The best gift for a crafter is something for the craft they already love. A quilter does not need a candle kit, and a knitter who has made sweaters for thirty years does not need a beginner’s scarf kit. What they will use, and think of you every time they do, is the tool that makes their favorite hobby a little easier or a little more fun.
So this guide is sorted by craft. Find the section that matches the person you are shopping for, and every pick inside it fits. There is also a section for someone who wants to try something new, one for older crafters whose eyes or hands need a little help, and a list of small stocking stuffers at the end.
We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend.
Quick picks
- For the quilter or sewist: the Brother SE1900 sewing and embroidery machine, or a rotary cutter set and self-healing mat.
- For the crocheter or knitter: a yarn winder and swift, or a lighted crochet hook set.
- For the diamond painter: a large LED light pad.
- For the painter: a framed paint by numbers set, or an artist-grade watercolor box.
- For the embroiderer: a step-by-step embroidery kit or a punch needle kit.
- For the soap or candle maker: a complete melt and pour soap kit.
- For the paper crafter: a Cricut cutting machine, or a quilling kit.
- For an older crafter: a daylight floor lamp, large print coloring books or large piece puzzles.
For the quilter and sewist
Quilters tend to own a lot of fabric and not quite enough good tools. The gifts that land are the ones that save time at the cutting table or open up something new at the machine.
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE1900 is a computerized machine that sews and embroiders. It comes with 138 built-in embroidery designs and 240 built-in stitches, has a 5 by 7 inch embroidery hoop area and a touchscreen display. For a sewist who has only ever had a basic machine, it is a genuine step up: the same machine that pieces a quilt top can add a monogram to a pillowcase or a name to a baby quilt.
This is a big gift, best for someone who sews regularly. If the person you are shopping for has a machine they love and only quilts, the cutting tools below are the better choice.
A rotary cutter set and a self-healing mat
Accurate cutting is the part of quilting that decides whether the points meet. The 104-piece rotary cutter set includes a rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a patchwork ruler, which makes it a complete starter set for someone moving from scissors to rotary cutting. If they already have a cutter, an anezus 12 by 18 inch self-healing mat is a useful second mat, and mats wear out faster than most people expect.
For the quilter who does free-motion quilting on a home machine, a quilting slider mat sits on the machine bed and helps the quilt move smoothly under the needle. Our guide to quilting on a budget covers which tools matter most and which can wait.
More for quilters: our gifts for quilters covers machines, irons and cutting tools.
For the crocheter and knitter
Yarn crafters often have more yarn than they will ever use, so the better gift is something that makes working with it easier.
INMAKER Yarn Winder and Swift
Anyone who buys yarn in hanks knows the chore of winding it by hand. The INMAKER yarn winder and swift combo holds the hank on the swift and winds it into a neat center-pull cake on the winder. It is one of those tools people rarely buy for themselves and use constantly once they have it.
Votris Light Up Crochet Hook Set
The Votris lighted crochet hook set has a rechargeable light in the handle, interchangeable heads and a soft ergonomic grip. The light helps with dark yarns and evening crocheting, and the grip helps hands that get tired over long projects. For knitters, a set of Lewhoo interchangeable circular needles, with 11 sizes from 3.0 to 8.0 mm and three cable lengths in a case, covers most projects in one gift.
For the person just starting out, The Woobles beginner crochet kit includes easy yarn, a pre-started piece, a hook and safety eyes, and walks a new crocheter through making a small animal. Our amigurumi beginner’s guide and roundup of crochet kits for beginners have more options.
More for yarn crafters: see our gifts for crocheters and gifts for knitters.
For the diamond painter
Diamond painting is one of the most relaxing crafts there is, and the right tools make the long sessions more comfortable.
ARTDOT A1 Large LED Light Pad
A light pad sits under the canvas and lights up the printed symbols, which makes them much easier to read, especially on dark colors and small symbols. The ARTDOT A1 light pad is large enough for big canvases, plugs into the wall and has adjustable brightness. For a dedicated diamond painter it is the single most useful upgrade.
To go with it, a large kit like the JOOZ mountain landscape kit (27.5 by 15.7 inches) or the COHAYISY Tree of Life kit makes a complete gift. For something seasonal, the DOMROM Christmas gingerbread suncatcher kit makes a hanging ornament. See our guide to the best diamond painting brands before choosing a kit.
More for diamond painters: our gifts for diamond painters covers light pads, kits and storage.
For the painter
Paint by numbers kits
Paint by numbers is a lovely gift for someone who wants to paint without the pressure of a blank canvas. The 4-pack of framed flower paint by numbers kits with an easel gives four finished pieces ready to display. For something more ambitious, the Schipper Sunrise by the Lake triptych is a three-panel set that hangs as one large picture. Our guide to the best paint by numbers kits for adults has more.
Watercolor sets
For a serious watercolor painter, the Schmincke Horadam 48-color box is an artist-grade set of half pans in a metal box, the kind of gift a painter remembers. For a beginner, the watercolor workbooks with 16 colors include pages ready to paint, which takes away the question of what to paint first. The watercolor palettes and travel kits guide compares more sets.
More for watercolor painters: see our gifts for watercolor painters.
For the embroiderer and cross stitcher
Embroidery and punch needle kits
The CYANFOUR beginner embroidery kit teaches 38 stitches in four stages with step-by-step guidance and videos, a good fit for someone curious about embroidery or picking it back up after years away. For a quicker, very satisfying project, the CYANFOUR Highland Cow punch needle kit comes with two pre-printed fabrics, a hoop and threads.
For the cross stitcher who has everything, a Quilted Bear magnetic needle minder holds the needle on the fabric between stitches, so it never gets lost in the sofa. Pair it with our collection of free cross stitch patterns.
More for stitchers: our gifts for cross stitchers and embroiderers covers thread, light and hoop stands.
For the soap and candle maker
Melt and pour soap kits
Melt and pour soap making is a craft people can start the same day they open the box. The PIUH deluxe soap making kit includes a soap melter, 4 pounds of soap base, eight essential oils, silicone loaf molds and colorants, which is everything needed for the first batches. For someone who would like to try both crafts, the PIUH 2-in-1 candle and soap kit covers both with one melter.
Handmade soap also makes a wonderful gift in turn. Our guide to handmade soap gifts, recipes and packaging shows how to wrap the results.
For the paper crafter
Cricut cutting machines
For the card maker or scrapbooker, a cutting machine is the gift that changes what they can make. The Cricut Explore 5 bundle comes with vinyl and iron-on materials and is designed to be beginner friendly. For someone who wants to cut fabric and thicker materials as well, the Cricut Maker 4 bundle is the step up. Our craft cutting machine guide explains the difference.
Quilling and card making kits
The JoyPlus quilling kit for beginners includes a manual, 24 tools and supplies, a paper crimper and a storage box. The AHANDMAKER card and envelope making kit is a sweet choice for someone who likes sending handmade cards. See our easy quilling crafts for first projects.
More for Cricut owners: see our gifts for Cricut lovers.
For the older crafter
Many crafters keep going for decades, and small changes can make a big difference when eyes and hands need a little more help.
Daylight Slimline 4 Floor Lamp
Good light is the most useful gift for anyone doing close work. The Daylight Slimline 4 floor lamp is an LED lamp with four brightness levels designed for close work, and it stands beside a favorite chair so the light falls right on the project. For stitchers, cross stitchers and diamond painters, it can make evening crafting comfortable again.
Large print coloring and large piece puzzles
The large print coloring book for seniors with low vision has mandala, nature and flower designs drawn with bolder lines, and pairs well with a set of KALOUR 72-count soft core colored pencils. The Ciavotie 4-pack of 100-piece large piece puzzles is made for older adults and is easier on the hands and eyes than standard puzzles. Our guides to coloring books for seniors and large piece puzzles have more choices.
More for grandma: our craft gifts for grandma covers magnifier lamps, easy-grip tools and puzzle boards.
For someone who wants to try something new
If you are not sure which craft to choose, pick a kit that has everything in the box and a clear guide. Good starting points from above are The Woobles crochet kit, the CYANFOUR embroidery kit, the PIUH soap kit and a paint by numbers set. For a calm, inexpensive start, the Japanese Origami for Beginners kit comes with a 96-page book, 72 origami papers and 20 classic models. Our beginner’s guide to crafting can help match a craft to a person.
Stocking stuffers
- Gorilla mini hot glue gun kit with dual temperature and 30 glue sticks.
- Knitter’s Pride knit blockers, a 20-piece pack for pinning finished pieces flat.
- Amazon Basics photo and craft organizer with 16 inner cases, handy for beads, buttons or diamond painting drills.
- Pilot Namiki Falcon fountain pen for the calligrapher, a lovely splurge. See our calligraphy ink guide.
- FINPAC craft supplies tote with clear pockets, to carry a project anywhere. Our craft storage guide has more ideas.
How to choose when you are not sure
Look at what they already make. If their craft room is full of fabric, buy a cutting tool, not more fabric. If they have a basket of yarn, buy the winder or the hooks. If they have been doing the same craft for years, a tool that makes it easier on the eyes or hands is often the most appreciated gift of all.
If they have mentioned wanting to try a new craft, choose a complete beginner kit rather than individual supplies, so they can start the day they open it. And if you really cannot decide, our list of handmade gift ideas might inspire you to make something yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for someone who crafts?
A tool for the craft they already do, especially one they would not buy for themselves: a yarn winder for a knitter, a light pad for a diamond painter, a self-healing mat for a quilter, or good lighting for anyone doing close work.
What craft gifts are good for seniors?
Large print coloring books, large piece puzzles, beginner kits with everything included, and good lighting. Tools with ergonomic grips, like the lighted crochet hook set, help hands that tire easily.
What is a good craft kit for a complete beginner?
A kit with all the supplies and step-by-step guidance. The Woobles for crochet, the CYANFOUR embroidery kit, a melt and pour soap kit, or a paint by numbers set are all easy places to start.
Are craft gifts good for children and grandchildren too?
Yes. Many of the beginner kits here work well for a grandparent and grandchild to do together, which can be the nicest gift of all: the time spent making something side by side.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
