Our Guide to Thoughtful Timber Christmas Gifts and DIY Projects

The festive season is nearly here — and what could be more thoughtful than a gift you have built yourself? At Woodford Forest and Landscape, we don’t just supply timber for fences and decks. Our range of flat-packed, self-assembly garden furniture and accessories means you can create something personal, practical, and built to last.

 

Whether you are putting together a planter for herbs, a bird table for a wildlife lover, a garden bench for family gatherings, or even a new kennel for the dog, we have got everything you need to get building.

 

Why Timber Makes a Great Gift

Personal and heartfelt.
A self-assembled planter, bench, or dog kennel feels special — it shows time, care, and thought, not just a last-minute click and collect.

 

Practical and long-lasting.
Quality timber gifts can be enjoyed for years. With the right treatment, they weather beautifully and become part of the garden, not clutter in a cupboard.

 

Creative — without the stress.
With flat-packed, self-assembly designs, you don’t need to start from scratch or be a master carpenter. The main cuts are already done — you are just bringing it all the pieces together.

 

Our flat-packed garden furniture range includes benches, tables, bird tables, planters, dog kennels, tool stores and more, all designed to be easy to assemble and built from durable, pressure-treated timber.

 

 

Self-Assembly Gift Ideas for Christmas

  1. Planter Boxes for Herbs and Flowers

Planters are one of the simplest self-assembly projects — ideal if you are short on time but still want to give something handmade. A timber planter filled with herbs, winter bedding plants or bulbs makes a lovely gift for those who love their garden.

 

  • Choose from our choice of timber planters – hexagonal or square.
  • Add a bag of compost and a selection of plants or seeds to finish the gift.
  • Pop on a ribbon or a simple wooden plant label to make it feel extra personal.

 

It’s a small project, but the result is something that brightens a doorstep, patio or balcony all year round.

Large Hexagonal Planter

 

  1. Bird Tables for Garden & Wildlife Lovers

For anyone who enjoys watching the birds, a self-assembly bird table is a gift that keeps on giving.

  • Choose a style that suits their garden — we have the Epsom or the Raglan bird tables, which both include bird feeders.
  • Assemble the table over a weekend, then wrap it with a bag of bird seed or fat balls.
  • Once gifted, it becomes a daily source of interest as robins, finches and sparrows start to visit.

 

It’s a thoughtful present for grandparents, families with children, or anyone who loves a bit of life and movement in the garden.

 

Epsom Bird Feeder

Epsom Bird Feeder

 

  1. Benches and Picnic Sets for Shared Moments

If you are looking for something more substantial, a self-assembly bench or picnic set makes a brilliant “family gift” — something everyone can enjoy.

 

Our garden furniture range includes flat-packed benches, picnic tables and conversation sets designed to seat families and friends comfortably.

 

  • Put together a classic picnic bench ready for spring barbecues.
  • Choose a conversation set for a quiet corner of the garden.
  • Finish the project with a coat of exterior wood treatment so it’s ready for British weather.

 

Once built, these pieces become the backdrop to cups of tea, birthday parties and long summer evenings — a gift that naturally gathers people together.

 

Three-seater timber bench.

3 Seater Bench

 

  1. A Cosy Dog Kennel for Four-Legged Friends

For dog-owners, a new self-assembly kennel is both a practical upgrade and a very kind gesture.

 

We offer a pent roof dog kennel or an apex roof dog kennel supplied flat-packed for self-assembly and crafted from tanalised softwood for outdoor durability.

 

  • Choose the style that suits the garden and the dog’s size.
  • Assemble on a firm, level base so it stays stable and dry.
  • Add a cosy bed or blanket inside for an instant outdoor snug.

 

It’s a gift that combines comfort for the dog with a neat, tidy solution for the garden.

 

Pent Roof Dog Kennel

Pent Roof Dog Kennel

 

  1. Tool Stores and Log Stores for the Seriously Practical

If your recipient loves a tidy, organised space, a self-assembly tool store or log store makes an excellent winter project.

 

  • A timber tool store keeps spades, rakes and pots out of the weather and neatly out of sight.
  • log store helps keep firewood dry and ready for the wood burner — and looks far smarter than a pile against the wall.

 

These are bigger builds, but still manageable for a weekend — and you end up with something genuinely useful that will be part of the garden for years.

 

Timber Tool Store

Tool Store

 

Tips for an Easy, Long-Lasting Self-Assembly Build

To keep things enjoyable (and avoid last-minute frustration), before you start, we recommend:

 

  • Read the instructions right through before you start.
  • Lay out all the parts and fixings so you can check you have everything.
  • Use the right tools: a cordless drill/driver, spirit level, tape measure and a pencil will make most jobs simpler.
  • Take your time on the first few fixings. Get the base square and level and the rest of the build will follow more easily.
  • Protect your timber. Finish with an appropriate exterior wood treatment or preserver so your gift stands up to winter rain and summer sun.

 

Most flat-packed items from Woodford Forest and Landscape are designed to be straightforward to assemble — but if you are unsure, the team at the Timber Yard can always offer advice.

 

Why Buy Your Timber Gifts from Woodford Forest?

At Woodford Forest and Landscape, we specialise in quality, flat-packed wooden garden furniture and accessories — from benches, tables and planters to dog kennels, tool stores and bird tables. Our products are built from sustainably sourced, pressure-treated timber and chosen for durability as well as good looks.

 

You can:

  • Browse online to see our full range.
  • Visit The Timber Yard in Lower Woodford, near Salisbury to view items in person.
  • Speak to the team for help choosing the right size or style, or for basic DIY guidance.

 

From all of us at Woodford Forest and Landscape — happy building, and Happy Christmas!