The Timbermate is quick and easy, sands off well and if your timber is not too porous you don't need to mask... or an extra engrave pass so you can sand deeper...  the colour availability is more limited than mica, but hell, if the recipient doesn't like what's available, tough... they'll only object if they know of alternatives... don't show them.  

If your timber is pourous, sometimes the effect can be passable,
 

If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD