Knitters and Crocheters typically share their completed projects with their friends and families quite willingly. But what would they like to receive? Give them something as creative and special as they are.
Guaranteed Hits
Storage: Yarn has a tendency to multiply. Stash organizers are always welcome gifts. Choose quality over quantity, and give one that matches the recipient's decor and doesn't need to be put away when company visits. That way, the work is always ready but never messy.
Subscriptions: Does the crafter in question have any current magazine subscriptions? If so, they can be extended by a year or more. If not, there are many available. Cast On and Crochet! are two popular magazines. Keep in mind that a subscription to Crochet! Magazine is given to all CGOA members, and a subscription to Cast On Magazine is given to all TKGA members, so here’s the chance to add on to the gift by simply paying guild fees. The gift has more than doubled in value with negligible cost difference.
Natural Lighting Lamp: Full-spectrum lighting is a relatively new concept to the fiber arts, but its impact is significant. Table-tops and floor lamps are available to increase visibility, and they have the added benefit of preventing SAD.
Calendars: Wonderful calendars are available for both knitters and crocheters. There are stitch-of-the-day themed calendars, pattern of the day/month themed calendars, tips and tricks calendars, and every permutation in between. Informational calendars are can’t-miss gifts, even if the recipient has one already—there are always other rooms of the house that need them. Worried it might be a duplicate? That’s all right—duplicates can always be used as working copies. Knitters and Crocheters love working copies because they allow them to avoid writing in their books.
Membership to a Guild: This is a great idea, but be sure to talk with the recipient before finalizing anything. Although membership doesn’t put any extra pressure on its members, confirm that being part of a group is welcome. There are guilds on the local and national levels. Nationally, consider The Crochet Guild of America or The Knitters Guild of America. The national guilds provide information on local guilds.
For the Adventurous: Has there been talk about designing, competing, showing, or becoming certified? Give certification lessons. Pre-pay the entry fee into a competition. For a truly special gift, include travel and lodging arrangements for a few days while the contest is underway and on display. These are gifts that will never be forgotten.
Tricky Gifts: Proceed Only with Caution
Yarn: Yarn is typically not a great gift. Knitters and crocheters often have strong preferences. Unless these are well known, stay away from yarn as a gift.
Needles and Hooks: Countless exquisite needles and hooks are available, and they come in endless sizes and colors. But, unless the recipient is very clear about wanting an item specifically, it will be difficult to narrow down exactly what to buy. This area is very intimate to crafters, and is better left for them to pick out themselves.
The Never-Fail Gift
If the perfect gift has still not surfaced, a gift card to the crafter’s favorite store will always work. Online sites have gift certificates as well. Gift certificates (unlike monetary gifts) still recognize the artists for their work, but allow them complete freedom. Always popular are sites that offer kits.
Now, everyone is covered—especially those who cover everyone else with beautiful crochet and knitting all year long. Recognizing them for their work will make them so very happy.
Read about more gift ideas for fiber artists in Gift Ideas for Needlework Artists.
Renee Blixt - Renée Blixt holds an MBA and MHRM, and is a member of various yarn Guilds. She teaches business courses, crochet, knitting, and ...
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