Ten Great Gifts for Crafters

Chances are you will be receiving at least one handcrafted gift this year, likely from a die-hard crafter who has been diligently working throughout the year on items for friends and family in their spare time. The crafter is an artist at heart who enjoys creatively designing items for others. Whether your favorite crafter is a hobbyists who enjoys working with crafts in their spare time or a professional who creates for a living, there are many gifts for crafters that are perfect for the holidays.Cutting

mat and rotary cutter - With the appearance of a tiny pizza cutter, the rotary tool has become a standard favorite for crafters worldwide. When used with a mat and guide, the rotary tool can cut straight lines for complex, perfectly measured geometric patterns. The Alvin AMKIT1 Cut & Trim Tool Kit is an all inclusive rotary set containing a 12" trimmer, reversible mat, a hobby knife with spare blades, scissors, a stainless steel ruler, permanent markers, a scorer, and a small tool and brush holder. The item is all-inclusive inside a tote with plenty of compartments for just $58.00.

Magnified lamp with flexible base - Target carries a great deluxe all purpose magnifying fluorescent lamp for just $119.99. This lamp can be mounted on a work table and is professional grade so crafters can appreciate the sturdy 5" lens and low heat lamp. When crafters are working on small items like needlepoint, painting, aceo, and miniatures, a durable magnifying lamp is a literal God send.

Mp3 player - Whether you choose an I-Pod, a Creative Zen, or cute, cool mobiBLU, your favorite crafter will love the ease of carrying around an entire jukebox full of tunes without the hassle of lugging a boom box. Chances are, your favorite crafter will soon be creating an innovative pouch or cozy for their player and praising it for its versatility.

Cordless glue gun - The Coldheat Freestyle, available for $29.95 through coldheat.com is an amazing glue gun that is completely portable. In about sixty seconds, your glue is melted and ready to go. The battery pack is rechargeable, and an indicator light shows if the unit is on. Why is it called cold heat? Simple. It has a tip burn protector, doesn't drip, and cools to a safe temperature in less than half a minute. Anyone who has experienced a glue gun burn knows how wonderful that is, and the fact that it doesn't drip continuously is very convenient because that means less mess and no risk of damaging a project with excess glue. Coldheat Freestyle is so nice, you'll probably end up getting a couple so that you can keep one for yourself.

Craft kits - A craft kit from Dick Blick is an excellent gift for crafters who love to experiment with new concepts. Dick Blick has everything from leather craft kits to needlepoint, and the instructions are very easy to follow. There is no need worrying about the kit being fun either. Almost every kit I've ever bought from Dick Blick has been really great with everything you need to finish the project. If your crafter enjoys that project, chances are they'll soon find a way to reproduce it with their own twist.

Gift Card - A gift card to a favorite craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby is the perfect gift for crafters, because they can select their own goodies and think of you while they do it. Michaels and Hobby Lobby have just about everything you need to finish just about any craft project from wood or plaster items ready to paint to sequins and beads.

Magazine subscription - Craftworks Magazine is a great publication for crafters. It features plenty of how-to's, fun articles, and even quick crafts for the crafter with only a little extra time. Every page is well illustrated with photographs of finished projects and there are special sections for easy techniques and tips.

Custom framing of handcrafted item - This gift involves knowing what your favorite crafter is proud of. If they adore a particular piece of needlepoint or have always loved a certain small knitted item, a customized frame to display that piece is always a well-appreciated gift. Include an engraved label with name and date to signify the completion of the project.

Toolbox/tacklebox gear organizer - A sturdy plastic toolbox or tacklebox to organize craft gear is a wonderful gesture. Buy a large tacklebox, scissors, needle packs and thread, a pin cushion, and several other notions and fill the box for an even better gift, or stuff it with small craft kits.

Whimsical pincushion - Back in Victorian days, pincushions like those available at Berry Hill Heirlooms were typical inclusions in a Victorian lady's workbasket. The decorative kits available through Berry Hill Heirlooms feature an adorable needlework embroidery design. After your favorite crafter completes the kit, they have a wonderful way to store pins and needles for crafting. $8.00.

Other wonderful ideas for crafters include: Personalized labels that say "Made by ____________" with the name of the crafter; Colorful tote bags for carrying craft supplies; a very nice pair of scissors; divided plastic storage boxes full of goodies; how to books in their favorite crafting styles; patterns and fabrics; and a favorite of all crafters - journal style notebooks without lines for jotting down ideas. Whatever you buy for your favorite crafter, be sure to thank them for any handcrafted gift you receive. After all, a handmade gift takes time, care, and creativity. Happy Holidays!