9 Wood Projects That Sell Well at Christmas Markets

If you’ve got scrap wood and some basic tools, Christmas markets are a good way to turn that pile into real money. The key is picking projects that are simple to batch, easy to transport, and useful enough that people actually buy them, not just compliment them.

These ideas hit that sweet spot—practical, giftable, and not so complicated that you burn out halfway through a batch.

Simple wooden signs with honest phrases

Short, honest phrases sell better than long quotes. Think “Hot cocoa,” “Baked fresh,” “Farmhouse kitchen,” or your town name. Keep fonts bold and easy to read.

Use basic 1×6 or 1×8 boards, stain or paint, and a simple stencil or vinyl. Offer a few color combinations and sizes, but don’t overcomplicate it. People like grabbing something they can hang the same day.

Blanket ladders

Blanket ladders look impressive, but they’re really just a few boards and screws. Keep them a manageable height so they fit in cars easily. A couple of stain options and simple rungs are enough.

Shoppers love them because they can use them year-round—for throws, quilts, or even bathroom towels—which makes them easy to justify as a gift.

Chunky candle holders

Cut 4×4 or 2×4 scraps into various heights, drill holes for tealights or glass votives, and sand the edges. Sell them as sets of two or three.

They’re small, giftable, and easy to mix and match on tables or mantles. A basic stain or whitewash finish works for most homes.

Wooden trees in graduated sizes

Cut simple tree shapes out of 1x boards or plywood, sand, and stain or paint. Offer a few different heights that can be grouped together.

These look good on mantles, porches, or entry tables. People like that they’re easy to store flat and bring out year after year.

Serving boards and bread boards

Simple boards with rounded corners and a handle cutout are always popular. Use food-safe finishes and keep the design clean.

They work as cutting boards, charcuterie boards, or display pieces. Add a leather or jute hanger and you’ve got a higher-perceived value without a lot of extra work.

Wooden ornaments with burned or painted details

Small wood rounds or thin cutouts with burned edges, stamped images, or simple painted words do well in baskets near checkout.

Ornaments are easy add-on purchases for people who feel like they “should buy something” but don’t want a bigger item. They also tuck nicely into stockings and gift bags.

Crates and caddies

Simple crates with handles or divided caddies can be used for snacks, drinks, craft supplies, or bathroom storage. Build them sturdy and keep the design uncluttered.

These make great gifts because they’re practical and easy to personalize at home with jars, towels, or jars of cocoa mix.

Porch signs and small door hangers

Tall porch signs with “Welcome,” last names, or seasonal words do well if you keep them weather-protected. Smaller round door hangers with a bow and simple word are easier for people with apartments or smaller porches.

Stick to neutral colors and clear lettering. People want to imagine it on their porch without repainting their whole entry.

Phone stands and small desk organizers

Scrap wood phone stands or small organizers for pens and notepads make good “guy gifts” and coworker gifts. They don’t scream Christmas, so people can use them all year.

They’re quick to batch out of offcuts, which means you can price them in a way that moves inventory and still makes a profit.