If you’re looking for gifts to fill the stocking of a crafty person or someone who’s constantly working on some big DIY project, you can’t go wrong with art supplies, small tools, or necessities they’ll never want to run out of, like glue or sharp sewing needles. The trick, however, is finding versions of these things that feel truly special and gift-worthy. Maybe they come in a vibrant color or were recommended by a famous person. Or maybe they’re special because they’re just for fun. To help you curate a truly satisfying stocking full of excellent and affordable gifts, we scoured the Strategist archive for crafty bits and bobs and trinkets sure to delight any DIY enthusiast.
If they make their own greeting cards
Illustrator Alex Testere uses this travel-friendly watercolor set to make paintings en plein air and has even used it while flying from New York to Chicago.
If they sometimes forget which cup is paint water and which is drinking water
Like the paint set above, this brush (with its built-in water reservoir) allows its user to create watercolor paintings on the go. It’ll also keep them from accidentally drinking paint.
If they’re currently knitting winter hats for their whole family
Get them these nifty pom-pom making contraptions we learned about from our guide to the best gifts for knitters to top off their crafts.
If their roommate keeps stealing their scissors
This tiny pair of scissors, recommended for needlepoint by Parker Posey, are perfect for snipping small threads. And they’re easy to hide.
If they love making sweaters but are tired of knitting them
Help them change it up with this sweater-shaped cookie cutter.
If their phone is covered in flour and bread dough
A nice-looking kitchen timer will help them stay on task without endangering their tech.
If gardening is their passion but they live in Maine
A microgreens kit in their kitchen window will help them get through the winter.
If they have the best roses on the block
This extra-long pair of pruning gloves from our list of gardening essentials are sure to be a hit.
If they’re a future handyman
Kid-sized leather work gloves will protect their little hands from scrapes and make them feel like a big kid.
If they’ve always got something fermenting
If they dream of becoming a famous candle artist
If they drink cold brew year-round
They’ll appreciate this kit, which comes with 12 premeasured coffee sachets. That’s almost six weeks’ worth of cold brew.
If their Christmas tree is covered in paper cranes
If they have a scrapbook for every year of their life
This set of gridded washi tape will help them prepare for putting this year’s memories down on paper.
If they spent quarantine dressed like a camp counselor
Strategist senior writer Karen Adelson’s favorite embroidery floss for making friendship bracelets will come in handy.
If they want to get into weaving
This potholder-making kit is a good place to start.
If their main hobby is building forts
These screws for building with cardboard will excite them — and keep them busy for hours.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
