10 Best Woodworking Gifts Under $50
Finding the right gift for a woodworker may seem difficult, especially if you're not a woodworker yourself. You want something that is both thoughtful and practical but you don't know where to start. As a woodworker myself, I've often received well-intentioned Christmas gifts but never something I have used, needed, or wanted. This is why I have put together my top 10 gift ideas for woodworkers under $50 in this article. I know from experience that these gift ideas will help them in their woodworking projects. Each item on this list has either been a game-changer for me or something I have wanted in my shop for some time. I'm confident after reading this article you will find the perfect gift for woodworkers under 50$ that is guaranteed to be used and appreciated.
Klein Digital Electronic Angle Guage
Upgrade their tool kit with something that sets them up for success.
3M Worktunes Hearing Protection
Give the gift of both safety and entertainment to your favorite woodworker.
Kreg Corner Routing Guide Set
Transform their routing work with one simple tool that won't be wasted and not used.
Woodworking Shop Apron
Give the perfect gift to the craftsmen in your life with this versatile shop apron.
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Table Of Contents
1. Klein Digital Electronic Angle Guage
My Take
The most important aspect of the craft of woodworking is making sure your power tools are properly calibrated. If your table saw or miter saw is off a few degrees it makes any project a nightmare. This is why the Klein digital electronic angle gauge is number one on my list of woodworking gift ideas under $50. To me, a digital angle gauge is an essential tool for any woodshop and I use mine before every project making sure my tools are calibrated before I make my first cut. With its strong magnetic base and auto-rotating display, the angle gauge quickly attaches to any saw blade, fence, or rail to set the perfect angle. Overall, the Klein angle gauge is one of the best tools to buy as a gift and any woodworker would use it regularly.
Key Features
Automatically rotating display that makes it easy to view from any angle.
Strong magnetic base to easily attach to tools for quick calibration.
Dual measurement ranges from 0 to 90-Degree and 0 to 180-Degree.
Pros:
Wide range: 0-90, 0-180 degrees
Resistant to water and dust
Zero calibration feature
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited to magnetic surfaces
Requires regular battery replacement
The display might be small for some
Upgrade their tool kit with something that sets them up for success.
2. 3M Worktunes Hearing Protection
My Take
One of the biggest things woodworkers overlook is safety, especially ear protection. Most of the time woodworking shops are quiet but when you're using large power tools like a table saw, planer, or jointer it can get quite loud. The 3M Worktunes hearing protection is one of my favorite tools and the best safety device I have ever bought. This model of ear protection also doubles as a set of bluetooth headphones and even has a microphone to take calls. I use my 3M Worktunes on all my projects listening to music or podcasts while sanding or cutting out parts while still protecting my hearing from the loud tools. I honestly believe that every woodworker needs the 3M Worktunes not just for safety but to make their time in the shop much more enjoyable. What makes it a great gift is that it can also be used for home improvement tasks around the house and I even use it mowing the grass.
Key Features
Bluetooth technology to listen to music, and podcasts while protecting your ears.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24 dB.
Integrated microphone for taking phone calls directly through the hearing protection.
Built-in rechargeable battery that lasts a long while.
Pros:
High-quality speakers
No cords or antennas
Rechargeable battery with auto shut-off
Cons:
Audio quality is not as good as regular headphones
Expensive relative to the competition
Not the highest NRR available
Give the gift of both safety and entertainment to your favorite woodworker.
3. Product
My Take
Kreg is known for some of the best woodworking tools available like their pocket hole joinery and clamps, and the Kreg corner rounding guide set is no different. This rounding guide set helps woodworkers to round over corners and eliminates all the guesswork with a simple process using a router bit. For a lot of my projects, I scavenged around my wood shop for a curve to trace with a pencil and then it took forever to sand the corners to be uniform. This Kreg corner routing guide set makes things easy by using a template and ensures each corner is exactly the same. This tool is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their woodworking skills and a great gift for someone who already has a lot of tools.
Key Features
Creates a variety of radius and chamfer profiles, including three chamfer sizes (½", 1", 2") and five radius sizes (¼", ½", 1", 1½", 2").
Made with high-density plastic that won't cause injuries if hit with a router bit.
Can be used with a trim router, handheld router, or router table.
Pros:
Creates various radius and chamfer profiles
Large handle & grip pads for easy control
Storage case for the edge profiles
Cons:
Router bit could damage the plastic guides
Not for thin materials
Inserts are hard to remove
Transform their routing work with one simple tool that won't be wasted and not used.
4. Woodworking Shop Apron
My Take
A woodworking apron is one of the best woodworking gift ideas for someone who is in the woodworking world. For the first few years, I never had a work apron and ruined so many sets of clothes with stains, dried glue, and snags. I also was always searching around the shop for a mechanical pencil, tape measure, or various hand tools. Using shop aprons not only protects your clothes but is a great help in keeping your most used tools close. This is a great woodworking apron that was designed with multiple-sized pockets for small items and larger pockets with covers to prevent sawdust from getting in the pockets and a loop for safety glasses. The apron is also built to last with heavy-duty stitching and waxed canvas material to resist stains and glue. If you're looking for woodworker gifts, an apron will come in handy even if they already have one, because odds are it's already stained.
Key Features
Made from 20oz heavy-duty waxed canvas, which is water-resistant, oil-proof, and dirt-proof.
Equipped with 9 tool pockets for organizing all sizes of tools.
Adjustable & cross-back shoulder straps with a breathable shoulder pad for an adjustable custom fit.
Pros:
Pocket covers to prevent dust collection
Durable double stitching and brass hardware
Magnetic pocket for small metal items
Cons:
Magnets might be weak
Top pockets are narrow
Heavy material
Give the perfect gift to the craftsmen in your life with this versatile shop apron.
5. Jorgensen Steel Bar Clamp Set
My Take
The always true phrase in woodworking is that you will never have enough clamps in the workshop, and I can attest to it as a woodworker myself. For every large project, I always seem to think I need more clamps while I watch wood glue dry. It doesn't matter what type of joinery they do from dovetails to using a pocket hole jig every woodworker needs clamps. I personally have a lot of various bar clamps and use them all the time, which is why this set from Jorgenson makes a great gift for any woodworker. The Jorgensen steel bar clamp set is designed for the hobbyist dabbling in the garage or fine woodworking. They have high clamping pressure, and non-marring pads to protect your workpieces while assembling your project. If you're not sure what the best gift is, buying them more clamps is a great way to make an impact in their woodworking shop.
Key Features
Includes protective pads to prevent any marring or damage to your workpieces.
Hardened plated steel clutch discs and a spring, allow the sliding head to hold securely at any point along the bar.
High-carbon, rust-resistant steel bar that will last a long time.
Pros:
Throat depth of 2-1/2 inches
Fast-acting sliding head
Rust-resistant steel bar
Cons:
Pads may slip off or require silicone to secure
Not as heavy-duty as some competitors
Adjustment can be awkward for some users
More clamps are always on a woodworker's wish list making these the perfect gift.
6. Powertec Height Guage Setup Blocks
My Take
Setting up your woodworking tools for precise cuts can be frustrating and time-consuming without a set of quality setup blocks. With the Powertech height gauge setup blocks, you can easily adjust the height of your router table and other woodworking tools, making them an essential tool for anyone serious about precision in woodworking. You can use a wide variety of tools to setup your cuts but I believe the best way is to have a set of setup blocks. The set of setup blocks from Powertec is a great bargain with 15 pieces of precision-machined aluminum blocks with a storage case. This set also includes a 1x2x3 multi-purpose block that is typically something that is bought separately. If you want to improve their woodcraft and make setting up tools easier, you can't go wrong buying the Powertech height gauge setup blocks as a gift.
Key Features
Blocks are precision-machined to within 0.001" accuracy.
Easy-to-read laser-etched sizes on each block for quick identification and organization.
Textured anodized aluminum finish for added protection against nicks and scratches.
Pros:
Durable aluminum alloy
Range from 1/16" to 1" plus 1"x2"x3” block
Laser-etched for easy reading
Comes with storage case
Cons:
Storage case is bulky
Potential for misplacing small pieces
Anodized finish may wear
Give the gift of accuracy with these precision setup blocks from Powertec.
7. Rockler Bandy Spring Clamps
My Take
Applying decorative moldings or edge banding to plywood is one of the most frustrating tasks in woodworking because there is no easy way to clamp the small pieces while the glue dries. I have tried using various tricks found on fine woodworking forums like painter's tape, brad nails, and pin nails but nothing compares to the Rockler Bandy Spring Clamps. These clamps are a game-changer for anyone passionate about fine woodworking and who takes pride in the quality of their projects. Their innovative design ensures the workpiece is not only held firmly on the edge but also protected from any potential damage. The Rockler Bandy Spring Clamps are one of the best gifts because many woodworkers won't realize they need them and once they do they will always need more.
Key Features
Specifically designed for woodworking to easily clamp edge moldings and edge banding plywood.
One-handed easy squeeze to quickly clamp workpieces to the edge of boards.
High-quality construction and design that will last for countless projects.
Pros:
Suitable for delicate moldings
One-handed operation
High-strength nylon and fiberglass
Cons:
Pricey for some users
Smaller than expected for certain tasks
May require buying in larger quantities for projects
Gift them their next favorite tool to speed up their edge banding.
8. Milescraft DrillMate Portable Drill Guide
My Take
Every woodworker has struggled to drill a perfectly straight hole with a hand drill. The only way to ensure your drill bit travels in a straight line is by using a drill press. However, that can be challenging for certain projects which I have found that won't fit in my drill press or are large plywood panels. The latest addition to my workshops is the Milescraft DrillMate Portable drill guide which completely solves this issue. The Milescraft DrillMate Portable drill guide bridges the gap between a handheld drill and a drill press making tasks like drilling holes for dowels or shelf pins easy. I have used the drill guide a few times and it is something that I would love to receive as a gift and a tool I know someone will use in their shop.
Key Features
Adjustable angle setting from 45° to 90° and an adjustable depth stop.
All metal head that attaches to all 3/8" and 1/2" power drills and includes a 3/8" capacity chuck with key.
Large handle for additional support during drilling.
Pros:
Angle settings from 45° to 90°
Adjustable depth stop
Non-slip TPE feet
Cons:
Requires clamping for angled drilling.
Top-heavy with certain drills
Upgrade their drilling accuracy and portability with the DrillMate.
9. Micro Jig Fitfinder 1/2 Guage
My Take
Woodworking is filled with odd calculations and complicated math when setting up your tools for complex joinery. One of those situations is finding the exact center of a board's thickness for half-lap joints or setting up bits for dados and rabbets. The MicroJig Fitfinder 1/2 gauge is designed to solve this problem and quickly finds the center or a board with no measurements. It also helps you quickly adjust a table saw blade or router bit for a perfect fit. Usually, this takes me a while to get a tool dialed in but using the MicroJig Fitfinder this would only take a few seconds. This may seem like a trivial tool to buy for someone but it would definitely be used in my woodshop and be an appreciated gift for any type of woodworker.
Key Features
Automatically finds the 1/2 thickness of material up to 3 inches without manual measuring or calculations.
Easy setup for joinery techniques like half-laps, dado cuts, and rabbets.
Magnetic base to secure the gauge in place during use.
Pros:
Automatic half-thickness measurement up to 3 inches
No math or measuring is needed
Quick setup for perfect joints
Cons:
Plastic construction
Takes practice to lock accurately
Magnets may come lose in the base
Save them some time on measurements and gift them the Fitfinder 1/2 gauge.
10. Fastcap Fast Break Sanding Block
My Take
Sanding is by far the least enjoyable part of a woodworking project and I always try to find ways to speed it up. The latest tool I found was the FastCap Fast Break Sanding block which can quickly sand both edges of a board or various work surfaces. I typically use my hand to sand the edges of projects but after a while my hand cramps and gets sore or I end up with a splinter. The Fast Break sanding block is a tool that makes sanding easy and ensures each edge is perfectly smooth with minimal effort. If you're not sure what gift to buy them, you can always try to make their sanding easier with the Fast Break sanding block.
Key Features
Uniformly break the edges on various materials like melamine, edge-banding, and hardwood.
Quickly sand both edges of a board in a few simple passes.
Interchangeable sandpaper for more aggressive sanding.
Pros:
Uniform edge breaking in one pass
Increases speed and efficiency
Works on melamine, edge-banding, hardwood
Cons:
Not suitable for large wood pieces
Requires specific sandpaper refills
Limited by size for some projects
Save them some time and effort on every project and gift them the FastBreak sanding block.
Final Thoughts
Searching for the perfect woodworking gift within a reasonable budget can leave you feeling out of your depth, especially if you're unfamiliar with the craft. It's easy to fall into the trap of gimmicky tools that look good on the shelf but serve little purpose in real projects. By choosing from this curated list of the 10 best woodworking gifts under $50, you not only guarantee the gift won't break the bank but also will be used and appreciated. I personally use most of the tools listed in this article and if not I would love to receive them as a gift.
To summarize, here are my top picks for woodworking gifts under $50:
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