Every year our friends host a Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. The only rule for the gift exchange is that you have to make the gift. This is the gift I made for this year's Christmas party. Since we live in the era of the Internet of Things, I made the lamp a Smart Lamp by throwing in a Zigbee plug-in module.

Step 1: Materials

Nice looking wood. I used an oak board measuring 3.5" x 0.75" x 3' long
Wood glue
Lamp kit. I upcycled a lamp kit from an old lamp that we weren't using
Light bulb. I recommend the old fashioned Edison light bulbs, no more than 40 watts
(optional) 4 small rubber feet
(optional) zigbee plug-in module

Step 2: Make a Wood Block

I couldn't find any wood blocks that matched the style I was going for, so I made my own by gluing 5 oak boards together. Cut the board into 5 identically sized pieces measuring 3.5" (tall) x 3.5" (wide) by 0.75" (deep). Next, glue two of the cut pieces together making sure they are exactly aligned. Actually if they aren't perfectly aligned, it's no problem--it just means you will have to do a little extra sanding after you make the wood block. Allow at least 2 hours for the glue to dry, depending on the type of wood glue. Some wood glue sets more slowly so follow the drying time instructions for the wood glue you are using.

After the glue has set, glue the next piece to it. Do not try to save time by gluing more than 2 pieces together at a time. After approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes (20 minutes of glueing and 8 hours of waiting for it to dry), you will have a great looking wood block.

The picture shows the middle board has a gap in it. I realized afterward that I didn't need to do that since I drilled a circular hole for the lamp. It's easier to drill if you keep all 5 boards the same.

Step 3: Give the Wood Block a Good Sanding

Sand the wood block until it is smooth and even. I also sanded the corners down a little bit to make them less sharp.

Step 4: Insert the Lamp Module

Now it's time to insert the lamp module. Start by removing any extra casing from the lamp module so it will fit in the wood block. Measure the lamp module (after the casing has been removed) and drill a hole in the center of the wood block. Mine measured 1 1/4". To make the lamp module fit snugly in place, I wrapped it in string.

Now place the lamp module into the wood block making sure it is aligned straight.

Step 5: Attach the Rubber Feet

Now it's time to attach the feet. You can skip this step, but if you do, you will need to cut a space for the power cord so the block can sit flush on the surface.

Nail the four feet to the corners and use a U nail to keep the power cord in place. Afterwards you can attach a foam sheet to cover the whole and make it look nice from the bottom.

Step 6: Enjoy

Plug in the lamp and enjoy the hand-made, beautiful wood block lamp.