Gift Ideas for Crafters

Why these items are on the list

1. Sewing machine. Look for adjustable speed, automatic threading and varied stitches. Beginners may find a simple mechanical model easier to maintain.
2. Extra needles and pre-wound bobbins. Handy for different fabrics; bobbins come pre-wound with common thread colors.
3. Seam ripper and fabric scissors. Reserve the scissors for cloth only, and keep the ripper close for quick corrections.
4. Cutting machine. Machines like Cricut or Silhouette cut paper, vinyl, fabric and even thin wood. Good for card making and scrapbooking.
5. Glue gun, low or high temperature. Low suits delicate surfaces like fabric or foam; a high-temperature one suits wood, metal or plastic.
6. Self-healing cutting mat. Protects the work surface and keeps blades sharp longer. Clear grid lines help with alignment.
7. Embroidery kit. Most include pre-printed fabric, floss, needles and a hoop, so they can start stitching right away.
8. Needle felting kit. Usually includes wool roving, felting needles and foam pads for shaping small animals, flowers or ornaments.
9. Crochet kit with yarn and hook. Many are made for beginners and walk through scarves, hats or small plush toys.
10. Paint by numbers kit. A canvas split into numbered sections with matching paint pots, no advanced skills needed.
11. Watercolor kit. Typically paints, brushes and watercolor paper, for landscapes, flowers or abstract designs.
12. Polymer clay kit. Hardens in a home oven; air-dry clay sets are the option that needs no baking.
13. Kintsugi repair kit. Mends broken ceramics with gold-colored resin. Usually includes epoxy, gold powder, brushes and instructions.
14. Solar photography kit. One Uncommon Goods reviewer says: place items on the paper, wait, then rinse. Listed at $14.95.
15. Needlepoint kit. Unwind Studio lists needlepoint kits from about $19, plus stretcher frames from about $10 and a beginner kit category.
16. Stained glass mosaic kit. An Uncommon Goods reviewer found it just right for an adult, adding that a child needs supervision. $49.
17. Wire sculpture twist kit. An Uncommon Goods reviewer's kids made their own sculptures, and the included base displays the finished piece. $32.
18. Travel watercolor paint kit. An Uncommon Goods reviewer called it a complete travel art kit with high quality papers. $45.
19. Travel knitting bag. Uncommon Goods lists it at $35, for the knitter who takes their project along.
20. Craft project advent calendar. The pricey end of this list at $98 from Uncommon Goods, tagged a holiday favorite.
21. Sculpt-your-own desk pet kit. A small, inexpensive pick at $14 from Uncommon Goods; the capybara is listed as new.
22. Make-your-own tile lamp. A $25 Uncommon Goods kit; one reviewer called it doable and beautiful.
23. Craft subscription box. The guide mentions subscription boxes full of inspiration as an option.
24. Storage cart for supplies. Helps a crafter's space stay organized, according to the guide.

Keep it open on your phone while you browse, ticking the gifts that match what they make. Rough prices in the notes help you settle the budget before you shop.