Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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Crafters always have a next project in mind, so the best gifts either teach a new craft or make the current one easier.
A beginner kit is a fun start: Bustle named the CraftLab kit its overall best learn-to-knit kit, and The Woobles crochet kit comes with step-by-step video lessons. Painters get the Winsor & Newton Cotman pocket box, BestReviews' best of the best watercolor set, or a Sta-Wet palette that keeps mixed paint ready for weeks. Small tools are easy wins: a row counter, sharp fabric scissors, Dremel's cordless glue pen and a yarn tote that holds up to eight skeins. The splurges are a Cricut Joy, BestReviews' best bang for the buck Cricut machine, and the Brother XR3774, NBC Select's best overall beginner sewing machine. Every pick is already on my knitting, crochet, painting, sewing or handmade gifts list with its source.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they only crochet; the gifts for crocheters page goes deeper on hooks and yarn.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Knitting Counter | budget | under $15 | patterns that say 'repeat for 20 rows' | 1 outlet |
| Karen Kay Buckley 6-Inch Perfect Scissors | mid | $15-25 | precise fabric cuts and trimmed edges | 1 outlet |
| Dremel 4V USB Rechargeable Cordless Glue Pen | mid | $25-50 | gluing tiny pieces without blobs | 1 outlet |
| ArtBin Yarn Fabric Tote | mid | $25-50 | keeping a growing yarn stash tidy | 1 outlet |
Top pickbudget pick · Compact
Best for patterns that say 'repeat for 20 rows'
NBC Select's best knitting accessories overall: it keeps track of which row you're on so you never have a miscounting mix-up.
Heads up. It only counts to 99, so long projects need another way to keep track
1 outlet. NBC Select best knitting accessories overall.
under $15
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mid pick · 6 in
Best for precise fabric cuts and trimmed edges
BestReviews' best for fabric: serrated blades keep fabric in place while you cut, and they're also great for quilting and applique.
Heads up. At 6 inches they're built for precision work and edges, so long cuts across yardage take more snips
1 outlet. BestReviews best for fabric.
$15-25
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mid pick · Compact
Best for gluing tiny pieces without blobs
Bob Vila's best precision glue gun: it heats up in 15 seconds and has a precision nozzle tip for detailed gluing.
Heads up. Leaks when not in use, and the pen grip takes some getting used to
1 outlet. Bob Vila best precision glue gun.
$25-50
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mid pick · Standard
Best for keeping a growing yarn stash tidy
NBC Select's best intermediate knitting accessories: compartments hold up to eight skeins, with grommets to keep the yarn tangle-free.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best intermediate knitting accessories.
$25-50
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Best starter kitsplurge pick · Gift-box
Best for total beginners who want three projects in one box
Bustle's overall best learn-to-knit kit: wool yarn, wooden needles and a photo booklet, plus video tutorials if you're a visual learner.
Heads up. The yarn only comes in one color, teal blue
1 outlet. Bustle overall best learn-to-knit kit.
$25-50
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mid pick · Gift-box
Best for a friend who wants to learn with video lessons
A kit for making a small stuffed animal, with chunky yarn, a hook and step-by-step video lessons.
Heads up. One project per kit
1 outlet. Today beginner crochet kit pick.
$25-50
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Top pickbudget pick · Pocket
Best for watercolor painting anywhere
BestReviews' best of the best watercolor paint set: a pocket-sized box with 12 half pans, a small brush and three mixing compartments in the lid.
Heads up. The box may be too small for some artists to use
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the best watercolor paint set.
$15-25
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mid pick · Box
Best for keeping acrylics wet between sessions
BestReviews' best of the best art palette: wet the sponge and the box keeps your mixed paint ready for weeks.
Heads up. The Sta-Wet pad is sold separately, and the sponge needs checking every few days to prevent mildew
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the best art palette.
$25-50
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Top pickmid pick · Tabletop
Best for a first sewing machine with room for quilts
NBC Select's best overall beginner sewing machine: crafting expert Kristine Frailing calls Brother a great beginner brand that will last you a long time.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall beginner sewing machine.
$150-200
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mid pick · Compact
Best for cutting vinyl decals and lettering
BestReviews' best bang for the buck Cricut machine: easy to use, with a price that is hard to beat, and well suited to quick decal work like the scannable song code and lyrics for glass art.
Heads up. Handles only thinner materials, and it won't score or perforate
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck Cricut machine.
$150-200
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
A tool for the craft they already do, like a row counter for a knitter or a Sta-Wet palette for an acrylic painter, or a beginner kit for a craft they want to try. The CraftLab kit is Bustle's overall best learn-to-knit kit.
It can be, if they've said they want to sew. The Brother XR3774 is NBC Select's best overall beginner sewing machine, with a wide table for bigger projects like quilts.
USPS's recommended last send dates for December 25 in the contiguous US are December 17 for Ground Advantage, December 18 for Priority Mail and December 19 for Priority Mail Express. Retailers set their own order-by dates, so check at checkout.