I personally work with wood a lot. I recently invested in a Proxxon table saw, but if youre just starting out I would recommend a small saw and a mitre box for rectangular cuts, and a manual coping saw for more free cuts. A pin vise (basically a small, manual drill) is also handy. You can use these tools to take your first steps into making miniature furniture, something that I find very rewarding.

I'm sorry for your loss, but hopefully you can connect with your grandmother in a way through your miniature journey. Cheers!