Bundling increases perceived value and lets you charge more while moving more inventory.
Offer customization
Personalized names, dates, or engraved holiday messages make your projects stand out. Shoppers are willing to pay extra for unique, customized gifts.
Promote scarcity
Create urgency by advertising “limited holiday batches” or “ready-to-ship now.” This encourages quick purchases before buyers miss out.
Pinterest Marketing
Share visually appealing pins with keywords like holiday woodworking projects, DIY wood gifts, Christmas woodworking plans. Pinterest users love saving festive inspiration, which drives traffic back to your shop or blog.
Conclusion: Start Selling Holiday Wood Projects Today
Even if you’re just starting out, holiday woodworking projects to sell for beginners are one of the fastest ways to make extra income during the festive season. Focus on simple, profitable builds like ornaments, trays, and crates, then expand into larger items as your confidence grows.
With the right plans, tools, and marketing strategies, your woodworking hobby can pay for itself — and even turn into a steady holiday side business.
Best Wishes,
Alexander.
What are the easiest holiday woodworking projects for beginners?
The easiest holiday woodworking projects for beginners are small, functional items such as wooden ornaments, rustic crates, serving trays, and candle holders. These projects require minimal tools, can be built from scrap wood, and sell well at holiday markets or on Etsy.
How much money can I make selling holiday woodworking projects?
Earnings depend on the project type and where you sell. Small items like ornaments or coasters often sell for $15–$40 per set, while larger projects like toy boxes or advent calendars can bring in $80–$150 each. Many beginner woodworkers make several hundred dollars per holiday season by selling at local fairs or online marketplaces.
Where is the best place to sell holiday woodworking projects?
For beginners, the best places to sell holiday woodworking projects include Etsy (for small, shippable items), craft fairs and holiday markets (for décor and personalized gifts), and Facebook Marketplace (for larger builds like toy boxes or wine racks). Local boutiques are also a good option if you can supply small wholesale bundles of ornaments or signs.
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