We all want our gifts to be used as well as being appreciated, but it can be a bit of a minefield at the best of times.
If you’ve got friends and family members with a creative hobby, you would think it would be easy to find a present, but actually it’s surprisingly difficult.
After all, you might not know what they’ve already got and individual taste can be a fickle thing!
Or perhaps you want to introduce someone to a new hobby, but don’t know where to start. Well, we’re here to help.
We’ve scoured the internet and combined it with our years of crafting experience to help you find a creative gift that will genuinely be treasured!
Last updated on 27/11/24 to ensure all prices are correct and products are in stock.
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20 of the best gifts for crafters
Let’s get cracking with the crafting gifts! We’ve tried to select a range of unique gifts that would suit the crafter who has everything, but if you’re looking for more choice we’ve also included some handy links to our full buyer's guides!
1. A proper needle case
Best for serious sewists and cross-stitchers
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Pros: Safe and convenient
Cons: The only con is that if you lose it, you lose all your needles!
When it comes to sewing needles, we’re forever misplacing them! They seem to have a habit of going walkabout, normally exactly when you need them.
Many crafters will combat this by making a simple needle book or case out of fabric, or just popping them in their pin cushion. But we think this is a perfect opportunity for a bit of a treat.
Needle cases come in a range of different styles (and price tags), but we particularly like these lovely vintage-style needle cases that allow you to store those sewing needles in style.
These ones feature a sturdy metal design and come as a pack of two – so you can have one in your sewing room and one for on the go!
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Want more gift ideas for needlework fans?
We’ve got loads of inspiring suggestions in our pick of the best gifts for sewing lovers
2. A bead loom
Best for jewellery makers and weaving fans
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Pros: Affordable price, allows you to be really creative
Cons: Can be a little bit fiddly, requires a steady hand/concentration
While this is an obvious choice for people who like to make their own jewellery, it’s also a fantastic project for most types of crafter – as it requires both concentration and creativity.
A bead loom works much in a similar way to regular weaving looms, but with tiny seed beads being incorporated and locked in place on every row.
It’s one of those crafts that looks incredibly complicated at the start, but once you’re set up you won’t believe how easy it is and before you know it you can let your creativity go wild making colourful designs.
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Fab craft kits for kids
Adults and teenagers will love this bead loom, but it might be a bit too tricky for younger kids. If you’re looking for crafty inspiration for your little ones, check out our pick of the best craft kits for kids!
3. Fun craft pencils
Best for crafters who like big projects
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Pros: Always useful, affordable
Cons: Some people prefer pens
Ask any crafter who’s taken on a difficult project and they’ll tell you that making notes is essential!
Knitters and crocheters use them to keep track of their progress, sewists to remind themselves of adjustments, needleworkers plotting out their designs and so on.
You can never make enough notes, which is why we think these craft message pencils are a fun and useful gift. They’re also available with craft-specific messages too!
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Want something more serious than fun pencils?
You can find plenty of amazing art products in our selection of the best gifts for artists
4. Cyanotype printing kit
Best for printmakers/photographers
- Buy this Cyanotype kit from Etsy (£11+)
Pros: A fun activity that harnesses nature
Cons: Small A6 sheets
If you’ve got a friend or family member who loves making cards or other paper projects, then we think this cyanotype printing kit is going to go down a treat!
Cyanotype printing is a technique where you place objects (often flowers or plants) onto light-sensitive paper which you then expose to the sun – resulting in a silhouette style print.
It’s a fun project that you can get really creative with, and this small kit is an easy way of trying it out!
Top presents for papercrafters!
Whether you choose to splash out on a die-cutting machine, or keep it simple with some rubber stamps, check out our pick of the best gifts for papercrafters for some awesome inspiration.
5. Craft slogan enamel badge
Best for all crafters
- Check out these Craft slogan enamel pins on Etsy (£7.50)
Pros: A nice simple gift
Cons: You can never have enough pins – Once you start collecting you won’t be able to stop!
You can’t go wrong with a pin badge, especially if it spells out your favourite craft! These hard enamel pins have become really popular in recent years, especially with knitters and crocheters.
They come in a range of craft slogans – knitter, crocheter, stitcher, maker, crafter or yarnivore, so you can find the perfect pin for your recipient (there’s also t-shirts, hoodies and bags in the same style available too!)
6. Yarn dyeing kit
Best for knitters and crocheters
- Buy this yarn dyeing kit from Etsy (£24.22)
Pros: Full kit with everything you need
Cons: Has the potential to be messy, not suitable for children
It doesn’t matter how big their yarn stash is, knitters and crocheters will absolutely love this kit!
Hand-dyed yarn is super-popular among wool-crafters, and this fab kit comes with a clear instruction manual and everything you need to dye your own yarn!
Speaking from experience, we would definitely recommend that every knitter or crocheter should try dyeing yarn at least once, as it’s super-fun and you’ll really treasure your hand-dyed yarn!
You can also choose from a few different colour options and the type of undyed yarn that is included.
Find something really special for yarn fans!
If you’re after a really impressive gift for the knitter in your life, you can find loads of ideas in our pick of the best gifts for knitters!
7. Project planner notebook
Best for crafters with lots of projects on the go
- Get this Personalised project planner notebook on Etsy (£8.99+)
Pros: Great for keeping track of projects
Cons: Some people are particular about their preferred notebook style
As we mentioned earlier, keeping notes is always important for crafters, especially if you have multiple projects on the go at once!
Why keep your notes in a plain notepad when you can use this project planner that has been specifically designed for keeping track of craft projects?
It has sections for writing your materials, measurements, inspiration and much more, you can also personalise the cover with a name too – making it a perfect craft pressie!
Find the perfect gift for crocheters!
Find the perfect pressie for your crochet chums with our favourite crochet gift ideas!
8. Indigo dying kit
Best for yarn and fabric fans
- You can find this Indigo dyeing kit on Etsy (£19.15)
Pros: All natural products, you can dye a lot with the kit
Cons: You may end up completely dressed in blue
Here’s a kit that we think will be a hit with both fibre and fabric lovers!
Indigo dyeing is a historic and natural dyeing process, and this kit comes with everything you need to create a dye vat – you do need your own yarn or fabrics to dye though.
We think inquisitive crafters will have loads of fun trying this kit out!
Gift ideas for quilters!
This Indigo dying kit would be perfect for making your own quilting fabrics, but you can also find more ideas in our pick of the best gifts for quilters
9. DMC Magnetic board
Best for cross stitchers
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Pros: Handy design
Cons: Too small for full magazine pages (although a bigger version is available)
This clever little board from DMC is principally designed for holding your cross-stitch patterns, but it would also come in handy for embroidery, crochet or knitting patterns and charts.
Artists could use it to hold a reference photo for their work in progress too..
It has a built-in stand at the back that means the board can act like an easel, as well as magnets to keep your pattern in place (plus a clever magnetic ruler so you can keep track of exactly where you are on your chart).
It may not be the most exciting gift in the world, but it’s certainly a practical one!
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Find even more embroidery gifts!
From needle threaders to mini embroidery hoops, you can find loads of needlework pressie ideas in our best gifts for embroiderers and best gifts for cross stitchers selections!
10. A craft storage bag
Best for messy crafters!
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Pros: Organised storage solution, great for crafting on the go!
Cons: The patterns on the bags might not be to everyone’s taste
It’s fair to say that many of us crafters can be a messy lot!
We know all too well how easy it is to have wool spilling out of cupboards, pens and pencils all over your desk, or embroidery threads making their way down the side of the sofa. Help your crafty friends and family members get organised with a dedicated storage bag!
These handy bags by Coopay are waterproof with a funky design and transparent top, plus lots of useful pockets.
Although these specific bags are predominantly marketed at yarn crafters, we think they’d be useful for organising any type of craft supplies!
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More craft kits for adults!
There’s loads of awesome ways to get adults into crafting! Check out our list of the best craft kits for adults for some inspiring ideas.
11. Kintsugi kit
Best for pottery and interiors fans!
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Pros: Stylish and unique
Cons: You'll need to break some pottery!
Kintsugi has become really trendy in recent years, and if you don’t know this craft by name we’re sure you’ll have seen pictures of it before.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer of gold, silver or platinum.
It’s a really stylish way of repairing any broken treasured items, as well as being a fun and meditative craft.
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More pottery kits for adults!
There’s loads of awesome ways to get adults into crafting! Check out our list of the best pottery kits for adults for some inspiring ideas.
12. A yarn bowl
Best for yarn lovers!
- Order your Personalised yarn bowl on Etsy (£45)
Pros: A lovely gift that isn’t something everyone has already
Cons: Ceramic ones can break easily
If you fancy getting a special gift for the knitter or crocheter in your life, then a yarn bowl is a fabulous present idea!
These sweet bowls are a really handy accessory, as they keep yarn in place while it’s being worked so it’s not rolling all over the floor!
There’s loads of shapes and sizes of yarn bowls available, but we particularly love these pretty ones that allow you to choose the design and colours, as well as personalising it too.
Check out even more fabulous yarn bowls!
Fancy buying a yarn bowl but want some more options? Then check out our pick of the best yarn bowls for knitting and crochet
13. Friendship bracelet kit
Best for kids and adults alike!
- Get your Friendship bracelet kit from Baker Ross (£4.95)
Pros: A fun and affordable project
Cons: May be a bit too complicated for some people
Even just the words 'friendship bracelets’ conjure up school days, but these ones are probably slightly different to the ones from your youth.
This friendship bracelet kit uses foam rings and the Japanese technique of Kumihimo to create fabulous braided cords!
We’ve always found it surprisingly fun and it’s one of those crafts which kids will probably pick up a lot quicker than adults.
Go further than friendship bracelets!
Why gift a piece of jewellery when they can make it themselves? Try one of the inspiring sets in our pick of the best jewellery making kits.
14. Table box easel
Best for artists!
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Pros: Minimal assembly, quality wooden design, respected brand
Cons: Might not be suitable for larger canvases
If you’re looking for a gift for an artist, buying supplies such as paints or pencils can be a bit tricky.
However, this table box easel is a great present idea for both aspiring beginners and professional artists.
With ample storage space, sturdy carrying handle and a top which acts as an easel, it’s great for both organising your supplies as well as getting creative when out of your house (or studio).
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Even more gifts for artists!
If you want to go even bigger with your artist gift, take a look at our pick of the best art easels and the best artists desks!
15. A sock rule
Best for sock knitters!
- Buy a Knitter’s Sock Rule on Etsy (£12.50)
Pros: Helps knitters get the perfect fit
Cons: Quite a niche gift
When it comes to knitters, there’s one project which is always popular – socks!
As sock knitting requires a bit of knitting experience, it’s likely your recipient will already have plenty of yarn and needles – but they may not have a knitter’s sock rule!
This clever laser-cut ruler allows knitters to easily measure each part of their sock, meaning it’s never been simpler to get that perfect fit!
16. Beginner’s pottery kit
Best for couples!
- Find this Beginner’s pottery kit on Etsy (£34+)
Pros: Includes everything you need, great couples/friends/family activity
Cons: May get a bit messy, but that’s all part of the fun!
Here’s a fun gift that is perfect for crafty couples, or even parents and children! This air dry clay kit comes with all the clay and tools you’ll need and is aimed at complete beginners.
You can start off by making simple pinch pots, then you can use the provided YouTube videos for more ideas to help you get creative!
We think this is the perfect gift if you’re really not sure what to get for the crafter in your life (unless they’re already a professional potter of course).
More pottery kits!
There’s loads of fab pottery kits if you fancy giving it a try (and no need for a kiln too) - check out our pick of the best air-dry pottery kits.
17. Large rectangular weaving loom kit
Best for textile fans
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Pros: Perfect for anyone looking to pick up a new craft! Comes with quality materials.
Cons: Challenging for beginners
This fabulous weaving kit is a brilliant introduction to the world of textile art. There are a few different kit options available, but we'd recommend choosing the quintessential kit, which comes with everything you need to get started.
The quintessential kit comes with 10 different colour options, so you can choose your perfect palette.
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18. Paper garden craft kit
Best for papercrafters
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Pros: A very cute design that will look adorable in any home!
Cons: This is an intricate project that some crafters will find challenging
Craft your own charming miniature garden with this pretty craft kit! It requires a bit of patience to cut out all of the designs, but the end result is well worth the effort.
You can order the kit with tools, or without if you already have your own. If the recipient enjoys making this kit, you'll be pleased to know that the company has other designs available in its store.
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19. Macrame rainbow kit
Best for macrame lovers
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Pros: A fun kit that most crafters would be thrilled to receive
Cons: May be too easy/quick to complete for some crafters
This sweet macrame rainbow is guaranteed to raise a smile! It's an easy project for anyone who wants to try macrame for the first time and the finished decoration looks amazing. There are a few different colour options available if you'd prefer an alternative to traditional rainbow shades.
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20. Celestial pennant felt craft kit
Best for new embroiderers
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Pros: An easy intro to embroidery for novice crafters and the finished pennant looks stunning
Cons: Not suitable for experienced embroiderers, who will find it too simple
This enchanting wall pennant will look delightful in your home! This is a stylish design that's very satisfying to stitch. It's the perfect way to spend chilly winter evenings.
The kit includes all of the materials and an instructional booklet to help you make your own beautiful banner.
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How to buy creative gifts for craft beginners?
In our opinion, a crafty gift is (almost) always a good choice. Your recipient not only ends up with something to treasure but hopefully will enjoy a bit of making time too. But unless they’ve dropped you some hints, it can be tricky knowing where to start.
If you’re looking for a creative gift for a non-crafter (or a crafter who has lost their mojo), here’s a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, think about your recipient's interests! If they’re a follower of fashion with a stylish outfit collection then they may be interested in sewing or knitting as it could inspire them to make their own clothes.
Equally, think about your recipients' dislikes! If they can’t stand getting messy, then maybe they wouldn’t enjoy a pottery or painting kit. Or if they have a short attention span, maybe that intricate embroidery kit isn’t the best idea (although it’s surprising how many people actually find that crafting helps them with this!).
It’s also important to consider your budget! You don’t want to splash out on a really expensive craft gift only for it to sit unused in the back of a cupboard. If you’re not certain that your recipient will try your crafty gift, maybe go for a simpler cheaper version just to give them a taste!
Give the gift of creativity this Christmas
Hopefully, you’re now feeling a bit more confident about buying a creative gift for your friend or family member. But if you’re still a little unsure, then don’t panic, we’ve still got a few more suggestions.
Firstly, have a sneaky peek at their bookshelves. Most crafters love a good book and there’s plenty to choose from including stitch tutorial books to pattern books.
Equally, you could always buy them a magazine subscription to one of our many fabulous craft magazines.
And if you’re still drawing a blank, then forget to make the decision yourself and get them a gift voucher! They’re a good way of making sure they treat themselves to some craft supplies.
Many craft companies such as Wool Warehouse , Cass Art or Jackson's have gift voucher options, as well as larger online retailers such as Amazon.
Whatever you decide to give to your crafty friend or family member, why not get inspired yourself and try making your own gift packaging?
Make your own gift bags!
First impressions are everything, so show your crafty loved ones how much they inspire you by learning how to make your own gift bags – there’s 31 projects to choose from!
