We all have creative friends and loved ones—a bestie that’s taken up calligraphy, a sister who scrapbooks like a pro or a work pal who crochets over lunches. Why not treat them to a gift basket tailored just for them for their birthday or upcoming holiday? Even if you’re not a crafter yourself, we’ll make it easy to put together a pretty and practical gift basket they’ll adore.
Step 1: Find your crafty items
If you’re building this basket for a creative friend, you surely know exactly what sort of crafts they enjoy most. In this case, it’s always a good idea to treat them to their favorite materials and tools but elevated just a bit. So if your BFF crochets, treat her to an plush yarn that she wouldn’t normally splurge on or a pretty tote to store all those works in progress. Of course, there are items that are always welcome, like extra scissors, thread, washi tape and the like that crafters of all kinds can put to good use.
However, you don’t always have to stick with what your pals know! Creative minds often love a new challenge. In your gift basket, try to incorporate a few new-to-them crafts, like an embroidery kit or book about paper flowers. You never know if you’ll inspire a secondary passion! For more ideas, check out these fun giftables below.
Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut is surely the item on the top of every crafter's wishlist; it's like the KitchenAid mixer of the crafting world. This amazing machine can cut letters and shapes into paper, vinyl and fabric for unlimited creative possibilities. The Cricut Explore Air 2 ($300) will be the gift every crafter will be raving about.
Washi Tape
What crafter out there doesn't love pretty and fun washi tape? This decorative paper tape comes in hundreds of patterns. Why not grab a few rolls ($16 for a set of 16) as a fun add-on gift for a crafty pal?
Hand Lettering Workbook
Encourage crafty friends to try another creative endeavor with Hand Lettering 101 ($18). This workbook outlines how to start hand lettering (an updated take on calligraphy) and gives you prompts for fun projects to show off your skills.
Yarn Organizer
Avid knitters and crocheters are always working on a handful of projects. With lots of scarves, sweaters and socks in the works, keeping that yarn organized can be tricky. That's where this handy yarn tote ($33) comes in. It keeps several skeins separated and tangle-free. Plus it has handy pockets for needles, scissors and other extras.
Glue Gun with Auto-Off Function
A good glue gun is a must for any crafter, however, most standard glue guns aren't equipped with a convenient safety feature: an auto-off setting. Upgrade your favorite crafter's glue gun with this option ($14). It seems so simple but it will be surely appreciated.
Jiffy Dress Book
Beginner and experienced sewists alike will love Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses ($20). This book is full of vintage-inspired dresses (patterns included!) that are simple enough to make in a single day and gorgeous enough that you'll want to wear them all the time.
Embroidery Kits
Speaking of fabric crafts, have you seen some of the beautiful and original embroidery kits out there lately? This one from Hoffelt & Hooper Co. ($32+) comes with a lovely floral pattern and everything you need to create a unique piece for your home.
Magnetic Pin Cushion
Know a seamstress? Be sure to add this magnetic pin cushion ($13) to your gift shopping list. The extra-strong magnet inside this pin dish keeps pins conveniently on hand and safely in the dish (and not on the floor).
Brush Pens
Know a calligrapher, artist or scrapbooker? Treat them to a brand new set of dual brush pens. These pastels ($16) have a fine and brush tip perfect for embellishing cards, journals and so much more.
Sketchbook
Help your maker friends keep all their good ideas in one place with this big ideas sketchbook ($17). Beautiful, high-quality paper is bound inside this extra-thick sketchbook. Good ideas deserve such a wonderful canvas.
Cutting Mat Set
Paper and fabric crafters alike will appreciate a cutting mat set ($30). This self-healing mat protects your tabletops from slices from your rotary cutter, utility knife or scissors. Plus, this Fiskars set comes with a clear acrylic ruler and rotary cutter for straight, clean cuts.
Watercolor Book
Unwind with this upgraded version of an adult coloring book. Watercolor with Me ($15) is printed on premium paper and filled with adorable forest and nature scenes. Watercolors are a great way to unwind and just might inspire creative friends to try another hobby.
Handmade Labels
Give handmade projects that finishing touch with these handmade labels ($6). These fabric labels are easy to stitch into homemade aprons, onto hand-pieced quilts, crocheted hats and much more. These are a must for any regular maker.
Scissors
Knitters, needlepointers, sewists, weavers—all kinds of crafters are always in need of a good pair of scissors (just like bakers can always use dish towels and gardeners can always use gloves). Invest in a good sharp pair—this one ($10) from Fiskars is perfect for folks who work with fabrics, threads and other textiles—for yourself or crafty loved ones.
Sticker Machine
This is a gadget your crafty friends just might not have already but they'll surely love. The Xyron Create-a-Sticker ($16) takes your favorite photos, graphics and scrapbooking die-cuts and turns them into custom stickers. This is such a fun tool to have on hand and will get plenty of use, so be sure to stock up on a few refills.
Crochet Hook and Knitting Needle Case
If you knit or crochet, you know how important it is to keep all your needles and hooks organized. This adorable needle roll ($11) keeps everything in place and your tools protected.
Custom Sewing or Craft Box
Whether your sew, scrap, stitch or sketch, keeping small crafty odds and ends organized is imperative. Customize a pretty wooden box ($35) for your crafting needs. You can even customize the text and turn this into a recipe box (we know you cook and bake, too!).
Subscription to Country Woman
Give the crafter in your life a steady supply of fun, fresh ideas with a subscription to Country Woman. This inspiring magazine offers decorating tips, recipes, gardening ideas and plenty of do-it-yourself projects.
Step 2: Pack it up practically
As a crafter, I know that it’s always a struggle to organize all your odds and ends—is it just me or are there never enough space for fabric? When you wrap up this amazing gift basket, be sure to wrap it in a practical storage container. Whether it’s a pretty but modular box like we used above or even just a classic plastic bin, be sure that your gift basket’s “basket” can be easily repurposed.
Step 3: Get crafting yourself!
If you’re a crafter like me, there’s nothing better than getting together with friends to work on your projects. Send this gift basket with a note saying that you’d love to have your pals (or sister or mom) over for a night of crafts, snacks and wine (might we recommend one of these?). Is there anything better?
Soft Giant Pretzels
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Granola Blueberry Muffins
Peach Smoothie
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Trail Mix Blondie Bars
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Classic Hummus
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Sweet 'n' Spicy Snack Mix
Easy Banana Bread
Nacho Popcorn
Roasted Vegetable Dip
Homemade Guacamole
Spicy Pecans N Cranberries
Browned Butter Cereal Bars
My Kids' Favorite Cookies
Parmesan Munch Mix
Ginger Pear Muffins
Mocha Pumpkin Seeds
Cinnamon Nut Bars
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Chunky Apple Snack Cake
Roasted Cumin Cashews
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Chocolaty Chips
Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie
Party Pretzels
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Double Chocolate Orange Brownies
Sweet Potato Frozen Yogurt Pops
Key Lime Bread
Snackers
Toad in the Hole
Chippy Blond Brownies
Lemon Poppy Seed Slices
Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars
Snackin' Granola
Herb Quick Bread
