Ho-ho-ho, g’day shedders! Rip Woodchip here, sliding down the metaphorical chimney and straight into your earholes for the Christmas edition of The Shed Wireless. And let me tell you—
And nothing says Christmas like the smell of a hot northerly wind, sunscreen, prawns sizzling on the barbie, and a big bowl of cherries that cost more than your first car and the annual panic of trying to buy gifts for people who already have a shed full of perfectly good stuff. Ahh, festive spirit!
Now, gift giving… it’s a beautiful tradition. Unless you’re like me, and every year you swear you’re gonna be organised—yet on December 23rd you’ll find me wandering Bunnings like a confused reindeer who took a wrong turn.
But here’s the thing: us shedders? We’ve got a secret superpower.
We can make things. With our hands. And occasionally with power tools that make the neighbours nervous.
And here’s a bonus: it’s better for the planet!
Instead of buying something from Amazon or Temu that’s flown halfway around the world wrapped in enough plastic to choke a blue whale, you can make a gift right there in the shed. Local timber, recycled materials, stuff you rescued from the offcuts pile—Mother Nature’s cheering you on. Probably doing a slow clap.
So let me give you a few ideas from the Rip Woodchip School of Festive Craftsmanship:
- The classic chopping board: Easy to make, good for the kitchen, the barbie, or whacking cane toads—versatile! And every time someone slices a tomato on it, they’ll think of you. Hopefully fondly – and not because of the knife they are holding!
- A birdhouse: Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like giving local wildlife a place to squat. Plus, you get the joy of seeing native birds move in—just remember, if the ibis shows up, that’s on you. Or maybe make it big enough for that cheeky possum that will try to move in anyway.
- Wooden bowls and platters, serving implements, bbq caddies – the list of possibilities is endless of possibilities! And so much nicer than plastic!
- A gift that keeps giving: Gift a packet of seeds with a pot and bag of soil – or pot up seedling already on it’s way – you could choose flowers or a herb for the recipient to add to their cooking!
- Kids toys – wooden cars, spinning tops, puzzles or even a rocking horse!
Kids love them, and parents love them even more because they don’t beep, flash, or need charging. And they last and can be passed on to the next little nipper.
But maybe the best gift you can give this year isn’t something you glue, screw, or sand.
Maybe it’s your time.
A visit.
A phone call.
A cuppa with someone who’s doing it tough.
A helping hand to a mate whose shed looks like it’s been hit by a festive tornado.
Connection—that’s the real Christmas magic. And you mob at the sheds do that better than just about anyone.
So this year, whether you’re giving a lovingly handcrafted masterpiece…
or a last-minute servo voucher wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper…
remember: it’s the thought, and the connection, that counts.
Alright, that’s enough wisdom from me—my tinsel’s caught in the lathe again.
This is Rip Woodchip, wishing you a safe, joyful, low-waste, shed-filled Christmas.