It’s especially pleasurable giving—or receiving!—presents made of Real American Hardwood® during the holiday season knowing that each piece will have the natural beauty, durability, and familiar warmth that only oak, cherry, walnut, maple, ash, and other cherished species can impart. Here are six items that fully realize hardwood’s timeless good looks and matchless adaptability.
South Bend Woodworks specializes in classic children’s toys, like this splendid set of stacking blocks crafted of maple, walnut, and cherry, all sustainably sourced in the Midwest. And with smoothly sanded edges and certified non-toxic finishes, the wooden shapes—cubes, wedges, columns, arches, and more—are as kid-safe as they are sturdy and beautiful.
Hardwood Block Set, southbendwoodworks.com
Hand-turned in Hartland, Vermont—and named the Champlain bowl after the state’s most famous lake—this gorgeous cherry stunner shows off the unique grain patterns of the wood block from which it was made. Available in five sizes, and in black walnut, too, the multiuse bowl only needs a little walnut-oil reconditioning now and then to keep it looking great.
Andrew Pearce Handcrafted Champlain Bowl, andrewpearcebowls.com
This beguiling candle holder collection comprises five designs—each a little totem-like sculpture, so attractive you’ll want them all—hand-turned in a small Pennsylvania woodshop. Shown here in dramatic black walnut, the pieces are also available in cherry or maple, equally handsome woods that could be mixed and matched to great effect.
Walnut Candle Holder Collection, lostine.com
Inspired by midcentury-modern design, this beautifully proportioned credenza shows off its golden-hued solid-oak cabinetry to perfection. Handmade in Ohio with locally sourced wood, the piece has a natural matte finish, while the base, which is also oak, has a contrasting black finish. The hand-welded drawer and door pulls are an elegantly restrained embellishment.
The Baron Oak Credenza, bertuhome.com
The unique fin-inspired design of this walnut hook rack is the work of local architect and craftsman Brendon Farrell. Sturdy yet elegant, the versatile piece provides a strikingly sculptural form on which to hang your coats, bags, scarves, and other outdoor essentials. Also available in natural white oak, it comes in a longer 10-fin version, too.
Brendon Farrell Six-Fin Hook Rack, rejuvenation.com
With its graceful lines, carefully judged proportions, and aura of timeless chic, this solid walnut armchair, which also comes in gray ash, would be a welcome addition to many styles of room, from the warmly traditional to the coolly contemporary. Shown upholstered in a hip bouclé fabric, it’s also available in a wide selection of leathers—unsurprising since the piece is crafted by Dallas-based furniture maker American Leather.
Aaron Chair in Natural Walnut, americanleather.com
Written by Wendy Silverstein
Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition. RealAmericanHardwood.com