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How to make a Christmas gift train

By Bunnings magazine /

Personalised wooden gift train displayed beside a decorated Christmas tree.

Overview

Create a new family tradition for gift giving – or replace traditional Christmas stockings – with
this fun D.I.Y. Christmas gift train. Personalise each ‘carriage’ with a name and add more crates to the train as your family grows – pets included. Match the decorative details to your festive colour scheme (using leftover paint helps keep costs down).

Tip: Make it mobile with trolley wheels and a pull rope.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

 

Steps

  1. 1

    Build the crates

    Assemble the large crates according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a drill with driver bit and supplied screws. On the long top rails of three crates, write a name with a black paint marker pen. These three crates are the train ‘carriages’, the fourth large crate is the train ‘engine’. The small crate is the cabin.

    Using a drill to assemble a wooden Christmas gift train carriage.
  2. 2

    Drill holes

    For the wheels, on the long base rails of the carriages, mark holes 90mm in from the ends. Repeat for the top rails of the engine. Drill through with a 10mm bit. For the joining rope, on two carriages, mark the centre of each short middle rail. On the remaining carriage and engine, mark one short middle rail. Drill with a 10mm bit.

    Drilling a hole into a personalised wooden crate marked “Callum” while building a DIY Christmas gift train.
  3. 3

    Attach the wheels

    Apply 3 coats of red paint to the front of the star coasters; let dry after each coat. Drill holes in the centre of the stars and pail lids with a 10mm bit. Turn the engine upside down. Centre the stars on the lids and over the wheel holes on the engine and carriages; thread a bolt through each, securing with nuts at the back.

    Attaching a red star decoration to a wooden train wheel while assembling a personalised DIY Christmas gift train.
  4. 4

    Paint the tube

    For the chimney, cut a 230mm length of tube with a utility knife. Drill a hole through the centre of one lid, attach to chimney with adhesive. Apply 2-3 coats of white paint; let dry after each coat. Wrap tape around for stripes; apply green paint. Remove tape while paint is tacky; let dry. For the headlights, paint round coasters in 3 coats of green; let dry after each coat.

    Applying green paint to a cardboard tube during the construction of a DIY Christmas gift train.
  5. 5

    Make the engine top

    On the top of the engine, mark the middle slat 105mm from the front; drill the chimney hole with a 10mm bit. From inside the chimney, insert a bolt through the lid and the engine top; secure with a nut from underneath. To attach the cabin, apply adhesive to a long side of the small crate. Centre it over the engine, flush with the back; clamp until set.

    Using clamps to secure a painted wooden crate to a timber platform during Christmas gift train construction.
  6. 6

    Join the crates

    Attach the headlights to the middle rail at the front of the engine with adhesive; leave to set. Cut three 500mm lengths of rope with scissors. Tie a knot in one end of a rope length, thread the other end through the hole in the engine, tie a knot, then thread through the hole in the front of the first carriage and knot to secure. Repeat to join remaining carriages.

  7. 7

    Keep in mind...

    • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • For painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • This project is designed for decorative purposes only and is not suitable for riding in or climbing on.
  8. 8

    Looking for more crafts this festive season?

    Check out our article on how to make a Christmas garland.

     

    Photo credit: Bec Newman, Carly Spooner.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.