Home » Book » 30 Gift Ideas for Crafters & Creatives

30 Gift Ideas for Crafters & Creatives

30 Gift Ideas for Crafters & Creatives | A unique collection of gifts to give that lover of crafts, DIY projects, and all things creative in your life! They can be deceptively hard to shop for...but not anymore! Check out these practical, fun, and out-of-the-box ideas!

You know those crafty creative types?  The ones that walk around with a glue gun in their apron, a messy bun held up by paint-brushes, and cabinets overflowing with more fabric, glitter, and washi tape than anyone on God’s green earth could ever put to use?

(Don’t mind me and my shifty-eyed stare.)

Well, these types can be tricky ones when it comes to gift-giving.  I mean, is there any supply they don’t have that they could use?  Or any gift that could celebrate their unique quirks?

Dear reader, I have taken it upon me to search far and wide across the interwebs (cough…and my own cabinets) for clever gift ideas for those crafty creatives.  And what started at a list of 10 grew into 20 and grew yet again into 30 gift ideas spanning from big ticket items to stocking stuffers to unique gifts that don’t even fit inside a box.

Also, most of these can be pulled off before Christmas thanks to a quick trip to your local craft store or a summoning of the Amazon Prime elves.  Also, in a pinch I’ve been known to print a photo of a gift I have ordered and pop it in a card to let the recipient know it’s on its way.  (Just in case any of you are procrastinators like I am.)

And I hope this list will inspire you to lavish love and craft supplies upon all those glue gun wielding, spray paint spraying creative types who always have at least 10 projects they’re working on…and 10 more a’ brewin’ in their mind.

Not that you or I can relate or anything…or that we might forward this post to Santa Claus as our last minute wish list.  That would just be crazy talk.  (Shifty-eyes, shifty-eyes.)

Clever gift ideas for crafters and creatives...such an EPIC list with ways to lavish love and craft supplies on all those creative types (of which I know nothing about...wink wink).
{source}

Heads-up: these prices were accurate as of the publishing of this post, though are subject to change.  Also, I have included affiliate links below meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for supporting this small business!

Big Ticket Items

1.  A Silhouette Cutting Machine

Mark gifted me my Silhouette Cameo back in 2012, and my crafting world has never been the same.  If you’ve never heard of a Silhouette before, it’s a magical machine that can cut anything you can dream up on materials spanning from paper to vinyl to t-shirt vinyl to fabric (to name a few).  The top 3 items I make the most with my machine are custom baby onesies, banners, and gift tags.  But if you want to see the wide variety of projects a certain Silhouette-obsessed crafter (cough cough) has churned out over the last several years, here’s my project gallery.  This machine is the highest ticket item on my list by far, but has paid for itself and then some with all the custom gifts, decor, and gift wrap I’ve been able to create.  And I will sing it’s praises (literally) until the cows come home.

2.  Beginner Sewing Machine

It was around season 10 of Project Runway that I finally broke down and bought a sewing machine.  But not just any sewing machine: the Brother CS-6000i.  I like to call this sewing machine, “the brother I never had.”  And he has taken all of the intimidation out of sewing for me by being just so gosh-darned easy to use.  If you’re a beginner like me, I highly recommend checking out Raechel Myers’s Sewing 101 series on her blog.  It was a fantastic introduction to my machine and to the basics of sewing.  To see my machine in action, check out my Turban Headband Video Tutorial from Scarf Week.

3.  Craft Storage Cart

I have a “friend” who has a problem hoarding craft supplies.  And she hinted that a rolling storage cart like this beauty from Michael’s would be perfect for organizing the craft supplies that are currently camping out on the floor of her bedroom.  I love that it’s on wheels so your craft supplies can follow you wherever your craft project may find you!

Unconventional Gift Ideas

4.  Craftsy Class

Craftsy is a website that offers online classes for pretty much every hobby under the sun: sewing, quilting, knitting, cake decorating, baking, photography, painting, wood-working…to name a few!  The nice thing about the classes is that they are self-paced, so you can watch the video classes at your leisure (and in your pjs!).  This is a great gift idea if you’re down to the wire and need something speedy.

Classes that piqued my interest:

5. The Gift of a Crafternoon

Consider giving the gift of experience with a “crafternoon” for you and your loved one!  You can sit side by side and tackle that project you’ve both been eyeing on Pinterest for ages.  As the gifter, you’ll take care of the supplies and snacks.  All your bestie has to do is a choose a date on her calendar to make it happen!

Or if you pal has little ones at home, you might consider taking the kids for a day at the park or Science Center so your friend can enjoy a crafternoon on her own!

For gifts like these, I recommend making your own custom coupon.  Here are some images for inspiration!

  • Crafternoon: Just the cost of supplies and the gift of your time!

6.  Decorate Your Own Starbucks Card 

Starbucks does it again.  This season, they released a three-pack of gift blank gift cards that come with a Sharpie so you can “create your own gift card!”  How cool is that?  Now, you can gift your recipient with craft fuel in the form of a Starbucks gift card that you decorate…or invite them to decorate themselves!  Sneak a peek at what they look like HERE.

  • Create Your Own Starbucks Cards: available in select stores ($10 minimum per card)

7.  Donation to an Arts Program for At-Risk Youth

Perhaps one of the most meaningful gifts you could give a crafter or creative this holiday is a donation made in their honor to a worthy cause…such as art camps, creativity classes, or theatre programs for at-risk youth.  For example, Opening Act brings quality after-school theatre programming into some of New York City’s most underserved public high schools as a means of developing student’s leadership, community, and commitment.  I can personally vouch for them because I used to work for them as a teaching artist!

Here are just a few more organizations doing meaningful work with kids that I found in my research:

Safety First

8.  Hot Glue Gun Helper

My hot glue gun is one of my go-to craft supplies. But it’s as much a weapon of destruction as it is a crafting tool.  My fingers bear visible scars from many-a-glue-gun-burn (this one was a particular doozy).  So, naturally, when I learned about the Hot Glue Gun Helper, it was the first item on my Christmas wish list that year.  It’s every crafter’s saving grace.

9. Comfort Grip Handle

My Rust-oleum Comfort Grip Handle is still one of my favorite SWAG items that I took home from Haven Blog Conference.  It saves your hand from cramping during those spray-paint sessions!

Craft Supplies

10.  Color Micron Pens

16 Color Micron Pen Set: This colorful pen set is super fun to use, both in craft projects such as the pages of my Journaling Bible and day-to-day life. A TO DO list written in 16 different colors is one I actually feel inspired to tackle!  This is one of my go-to gifts for friends.

11.  Alphabet Stamps

I’m slightly obsessed with my alphabet stamps and have at least four sets that all get frequent use, in my Journaling Bible and beyond.  They’re nifty like that.  They can add an extra special touch to gift wrap, as well!  (And if you’re interested in an ink pad that won’t bleed, Staz On, is my favorite brand.)

12.  Watercolors Field Set with Brush

My little Watercolor Field Set with Brush has served me well, and despite being travel-size, it packs quite a punch with a wide variety of 24 different colors.  It also comes with a refillable Koi water brush, so you have everything you need to watercolor on the go.  This is great for beginners and experts alike!  And yep, it’d totally fit inside a stocking.

13.  Washi Tape

I am such a fan of washi tape, I have an entire drawer in my Roll-Top Desk dedicated to it.  I use it to wrap gifts, create gift tags, or add an extra pop of pattern to my Journaling Bible pages.  In the words of Nacho Libre, “It’s the best!  I love it!”

14.  Glitter Mod Podge

Mod Podge is a triple threat craft supply: it’s sealer, a glue, and a finish all in one!  Add to it glitter and you have one magical elixir.  To see this glittery magic in action on my Glitter Twine Christmas Ornaments, here ya go.

15.  Journaling Bible

If you haven’t yet discovered the Journaling Bible craze, allow me to introduce you to it with this video tour of my first 10 entries!  Or, for the quick run-down, basically, a Journaling Bible has extra wide margins that invite you to spill your doodles, sermon notes, artistic expression, and so much more.  It has revolutionized my Bible-reading experience.

16.  A Craft Kit

Half of the battle of finding time to craft is gathering and prepping all of the necessary supplies.  Amiright?  So, what if you took out all of the guesswork and simply provided your gift recipient with a craft kit including every item needed to carry out a craft project from start to completion?  Could be the perfect accompaniment to a crafternoon (#5)!  You could gather the supplies yourself and write out a step by step tutorial you find online on any one of your favorite craft blogs (wink).

Or, here are some ready-to-buy options:

Crafty-Gear

17.  A Crafter’s Apron

As a child, I used to wear my dad’s retired button ups backwards as a smock to protect my clothing during my messy craft projects.  As an adult, I’m just as messy when I create!  How handy would it be to have a crafter’s smock or apron to wear, complete with pockets for storing craft supplies?  When gifting one, you could even stuff the pockets with a few extra goodies for your recipient!

18.  Crafty Tee

Customized apparel is one of my favorite projects to craft.  And if I don’t have time to whip up a custom tee or onesie?  To Etsy I go where you can find all manner of clever clothing items, especially for crafters and makers.

19.  Crafty Bling

Some bling-a-bling-bling celebrating one’s crafty side will no doubt become a favorite statement piece!

20.  Tote Bag

I love it when the gift wrap is a gift in and of itself, so why not include some of your favorite craft supplies in a tote bag that fits on theme?  You could design one yourself or nab one of these toteally awesome bags:

21.  A Crafter’s Mug

Every good crafting session involves a yummy hot drink. So naturally, a clever, crafty mug or tumbler would make for a pretty n’ practical gift.  Also, mugs can double as fantastic storage containers for pens, markers, paint-brushes, you name it!

22.  Mason Jar Tumbler

Crafters and mason jars go together like tacos and Tuesday.  It’s just a plain fact.  Oh, and if it’s an aqua blue mason jar we’re talking about?  Fuggetaboutit.  A match made in DIY heaven!  And yes, we are the proud owners of not 1, but 2 of these nifty tumblers.  Everything tastes yummier in a mason jar.

Art

23.  “How to Be an Artist” Poster

This poster used to hang in the theatre building at my college and was the source of much artistic inspiration for me and my cohort!  (If you’re not familiar with SARK, she’s a beautiful soul with a lot of really lovely books for creatives I encourage you to check out, too.)

24.  Printable Motivational Quote Desk Calendar

My friend Michelle from Enchanted Prints designs some of the most beautiful printable quotes you ever did see…and she compiled 12 of her most motivational quotes into a desk calendar available for instant download!  One download can be printed out for all your friends and family (this is what I gave to all my friends and family last Christmas).  Just pick up a mini wood easel at your local craft store or on Amazon and your lil’ calendar is ready to motivate your recipient all year long!

25.  Letter Board

Retro-style letter boards are back and all the rage these days!  After all, they hold endless creative potential.  They can declare a favorite quote, scripture verse, announce a birthday or special event, countdown to a big day, or inspire a short poem.  Here are a few I’ve had my eye on lately:

Journals & Books

26. New Sketchbook or Journal

Is there anything more thrilling than a brand new journal, full of blank pages just inviting a story…or a collage…or journal entry?  I think not!  I’ve always been a no-lines kinda gal when it comes to journaling, but you can do a little sleuthing to see what type of journal your recipient loves best.  You can even order her a custom journal with her name on the cover or perhaps her word of the year (if she does that sort of thang).  Here are some of my favorites:

27.  Wreck This Journal

My sister gifted my Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith one Christmas, and I dubbed it “A Perfectionist’s Nightmare.”  It’s full of creative prompts, many of which invite you to pretty much destroy the book.  Here are a just a few of them:

  • “Sew this page.”
  • “Find a way to wear the journal.”
  • “Tear this page out.  Put it in your pocket.  Put it through the wash.  Stick it back in.”

Now, those of you who are book-lovers (like me!) might be wondering, “But why in the world would you want to destroy a book?”  It’s a book to help shake perfectionists of our impossible quest, which can all too often plague us with creative paralysis.  After all, creativity is messy!  And we all need to be reminded to let that creativity “splish, splash, and spill.”  To see some of my “wrecked” pages, check out THIS blog post.

28.  The Artist’s Way

If you want to gift a book that will speak to the heart of the artist and offer up exercises to help nurture their creativity and spiritual well being, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is it!  I have yet to work my way through it in its entirety (it’s so very rich), but I think it’s a worthwhile journey for any artist to embark on for the “morning pages” exercise alone.  Read more about my friend Gina’s experience with it HERE.

29.  The Creative Retreat Workbook

I was first introduced to the brilliant concept of “mini-retreats” by my friend Jennie Moraitis in her book, The Creative Retreat Workbook.  It’s jam-packed with inspirational stories and guided brainstorming for dreaming and scheming your next creative retreat.  After scribbling and doodling my way through the entire book, I am convinced that mini-retreats are not only something I need in my busy life, but something I now have the tools to make happen.  And I plan to gift my fellow creatives with their own paperback copies for their birthdays this coming year!

30.  Thinking Outside the Gift Box

Yup!  I saved my personal favorite for last.  It’s the book Thinking Outside the Gift Box: 75 Simple & Meaningful Gift Ideas to Spark Your Creativity.  And I may be slightly biased because you’ll see my name written there on the front cover as the author.  But guess what?  It’s not just a book for crafters and creatives.  In fact, I wrote it specifically with the non-crafter in mind.  The gift ideas are intended to be the kind you pull of simply and inexpensively (most cost $10 or less), and yet they hold potential to mean so very much for your recipient!  I’m excited to invite you and your giftees on a journey of rediscovering the joy of giving.  Because it turns out, gift-giving doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Won’t you join me?

That’s a Wrap!

Annnnnd those of you who made it to the end of this epically long and link-filled list, I commend you.  I hope that this list has sparked some gift-giving inspiration for all the crafters and creatives in your life.  And if you’d like to save this post for later when you’re stuck for gift ideas, just click the pin it button on the image below.

30 Gift Ideas for Crafters & Creatives | A unique collection of gifts to give that lover of crafts, DIY projects, and all things creative in your life! They can be deceptively hard to shop for...but not anymore! Check out these practical, fun, and out-of-the-box ideas!

A very happy holiday to one and all!

*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks for supporting this small business!

signature

| | | | |

12 Comments

  1. I first clicked on your blog to see your t shirt necklace ideas as I have been making them to sell at the local markets. they are so addictive! I was thinking of selling them online but shipping is so expensive in Australia. I love all your ideas and inspiration. I was going through a blogging freeze since my blog was mostly gardening, but am trying to diversify. Might join a few link ups. Have done that in the past and enjoyed it. Thank you for your inspiration.

  2. Ohh, I’d love to see how a Craftsy class would be organized. I bet you can learn a lot!
    And a craft kit itself wouldn’t be that bad. Should I mention the craft storage cart?!
    Ok, ok, I’m gonna stop here (*whispers* crafty tee).
    This is such a great list! And I love the unconventional gifts you mentioned – I’ll be sure to use your ideas for the next birthday party.
    Thank you!

    1. I’m so glad you found some inspiration here, Kathy! Hope some of these items end up as your birthday or holiday or “just cuz” gifts one day soon! Thanks for stopping by.

  3. Thank you for this list of gift ideas! As a crafter myself, I’m always looking for something new to work with. I was so drooling over that Cameo Cutter. I can think of so many things I could make with cutting that precise. Thank you again!

    1. Oh yes. It’s truly a game-changer, and worth looking out for deals on. Black Friday is usually their biggest sale of the year if you want to plan for it! Glad you enjoyed the list, Gabrielle. Happy crafting!

  4. Lauren, what a list! I just spent some quality time browsing through it and made myself a list of goodness to gift in the coming year. Yay for creativity supplies. 🙂 🙂 🙂 And thanks so much for sharing my book; I appreciate you so much!

    1. I’m so glad you found so much inspiration in this list! Yay indeed! Aw, and it was MY JOY to get to share about the awesomeness of your book. It truly is a priceless gift for any recipient. Hugs!

  5. Such great ideas…but why do they have to be for someone else…I know, I’m just being selfish here. My challenge is this: I live in an RV fulltime, so fulltime crafting is out and saving bits of this and that is out of the question. So I settle for watching what others do for much of my creative side. I love to give creative supplies for others… But for me, that sewing needle will need to be pried out of my cold, dead hands when the time comes! Some things you just must have, no matter how small the space!

    1. Ha ha. I hear ya! Yes, this can definitely be gifts for yourself! I have gifted myself many of these items from time to time. Loved hearing about your own creativity when it comes to making do with the space you have. Glad you still make time (and space) for sewing, though!

  6. I think I actually have a craft hoarding problem. I have sooo many craft supplies I never use…whoops. And I got a set of alphabet stamps recently-ish, due to Jennie Moraitis’s temptationing! And I love that “how to be an artist poster”! And my friend got a Wreck This Journal and let me do a page! I got to do something destructive to it. Oh and that Modge Podge glitter stuff looks tempting… Whew I finally got to the end of this epically long post. 😉

    1. I’m in the same boat my dear! And I really need to make a list of everything I have because I’ve surely bought things I already had (ack!). Welcome to the alphabet stamp club! They’re pretty nifty, I’ve gotta say. Isn’t that poster cool? SARK is such an inspiring author. Oooo! Love that you got to do some journal wrecking of your own. Isn’t it liberating? Every crafter needs some glitter Mod Podge in my opinion, tee hee. Thanks for taking the time to read this post. It was an epic! And you’re epically awesome.

Your comments make my day!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *