I recently picked up a small set of wooden blocks from a discount craft site, and they’ve been calling out for projects ever since. I have a few holiday ideas in mind, but here are five creative, practical and beautiful ways to use simple wooden blocks right now. Each project makes a thoughtful gift, charming party decor, or a fun activity — and several pull triple duty as decor, entertainment, and wearable art.
1. DIY Color-Blocked Wooden Blocks: Color-blocking is simple and striking. Paint each block with two or three complementary shades to create bold geometric toys or decorative stacks. These make an excellent toddler gift for stacking and toppling, and they also work as stylish desk accessories for adults who like a little tactile visual relief during long calls.
DIY Color-Blocked Wooden Blocks
2. DIY Wooden Block Puzzle: One set of blocks can become multiple puzzles — paint different images, shapes, letters or numbers on each face to create up to six unique puzzles. It’s a clever educational tool for young children and a thoughtful handmade gift. Vary the difficulty by changing the image size and contrast.
DIY Wooden Block Puzzle
3. DIY Wooden Block Necklace: Turn a block into wearable art. Sand the edges smooth, paint in a favorite color palette — perhaps a bold hue, a neutral and a metallic accent — then drill a small hole and thread cord or chain through. The result is a lightweight, modern necklace that feels handmade and special.
DIY Wooden Block Necklace
4. DIY Chalkboard Wooden Blocks: Apply chalkboard paint for a playful, reusable surface. These blocks can be packaged with a small set of chalk as a simple, interactive gift or used as a party activity where little guests decorate their own blocks. They’re also great for quick messages, table numbers, or labels in seasonal displays.
DIY Chalkboard Wooden Blocks
5. DIY Wooden Block Birthday Candle Holders: Dye or paint a selection of blocks in rainbow tones, then drill small holes to hold candles. Clustered across a plain sheet cake, they add color and a handmade touch. These are also a charming alternative to traditional candle holders for themed parties or photo setups.
DIY Wooden Block Birthday Candle Holders
If you have ideas you’d like to see in the “Five Things” series, share them in the comments below.