We all know someone who's obsessed with knitting. But what are the must-buy gifts for knitters?
It's hard to come up with present ideas for people who already have a houseful of yarn and all the needles they need. So we have lots of fun suggestions for presents any knitter would be happy to unwrap on their big day.
We've gathered 37 gifts for knitters for birthdays, anniversaries or celebrations. Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or big luxury gifts, and whatever your budget, we’ve got something for you in our round-up.
The best gifts for knitters 2024
Giving a gift linked to a loved one's hobby is a thoughtful way to show you care. But what if you know nothing about knitting? That's where Gathered can help! We've broken our gift list down into five categories (yarn; tools and accessories; home and clothing; books and magazines; and stocking fillers), to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Follow the links below to find the perfect knitting gift:
- Yarn gifts for knitters
- Tool and haberdashery gifts for knitters
- Home and clothing gifts for knitters
- Book and magazine gifts for knitters
- Stocking fillers for knitters
Don't forget the gift wrap! We've also rounded up our favourite greetings cards and wrapping papers with a knitting theme:
Yarn gifts for knitters
As any knitter will tell you, there's no such thing as too much yarn! But when you're buying as a gift it's important to make sure it's the right kind. Think about what the recipient likes to knit (would they prefer 4ply for socks or bulky for blankets?), the colours they wear, and the fibres they love.
If you're not sure about any of the above, why not let someone else choose for you with an advent calendar or a surprise subscription box? With more than one parcel to open they're the gifts that keep on giving!
1. Hand-dyed mini skeins
Buy the Weavers' Cottage yarn mini skeins from Etsy
Treat-size mini skeins make fabulous little gifts – and they're perfect for Christmas stockings too. We can't resist the sets from Weavers' Cottage yarn, which take inspiration from natural landscapes and bustling cities across the globe.
2. Drop spindle kit
Buy the Heidifeathers drop spindle kit from Etsy
They’re already obsessed with yarn, so take it a step further and help them learn how to make their own!
This drop spindle kit from Heidifeathers includes everything you need to start spinning: a wooden beginner spindle, 250g of wool top and full instructions.
3. Lauren Aston yarn subscription box
Buy the Lauren Aston yarn subscription from Lauren Aston Designs
Yarn subscription boxes are a great luxury gift for knitters and Lauren Aston Designs' are no exception. You can choose how many hanks you get in each box, and they come in an array of different colours.
If you're looking for more subscription options then head over to our round-up of the best craft subscription boxes.
4. We Are Knitters knitting kit
Buy the We Are Knitters Chord cardigan kit from We Are Knitters
Kits make fantastic gifts for knitters and We Are Knitters have something for everyone – we're smitten with this Chord cardigan, or see more options in our best knitting kits roundup.
Buying for a newbie? Make sure you check out our list of knitting starter kits and essentials for beginners.
All wrapped up!
Found the perfect present? Wrap it like a pro with our gift wrapping ideas tutorial.
Tool and haberdashery gifts for knitters
Not just needles! There are loads of different tools and accessories to choose from when you're looking for gifts for knitters. We've picked a few of our favourites below…
5. Sock blocker
Buy the handmade sock blocker from Etsy
If you know someone who loves to knit socks, this handy blocker is a perfect gift. Handmade by the talented MlynJedrow, it'll stretch and shape their finished footwear to make it look better than ever!
Find more in our round-up of sock blockers.
6. Magnifying lamp
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Ideal for doing fine work on dark evenings, the versatile Purelite 3-in-1 Magnifying Lamp is a floor lamp, table lamp and desk lamp in one. Knitting friends or family would be delighted to unwrap one of these!
To discover more lamp options, check out Gathered's round-up of the best daylight craft lamps.
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7. Yarn swift
Buy the KnitPro yarn swift from Etsy
Make the chore of winding wool into balls much easier with a yarn swift. This nifty contraption holds the yarn while it's being wound so it doesn't get tangled.
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8. Hand-painted bamboo needles
Buy bamboo knitting needles from DMC
We couldn't get through this list without recommending at least one pair of needles!
Bamboo needles are the nicest to knit with, we reckon, as they offer a lovely lightweight grip on your stitches to stop slipping, and are easy to hold in your hands. Add a hand-painted ball end, like these ones from DMC, and they make a lovely gift for knitters, too.
It's in the post!
For a gift that keeps on giving, why not treat a friend to a craft subscription box?
Home and clothing gifts for knitters
Wear your love of knitting on your sleeve (literally) or celebrate it in your home with these fashion and homewares gifts.
9. Keep Calm knitting mug
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Every crafter needs a good slogan mug. Knitting builds up a project one stitch at a time – so we know the joy of persevering, as well as the joy of a good brew.
Celebrate both with this fun mug based on the old wartime adage of keeping calm and carrying on. One row at a time!
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10. Knitter T-shirt
Buy the Stitchers Tees Knitter T-shirt from Etsy
Every knitter needs a go-to top and we love these by Stitchers Tees. They also have sweater versions for colder days, and a crochet one too. Gifts for knitters have never looked so good!
11. Retro knitting poster
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Knitting gifts don't have to be yarn! Why not give some knitting-themed wall art? We can definitely get on board with the sentiment of this poster, which comes in five different sizes and is printed on canvas.
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12. Rainforest knitting bag
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Project bags make great gifts for knitters, and you can never have too many! We love the colourful print on this large loop-top tote, with side pockets for needles and a matching mini bucket bag with yarn hole, to keep your working yarn clean and tidy while you knit.
Check out Gathered's guide to the best knitting bags and organisers for some more of our favourites.
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13. Personalised knitting socks
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If you want a knitting gift for the crafter who has everything, how about these personalised socks? Each of the soles has a specially chosen motto, making them perfect to communicate your priorities to those around you. Who doesn't love a custom-made present, either?
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14. Sheep cushion
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Create a cosy knitting corner by adding this sweet sheep cushion to a favourite chair. It measures 50x30cm and comes in neutral shades that will go with a variety of decors.
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15. Shawl pin
Buy the Tree of Life shawl pin from Etsy
This is a knitting gift they'll treasure for years to come. Treat that friend who always rocks a knitted shawl to a beautiful handmade shawl pin. We love this silver tree of life design from MusawwarCreations.
Book and magazine gifts for knitters
When we're not knitting, we're reading about knitting! Whether you're looking for techniques guides, pattern collections or a magazine subscription, we have a recommendation to suit.
16. Knitting stitch dictionary
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Help someone dip a toe into designing their own knits, or discover some new stitches to add to their repertoire, with a stitch dictionary. Whether they're new to the craft or have been knitting for years, stitch libraries like this are always great fun to explore.
We love 400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Knitting Patterns from Potter Craft.
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17. Subscription to The Knitter
Buy a subscription to The Knitter from Our Media Shop
Every month The Knitter features beautiful patterns from the world’s best designers and in-depth articles from experts around the globe, so buying a pal a subscription is a no-brainer really.
18. Simply Knitting subscription
Buy a subscription to Simply Knitting from Our Media Shop
Subscribe to Simply Knitting magazine with a gift subscription to treat them to a year of unmissable patterns, stories, competitions and more. With friendly knitting advice, interesting stories and reader knits, Simply Knitting brings the yarn community together, with something for every knitter.
19. Knitting encyclopaedia
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Every knitter needs a good reference guide to hand, and you can't go wrong with The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt.
At a hefty 736 pages, it covers all the techniques you could possibly need (though it might be a bit much for beginners!). It would make a gorgeous coffee table book too.
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DIY your decor
Give them a fun festive project to cast on with our guide to the best Christmas knitting and crochet kits.
Stocking fillers for knitters
We've rounded up a selection of little gifts that are perfect for stockings, or just for showing you care. From stitch markers to pin badges, there's something here for every knitter.
You could even go the extra mile and put together a whole advent calendar…
20. Handmade advent calendar
Why give one gift when you can give 25? You could either knit an advent calendar or buy a pre-made one and fill each day with knitting gifts such as yarn, stitch markers and buttons.
We've rounded up the best DIY advent calendar kits and ideas right here on Gathered.
21. Handmade stitch markers
Buy the AliceRCrafts handmade stitch markers from Etsy
Every knitter needs stitch markers and these fruit salad ones are totally our aesthetic. They're handmade by AliceRCrafts so you'll be supporting a fellow maker too.
If you're going to gift these, check out our how to do furoshiki wrapping and suminagashi gift wrap tutorials to wrap them up prettily!
22. Wool wash
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For a thoughtful knitting gift, why not treat a friend to some wool wash so they can keep their precious knits in tip-top condition? Soak is easy to use and comes in a range of gorgeous scents.
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23. Knitting Stuff storage pouch
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Get organised with this Knitting Stuff bag from Joanne Hawker. It comes in medium and large sizes and has plenty of space for your latest WIP. Why not complete the gift by filling it with yarn or other treats?
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24. Pin badges
Buy the Hartiful pin badge from Etsy
Wear your crafty heart on your sleeve – literally! These pins from Hartiful would make wonderful stocking fillers. Look out for a range of colours and fun maker-themed designs.
Handmade with love
Looking for a gift to knit? Check out our favourite Christmas knitting patterns for inspiration!
Cards and wrapping paper for knitting gifts
You've found the perfect gift, but don't forget the rest! Below we have some cute cards and gift wrap ideas that are perfect for knitters.
Alternatively, why not whip up some reusable wrapping? We have some easy projects for you to try on Gathered. Cast on our free gift bags knitting pattern or learn how to sew fabric gift bags and DIY knitting project bags for their next WIP. The handmade touch will make your gift extra special!
25. Knitting wrapping paper
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How perfect is this paper? Covered in beautiful watercolour illustrations, it's sure to make your knitting gift stand out. Choose the number of sheets you'd like (up to 20) and add matching gift tags too.
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26. Sheep with Flowers gift wrap
Buy the Sheep with Flowers gift wrap from Etsy
Baa-rilliant for any occasion, this colourful paper is ideal for wrapping a knitting gift. The paper measures 66 x 48cm and you can also find co-ordinating cards in the Jane Buurman Handmade shop.
27. Woolly jumper birthday card
- Buy the Sheep in Sweaters birthday card from Emma Ball
Make every aspect of your knitting gift extra woolly! Send a sheepy greeting with this fun card from Emma Ball – and don’t forget to check out the rest of the Sheep in Sweaters range for more quirky gift ideas.
Choosing the best gifts for knitters
We love shopping for crafty friends, but if you don't craft yourself it can be hard to figure out what to buy. That's where our list comes in! Whether it's books, tools, homewares or (of course) yarn, there's a gift out there to suit every knitter. We hope Gathered's round-up has helped you find the perfect knitting gift for your loved one.
Thoughtful presents for yarn crafters
Need more inspiration, or still have other friends and family to buy for? We have dozens more yarn-themed presents for you in Gathered's round-up of the best crochet gift ideas.