Honestly the best prompts work like a mirror showing you what you already care about. That curse gift idea probably resonated because it connects to themes you naturally write towards. Your voice was in the driver's seat choosing which prompt to even use.

Plywood is fine if it's good quality and thick enough, but it can delaminate if it gets wet or just over time. Solid wood like oak moves with changes in humidity, which you have to plan for, but it won't just come apart on you. My rule is use plywood for big cabinet boxes where strength is key, but for drawer bottoms that take a lot of abuse, solid wood is worth the extra work. A half inch oak bottom screwed into grooves will basically last forever. Just make sure you let the wood settle to your shop's humidity before you cut it.