Eco Friendly Wooden Presents: Our Top 5 Handmade Wooden Gifts

Eco friendly wooden presents and sustainability have become more than just a trend – they are an essential part of how we approach both our daily lives and special occasions. When it comes to choosing that perfect gift, more and more people are looking for ways to make their presents not only thoughtful and unique but also environmentally friendly. One of the best ways to do this is by opting for eco-friendly wooden presents.

Handmade wooden gifts are an enduring classic that adds warmth and character to any occasion. Whether it’s a handmade wooden charcuterie board, a handmade wooden chopping board, or a beautifully crafted wooden tealight holder, these eco-friendly gifts stand out for their sustainability, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. Let’s explore the magic behind handmade wooden gifts and the eco-friendly woods used to create them, such as Mango wood, Black Walnut, Indian Teak, African Teak (Iroko), and American White Oak. We’ll also take a closer look at the hand tools used here at The Wooden Gem to create these stunning pieces.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Wooden Presents?

The growing interest in eco-friendly products is driven by a deeper awareness of the environmental impact that everyday consumer goods can have. Opting for eco-friendly wooden presents is a fantastic choice because wood is a renewable resource when sourced responsibly. Additionally, when properly cared for, handmade wooden products can last a lifetime, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

Choosing eco-friendly wooden presents also supports small-scale artisans such as ourselves, to prioritize craftsmanship over mass production. Our wooden gifts are often one-of-a-kind, offering a personal touch that mass-manufactured items simply can’t match. From the intricate designs on a handmade wooden chopping board handle to the smooth finish on a wooden tealight holder, each piece is a testament to our work ethics here at The Wooden Gem.

Moreover, our eco-friendly wooden gifts can be easily customized to suit the recipient’s style, making them perfect for any occasion or home environment.

Types of Woods Used for Our Handmade Wooden Gifts

When it comes to eco-friendly wooden presents, the type of wood used is crucial in ensuring the wooden product is both sustainable and durable. The following woods are some of the most popular choices for our handmade wooden gifts, each offering its own unique benefits:

1. Mango Wood

Mango wood is one of the most eco-friendly woods available. It is a byproduct of the mango fruit industry, meaning it is sourced from trees that no longer bear fruit. This makes mango wood a sustainable option as it repurposes trees that would otherwise go to waste. The wood itself is relatively soft and has a beautiful, golden-brown colour with unique grain patterns.

Mango wood is an ideal choice for handmade wooden chopping boards and handmade wooden charcuterie boards, as its smooth texture makes it easy to clean and maintain. It is also resistant to swelling and shrinkage, making it perfect for kitchen accessories that require longevity and durability.

2. Black Walnut

Black Walnut is a luxurious hardwood, Our favourite here at The Wooden Gem. Known for its deep, rich colour and exceptional strength, it is a wood of sheer beauty. The wood has a dark brown to purplish hue, making it an elegant choice for handmade wooden gifts such as wooden chopping boards, serving trays, and furniture.

While Black Walnut is a more premium option, its sustainability comes from responsible harvesting practices. The wood is durable, and when well cared for, it can last for generations, making it a great heirloom piece. Additionally, Black Walnut’s beautiful grain patterns and smooth finish make it a popular choice for intricate designs and custom engraving.

3. Indian Teak

Indian Teak is one of the most popular choices for creating eco-friendly wooden presents, particularly handmade wooden charcuterie boards and wooden tealight holders. This wood is known for its durability, resistance to water and decay, and stunning grain pattern. Indian Teak trees are commonly grown in plantations, making it a renewable resource that’s managed sustainably.

The rich, golden-brown colour of Indian Teak gives each piece a warm, timeless appeal. It’s an ideal choice for outdoor wooden items such as garden furniture or kitchenware because of its natural weather-resistant qualities.

4. African Teak (Iroko)

African Teak, also known as Iroko, is a dense and robust hardwood that derive from the tropical regions of Africa. Iroko wood has a deep, reddish-brown hue with a fine grain pattern that enhances its aesthetic charm. It’s particularly well-suited for handmade wooden gifts such as furniture, chopping boards, and decorative pieces.

Iroko is a sustainable choice because it is harvested from well-managed forests, and its resilience to harsh weather conditions makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor items. The natural oils in Iroko also provide protection against insects and fungi, ensuring its longevity.

5. American White Oak

American White Oak is a highly durable hardwood that’s widely used in furniture making and kitchen accessories. Known for its light, golden-brown colour and prominent grain, American White Oak is a popular choice for handmade wooden chopping boards and handmade wooden charcuterie boards.

This wood is incredibly versatile, and because it is readily available from responsibly managed forests, it’s an eco-friendly choice for sustainable gift-giving. American White Oak’s dense texture makes it resistant to wear and tear, meaning gifts made from this wood will stand the test of time.

The Craftsmanship Behind our Eco friendly Wooden Presents

Creating handmade wooden gifts requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the wood’s unique qualities. Each piece is crafted with care using a range of hand tools that help bring out the natural beauty of the wood while maintaining its integrity. Some of the essential tools used in the process include:

1. Hand Saws

A hand saw is one of the first tools used in the woodworking process to cut raw timber into manageable pieces. We personally like the Japanese saw, our go-to saw here at The Wooden Gem. However, depending on the size and type of project, different types of hand saws are used, including panel saws, coping saws, and back saws.

2. Chisels

Chisels are essential tools used to carve, shape, and smooth wood surfaces. These tools come in various sizes and shapes, allowing us to make detailed carvings, or refine edges for a more polished finish.

3. Rasps and Files

Rasps and files are used to smooth rough edges and surfaces of wood. These tools are really handy when creating handmade wooden chopping boards or wooden tealight holders, where precision and a smooth surface are crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.

4. Hand Planes

A hand plane is used to level and smooth wood surfaces. It’s an essential tool for removing any unevenness in the wood, especially for creating flat surfaces on handmade wooden charcuterie boards and wooden chopping boards.

5. Woodworking Mallet

A wooden mallet is often used in conjunction with chisels and other tools. The mallet’s soft head ensures that the wood is shaped and carved without causing any damage, making it a versatile tool for crafting eco-friendly wooden presents.

6. Sandpaper

Finally, sandpaper is used to smooth the surface of the wood and remove any rough patches. Different grits of sandpaper are used for different stages of sanding, with finer grits providing a smooth, polished finish. The smoother the better we say!

Choosing eco-friendly wooden presents is an excellent way to give thoughtful, sustainable, and beautiful wooden gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Whether it’s a handmade wooden chopping board, a wooden tealight holder, or a custom-crafted handmade wooden charcuterie board, the craftsmanship and natural beauty of these artisanal items make them ideal for any occasion.

By choosing sustainable woods like Mango wood, Black Walnut, Indian Teak, African Teak (Iroko), and American White Oak, you’re not only giving a unique and beautiful wooden gift but also supporting responsible forest management and the environment. The hand tools used by artisans to create these pieces ensure that every gift is crafted with care and precision, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

So, next time you’re looking for a gift, consider the timeless beauty of handmade wooden gifts that are as eco-friendly as they are elegant. We here at The Wooden Gem, have got ya covered!