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At Carpenter Core, every handcrafted wooden crate that leaves our workshop carries a story waiting to unfold. For Grace Child and the team at Tradesmen Electric, our crates became the perfect foundation for building something more than just holiday gifts—they helped create meaningful connections with clients and partners.
Inside Tradesmen Electric’s thoughtful gifting tradition
Based in Washington state, Tradesmen Electric is a family-owned business known for its strong values, dedication to quality work, and commitment to building careers through its in-house apprenticeship program. As their Human Resources representative, Grace Child is involved with the people side of the business, which includes helping plan company events and holiday gifting.
“We used [the crates] to build Christmas gift baskets,” Grace explained in a recent interview with our founder, Alan Derrick. “We sent those out to the general contractors we work for, our vendors, and a couple of other connections.”
Each holiday season, Grace and the Tradesmen team fill the crates to the brim with festive treats, company swag, and hand-picked seasonal items like ornaments and nutcrackers. It’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation, and it’s become a much-anticipated tradition.
Tradesmen Electric 2024 Gift Crate / 18 in x 12 in x 6 in custom-size wooden crate by Carpenter Core
A sturdy, stylish, and sustainable solution
Before discovering Carpenter Core, Tradesmen Electric experimented with baskets and other packaging options, but they weren’t getting the job done.
“They had tried to use baskets in the past and just didn’t hold up the contents inside very well,” Grace recalled. “Nothing could stand up and stay in place. And then we found that the wooden boxes, if we stuff it a little bit in the bottom with shredded paper or tissue paper, then everything stayed in place and they transferred a lot better.”
That’s exactly what our small wooden crates are designed for—solid construction that protects and presents with style. Made in the USA from sustainably sourced wood, each Carpenter Core crate is reinforced with nails and glue at every stress point, combining durability with timeless aesthetic appeal.
A custom touch that sets them apart
Tradesmen Electric adds their own unique spin to each crate with custom branding. Their logo is laser-engraved on the front, turning the packaging itself into a memorable part of the gift.
“It looks like we put in a lot more effort,” Grace said. “A lot of companies might just send a couple of boxes of chocolates, but we have you make these custom boxes, and then we actually take the time to put them together ourselves.”
That extra effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Everyone that receives it thinks they’re amazing and it’s very unique,” she continued. “Not a lot of companies send out a basket with their logo on it that is so well made and unique. So it’s been received super well.”
Wooden gift boxes made by Carpenter Core, laser-engraved with a custom message.
Built to last (and repurpose)
At Carpenter Core, we design with longevity in mind, encouraging recipients to reuse and repurpose their crates long after the holidays have passed. Grace agreed that the durability and visual appeal of the crates likely prevent them from being thrown away.
We even offer an option to include a note explaining the eco-friendly nature of the crates and suggesting ways to reuse them. It’s a thoughtful detail that resonates with businesses and their recipients alike.
A partnership built on service and affordability
In addition to craftsmanship, Grace emphasized how important reliable service is during the busy holiday season.
“The service and communication were awesome,” she shared. “We had looked at other options this year, but you are by far the most affordable and most unique one we could find. We really appreciate you.”
When asked whether they plan to order again this year, her answer was a confident yes. “We really have enjoyed using you.”
Looking ahead
We’re already looking forward to helping Grace and the Tradesmen Electric team put together another round of meaningful, memorable holiday crates—maybe even with one of our nine beautiful stain options to match the festive spirit.
At Carpenter Core, it’s a privilege to support businesses like Tradesmen Electric that care about quality, connection, and craftsmanship as much as we do.
This article was made possible by support from Carpenter Core. We make small customizable wooden crates and boxes used for gift baskets and product packaging.
Craft a gift they’ll always remember
Want to create a custom gift crate that makes an impact? At Carpenter Core, you can choose from a wide selection of sizes, styles, and custom options. Each wooden box and crate is handcrafted in the USA and custom-made to your requirements. Explore your options and get in touch to start building something meaningful.