Here's a fun project that makes a great gift.  The final project is a circular hardwood puzzle with pieces alternately stained light and dark.  A miniature clock is inserted in the centerpiece.  The backing is a clear Plexiglas so that in addition to the front, the back of your puzzle can be seen.  The design and pattern appeared in a scrollsaw magazine (I'm hardly creative enough to come up with this one on my own).  The clock insert is available from Wildwood Designs.