Alright, its that time of year! We're all scrambling to find the perfect gift. Or at least something that conveys we're thinking of somebody and have at least a general understanding of things they enjoy.
If there's a wood carver in your life you've come to the right place, because I just did a bunch of the legwork for you. Yes there's awesome wood carving tools for the beginner or the seasoned carver. Yes there are educational and inspirational materials for the carver who already has too many tools. And yes, there's even funny merch for the wood carvers, whittlers, spoon carvers who seem to already have it all. I can guarantee they don't have this merch already. How you ask? Because I made it myself!
I've tried to curate a collection of gifts at every price point that will genuinely delight any wood carving enthusiast. From stocking stuffers under $30 to special gifts that will last a lifetime.
Please also take some time to check out the hand crafted pieces at the end of this article from the talented artisans in our carving community. If you feel so inclined, support their work, even if that means simply sharing a piece that you love on your social media.
Happy shopping and happy carving! And remember, we're all in this together. Take a moment to smile and be a little bit kinder than normal to you neighbor during the hectic holiday season.
Enjoy...
Stocking Stuffers - Gifts Under $30
Woodcarving Illustrated One-Year Subscription: $24.99
Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Each quarterly issue delivers expert projects, detailed instructions, tool reviews, and techniques from the world's most talented carvers. At 36% off the regular price, this subscription offers four issues packed with inspiration and practical guidance.
Perfect for carvers who want to expand their skills and stay current with new techniques and trends in the carving world.
Subscribe at Fox Chapel Publishing
Basswood Carving Blocks: $14.99
This is a perfect stocking stuffer for the whittler in your family. These pre-cut basswood blocks in various sizes are always welcome. Basswood's soft, even grain makes it the gold standard for practice and finished projects alike. This 18-pack from Schaaf Tools also comes with our favorite whittling project tutorials for a bit of extra carving inspiration. Great for beginners and experienced carvers alike.
Basswood Carving Blocks 18 pack
Alexander Grabovetskiy School of Woodcarving: $18/month
Treat someone to a month of world-class carving education. Alexander Grabovetskiy is literally one of the world's best carvers, and his online school offers a traditional European apprenticeship experience from the comfort of home. These comprehensive video-based classes are perfect for carvers ready to elevate their skills during the winter months.
Learn more at School of Woodcarving
Relief Carving Pattern Packs by Lora S. Irish: Starting at $10.95
Relief carving legend Lora S. Irish offers curated pattern packs with 10-15 designs per collection. These versatile patterns work beautifully for relief carving, pyrography, or even as detailed coloring pages. With various themes and skill levels available, there's something for every carver's interest.
Browse patterns at Art Designs Studio
Professional Tool Sharpening by Dick Belcher: $2 per tool plus shipping
Give the gift of razor-sharp tools. For just $2 per tool plus shipping costs both ways, veteran sharpening expert Dick Belcher (with 40+ years experience) will restore a perfect edge to any carving tool—even kitchen knives. While many carvers can maintain their own edges, challenging repairs like chipped blades or tricky V-tools benefit from professional attention.
This seemingly simple gift will earn an A+ from any woodworker who appreciates the difference a properly sharpened tool makes.
Bigger Gifts - $30 to $100
Fun Wood Carving T-Shirts - $32.99
Everyone loves some good merch. One of these carving themed T-Shirts will make a hilarious gift for the wood carver, whittler or spoon carver in your family. Choose from seven fun designs that will make you smile.
Schaaf 15oz Precision Carving Mallet: $34.99
Every carver needs a quality mallet, and this one checks all the boxes. The shock-absorbent urethane head reduces noise while protecting wooden tool handles from mushrooming. The comfortable hardwood handle and perfectly balanced 15oz weight allow all level woodworkers to carve for extended sessions without fatigue. This will be a guaranteed hit (no pun intended).
Available in three colors (green, black, and white) to match any workshop aesthetic.
Diamond Sharpening Stone - $62.99
Transform even the dullest tools and knives into championship-class carving tools with a premium sharpening set from Schaaf Tools. This is one of those practical gifts that will be used for years. It can live in the kitchen or in the woodshop - either way, someone will be happy.
Comes in 4 different grits, and includes a non-skid universal stone base with three premium rubber stops to keep everything secure during sharpening, as well as a chisel honing jig and knife angle guide.
The Complete Lora S. Irish Pattern Collection: $59.99 download / $119 thumb drive
The ultimate pattern collection for any carving enthusiast. This massive library includes over 2,500 patterns across 141 themed packs, plus two valuable e-books: "Easy Steps to Sharpening" and "Introduction to Pyrography." From fantasy creatures and wood spirits to landscapes and flowers, this collection ensures endless inspiration.
Available as an instant download or on a convenient thumb drive for those who want something tangible in their hand.
Get the complete collection at Art Designs Studio
Table Top Pro Epoxy Resin by Bear Woods: $26.49
For carvers who want to showcase their work with a glass-like finish, this professional-grade epoxy delivers the appearance of 50 coats of varnish in a single pour. The self-leveling 1:1 formula creates a thick, protective coating with remarkable clarity—perfect for preserving detailed carvings or creating stunning table tops.
3pc Beginner Whittling Kit
This might be my favorite gift on this entire list. The kit comes with three whittling knives, including a hook knife for spoon carving. It also includes a sharpening strop, protective tape, basswood blocks and tutorials. A beginner carver will be able to sit down and carve their first spoon from start to finish, even if they have no wood carving experience. With this kit, you're gifting a new hobby, not just a knife set.
The Big Gift - $100+
Schaaf 12pc Beginner Set: $129.95
The foundation of any carver's toolkit. This comprehensive set includes carefully selected gouges covering the essential profiles every carver needs. Made from high-quality alloy chromium-vanadium steel (C60 Rockwell hardness) with comfortable European-style octagonal ash handles, these tools are built to last a lifetime.
Available in standard or hand-sharpened versions, and includes beginner learning videos and eBook. Perfect for someone taking their first steps into wood carving or for whittlers ready to expand into gouge work.
Wood Carving Books For Inspiration & Education- $15-$30
Woodcraft by Barn the Spoon
For the carver drawn to functional kitchenware and the meditative rhythm of green wood carving, this beautifully photographed guide from renowned spoon carver Barn the Spoon (Barn Carder) makes an inspiring gift. They'll learn to transform freshly cut wood into flowing, organic kitchen pieces using simple hand tools. Covers everything from selecting and preparing green wood to mastering the knife techniques that create those graceful curves. Perfect for someone who appreciates the rustic charm of hand-carved utensils.
Heirloom Wood by Max Bainbridge
Give the gift of timeless craftsmanship. Master spoon carver Max Bainbridge shares his approach to creating elegant, functional pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary design. This guide takes carvers through the complete process—from understanding grain patterns to applying finishing touches that transform each piece into a family heirloom. Ideal for the thoughtful carver who wants their work to be treasured for generations.
Carving Faces Workbook by Harold Enlow and Woodcarving Illustrated
Help them master one of carving's most challenging and rewarding skills. This practical workbook from master carver Harold Enlow breaks down facial anatomy and expressions into clear, manageable steps with diagrams and progressive exercises. Whether they're carving realistic portraits or whimsical characters, Enlow's proven teaching methods unlock the ability to capture personality and emotion in wood. An essential resource for any carver ready to take on the human face.
Buy Carving Faces Workbook online here
Hand Crafted Gifts from Artisans in our Community
TC TimberArt Functional Wood Work (@tc_timberart)
You can find gorgeous, unique and functional items for every budget from TC TimberArt. From hand carved pens starting at $25 to exotic wood coffee scoops starting at $77, and even briarwood pipes for $175. I bought a cutting board from Nick years ago and gifted it to a friend. Take a peek at Nick’s incredible craftsmanship. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a Veteran owned business.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TCTimberArt
Rustic Decor and Cookware by Anthony Velicka of AV Carvings (@av_carvings)
From chainsaw-carved outdoor décor, to hand-carved woodspirits, spoons, and bowls, AV Carvings has a variety of pieces to choose from, and most items are available for less than $50. We love supporting veteran owned businesses, especially when the goods are as beautifully crafted as Anthony’s.
Fun, Whimsical Characters by @JohnnyTheLayton
If you’re into fantasy, whimsy, and the kind of hand-carved misfits that look like they’ve crawled out of a D&D campaign or a very caffeinated daydream, you’ve found your new favorite Etsy store. For something more holiday inspired, check out the grumpy Santa carvings and an assortment of wacky ornaments. These will make whoever is on the receiving end smile.
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