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With Father’s Day just around the corner, I figured now’s the perfect time to share some ideas for Father’s Day gifts that you can turn on the lathe—even if you’re relatively new to woodturning like I am. Whether your dad enjoys cooking, tinkering, outdoor projects, or just appreciates a thoughtful handmade gift, there’s something here for every interest—and every skill level.
Project times are estimates. If you’re still getting comfortable with the lathe, be sure to give yourself a little extra time for trial and error (and maybe a snack or two). Don’t forget that finishing steps—like sanding, assembly, and applying oil or wax—will also add time.
If you’re a more experienced woodturner, there’s still plenty here for you. These projects are beginner-friendly, but you can fly through them or take them up a notch with your own creative touches.
Most of these ideas can be made with a mini or midi lathe and a basic set of turning tools. You’ll also need the usual finishing supplies like sandpaper, wax, and oil. If your shop’s running low, head over to our Tool Shop for quick links and restock recommendations.
Jump to a Father’s Day gifts section:
- For the Dad Who Loves to Grill
- For the Dad Who Loves to Host
- For the Nature-Loving Dad
- For the Dad Who Likes to Write
- For the Practical Dad
Father’s Day Gifts For the Dad Who Loves to Grill
Whether your dad is into grilling, smoking meats, or just enjoys being the king of the backyard cookout, these gifts are fun to turn and super practical.
Bowl
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
A classic woodturning project. Use hardwood like maple or cherry for a smooth finish and good durability. Use hardwood like maple or cherry for durability and a smooth finish. Great for ingredients, snacks, and rub mixes. Grab your tools and check out this fantastic tutorial.
Serving Spoons
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 2 hours
With all the news about black plastic serving ware needing phased out, wooden utensils are a great sustainable alternative. I’ve actually been working on this replacement effort at my house and turn wooden kitchen utensils often.
Wooden utensils are a sustainable, stylish alternative to plastic. I’ve been turning these often as part of replacing kitchen plastics at my house. While Dad might be inclined to use metal utensils at the grill, wooden tools are great for mixing marinades or serving sides—plus, they look amazing. Check out the video below to get started.
Utensil Holder
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
Simple cylinder shape, practical, and impressive. Pairs well with any handmade serving spoons, too! While Dad might already have one of these in his kitchen, a second one just for grilling tools that is portable is a great idea! Here’s a great video:
Pepper Mill
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
Gift Dad a grill-side pepper mill. You’ll need a mill kit like this one and a pepper mill wood blank. This video is a great guide.
Cutting Board
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 3 hours
Most cutting boards are made flat, but you can make a round one on the lathe! Great for chopping or serving grilled meats and veggies. In fact, make him two to avoid cross-contamination!
Platter
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
A platter has more surface area than a bowl, but the turning process is similar. This has so many uses in the kitchen. Excellent for carrying burgers, brats, or veggie skewers back and forth from the grill.
Father’s Day Gifts For the Dad Who Loves to Host
All of the grill-friendly projects above also work great here—but this section is for the dads who love cracking open a cold one, mixing up cocktails, or having friends over to watch the game.
Bottle Opener
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 15 minutes
Just like wine stoppers, these are quick, simple, and a hit with entertaining moms. Grab a bottle opener kit and some wood blanks or use scraps you already have to make the handle. If you like the wire-burning detail be sure to grab a set of these then head on over to the video to get started. Gift it with a six-pack of his favorite beverage.
Cocktail Muddler
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
This one’s for the mixologist dads. A smooth finish is key here. Great when gifted with a cocktail mix, a shaker set, or fresh herbs like mint. Here is our muddler project guide which includes specifications, materials links, and more.
Goblet
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 1 hour+
Goblets look impressive but aren’t as tricky as they seem. A great way to show off your growing turning skills and impress guests at the same time.
Bottle Stopper
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 15 minutes
One of the most fun small projects. A great use for offcuts and small blanks. You’ll just need the stopper kit to get started. The video below will help you get started.
Drink Coasters
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 1 hour
Simple and practical. Try making a set and tying them together with twine for a rustic gift vibe. Make them all the same or mix and match designs like in the video below. You can also make a holder for them, similar to the technique used for the utensil holder above.
Father’s Day Gifts For the Nature-Loving Dad
Garden Dibber
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 15–30 minutes
Pair with a packet of seeds or a potted plant. Great for dads with a green thumb.
Check out our garden dibber project guide to get started. It includes links to tools and supplies. Also, here’s a video tutorial we found on how to turn a garden dibber:
Birdhouse
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
Don’t forget to help Dad pick the perfect spot to hang it!
Bird Feeder
Skill level: Advanced | Time: 2 hours
This one’s a little trickier but very rewarding. Gift it with a big bag of birdseed and maybe help with the installation.
Fishing Lures
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
If your dad’s a fisherman, this one’s a must. Fishing lures are fun to turn and easy to personalize. Just add hooks and paint.
Father’s Day Gifts For the Dad Who Likes to Write
These projects make a great gift on their own—or bundle them with a nice set of stationery for an extra special touch for Dad.
Pen
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 15 minutes
A quick project with a big “wow” factor. There are so many pen kits and wood pen blanks out there. Grab your pen mandrel and check out our post on how to turn a pen to get started.
Letter Opener
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
A letter opener is one of those simple, everyday tools that also makes a thoughtful gift. The video below shows how to make a version that’s as beautiful as it is useful. You can also grab a letter opener kit and turn just the handle from a small wood offcut.
Paperweight
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
Paperweights are a great use for small scrap wood or even resin blanks. Finish it smooth and you’ve got a great desk piece.
Father’s Day Gifts for the Practical Dad
If your dad is practical, likes to tinker, or works on strategy, here are a few more gift ideas.
Keychain
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 15 minutes
Small but mighty! This is a perfect scrap wood project. Add a keychain kit and you’re off to the races.
Chess Pieces
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes per piece
Turning a full set is a great challenge. Start with a few key pieces or go all in for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Here’s a tutorial on how to make luxury standard chess pieces:
Tool Handles
Skill level: Beginner | Time: 30 minutes
Make Dad some customized handles for his hand tools. Comfortable, durable, and personal. Here’s a tutorial on how to make custom woodturning tool handles:
No matter what you decide to make this Father’s Day, the time and care you put into a handmade gift is what really matters. And if you’re a newer woodturner like me, don’t worry about making it perfect—imperfections add character and make each gift one-of-a-kind.
Happy turning, and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
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