7 Great holiday gifts for crafters, scrapbookers & more

Nov 06, 2012 10:56 AM by Heather Barnett

Posted in Living

Stocking Stuffers & Presents For DIY-Ers

If your friend is a serious crafter, it can be tempting to buy a gift card and call it a day. But if it’s the thought that counts, gift cards barely count! Instead of cheesing out this year, try getting one of these great gifts for the crafter in your life.

X-Acto Basic Knife Set

Every scrapbooker needs a set of quality X-Acto knives for precision custom shapes. This kit comes with three sizes of knives and 10 assorted additional blades in an attractive wooden chest. (Blick, $24)

DIY Stitchable iPhone 4 & 4s Case

Let your crafty friend transform their iPhone into a testament to their favorite hobby. The perforated cover will let them cross-stitch their own design to decorate their gadget. They can design their own or use one of the design ideas that come with the kit. (Maker Shed, $20)

PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center

The PanaVise is a multi-purpose workbench companion serious crafters will find invaluable. It has ribbed neoprene jaws and a low center of gravity, making it the ideal device for holding larger, heavier objects as wide as 9 inches. Since it can hold the craft in almost any position, it allows the crafter to position the craft in the perfect position for detail work. It even has six individual trays for keeping small craft supplies (like beads) in easy reach. (Amazon, $85)

Subversive Cross-Stitch Curses

The adorable cross-stitch kit will let your crafty friend have a little fun. The kit includes cross-stitch fabric, thread instructions and the pattern to allow them to stitch secret code for the worst word they can think of. The frame is sold separately, but it makes a great complement. (Subversive Cross Stitch, $12 and up)

Mystery Box Kit

While this kit certainly makes a great gift as it comes, perhaps it’s time to show him or her you care by trying it yourself. It’s simple to make. Just purchase a present for your guy or gal and build the laser-cut wooden box, putting the special gift inside. Sure, it’s fun to watch them open it, but encourage your love to leave the box intact to cherish the mystery of the contents for years to come. (Maker Shed, $35)

Liberty Book of Home Sewing

Whether a beginner or a pro, the crafter in your life will love this beautifully illustrated book featuring 25 fun projects from the stylish Liberty textile brand. It includes patterns for feminine totes, aprons, pincushions, book covers, quilts, throws plush cushions and more. Each pattern comes with detailed step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone to design a stylish accessory for their home. (Amazon, $18)

Crafter, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creativity into a Successful Business

If the crafter in your life has been looking for a way to turn her hobby into a viable income-generator, they'll love this how-to guide by Meg Mateo Ilasco. In this expanded version of the book, Ilasco gives authoritative advice on developing products, sourcing materials and even writing a business plan and paying taxes. There are new sections on opening an online store and using social media and interviews with pro crafters. (Maker Shed, $13)

Crafter, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creativity into a Successful Business