2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Crocheters: Top 10 Must-Have Gifts

One of the hardest things for people to do is shop for the crafters in their lives. If you don't do that craft, it can be challenging to know what to buy, what is needed versus what will waste away in a closet, and what they already have. You can ask them what they need or want, but that would ruin the surprise! And gift cards, while appreciated, are so impersonal. So let's look at what to get if you want to make the crocheter in your life screech in joy in this holiday gift guide for crocheters!

What Not To Get

First, let's discuss the things you should avoid. Unless you are given specifics from the crocheter, you'll want to avoid these items as they are all things that they either already have or are going to be very particular about.

Yarn I know, yarn is the most obvious thing to get for a yarn artist, and it's always in need! It's the most obvious gift around! But it's also the easiest one to mess up. Most crocheters have preferred yarn brands and styles they like (mine is Premier Parfait Chunky if you're curious!), and they are unlikely to use stuff outside of that style. Most of the yarn I've been given as a gift sits in a box under my bed, never to be touched again. Unless they tell you what yarn to get, just avoid it and save yourself from the disappointed "Oh... thanks" this year.

Hooks

If the person you are purchasing for already crochets, then buying them hooks is a waste of time. They already have them! There are a few exceptions to this, though. If you see them using thin metal hooks, or complaining about hand cramps, buying a good set of ergonomic crochet hooks is a great idea. Popular ergonomic hook brands include Susan Bates and Clover. Decorative hooks are great gifts as well, and I'll discuss them more later on. But generally speaking, hooks aren't a great idea.

Crocheted Goods

As a company that sells crocheted items, it's probably not the best business decision to advise you away from buying crocheted items, but it is the truth. If someone already crochets, don't buy them crocheted toys, hats, garments, etc. They will want to make it themselves. This also includes kits like the Woobles. Those make amazing presents for people new to crocheting, but not for experienced crocheters.

Now, on to the guide!

The Best Holiday Gift Guide for Crocheters

Your loved one loves to crochet. They do it all the time, and you know it'd make them so happy to receive crochet accessories. But you know nothing about crochet. So what do you do? You follow this guide and get them a gift that will be useful and appreciated. Make that crocheter in your life feel valued and listened to by getting them something that shows your respect and understanding of their craft. Let's go shopping!

1. Decorative Hooks

   

Decorative hooks include hooks that have polymer clay sculpted handles, resin hooks and handles, carved wooden handles, and more. They vary widely in terms of price. My favorite shop for decorative hooks is Sienna's Bowtique on Etsy. She's an incredible sculptor and has a vast array of hooks and designs. I've purchased multiple hooks from her, and they are all incredible. If you're looking for something truly custom, check out Rasmussen Resin on Etsy and her listing for incredible custom hooks.

2. Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are always, always, always, in high demand for one simple reason: They love to get lost. These little plastic markers come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, but the best ones for gifts are not the cheap multicolored ones. To make this gift truly special, look for some of the nicer ones. Search for crochet stitch markers on Etsy, and you'll find countless themed stitch markers that are just too cute to handle. Or, visit Amazon for numbered stitch markers and cute-shaped markers!

3. Crochet Hook Cases

   

I don't know a single crafter who can say they are organized. Usually, our workspaces are chaotic messes with yarn scraps everywhere, fluff on every blanket, and stitch markers scattered around waiting to be lost the moment we take our eyes off them. That's where crochet hook cases like this one from Amazon come in handy. They have slots for our hooks, pockets, and pouches for our stitch markers and notions, and are perfect for on-the-go crafting!

4. Yarn Bags

Like the hook cases, yarn bags allow for on-the-go crocheting and easy storage. They come in a variety of different sizes, from cylinder bags like this one to totes and boxy organizers. I use a backpack yarn bag, as it fits my laptop and tablet along with all my yarn and materials, making it perfect for me as a student. You can find many different shapes, styles, and colors on Amazon, but the important things to look for are specific slots for hooks, zippered or closed pouches, and plenty of yarn storage.

5. Crochet Humor

Who doesn't love a funny quote on a shirt or sticker? From "I'm a Knotty Hooker" hook bags to "I Crochet So I Don't Choke Someone" totes, there are countless options out there for funny crochet jokes printed on whatever you'd like. I'd recommend the jokes about hoarding yarn, as those are the most universal, and typically more family-friendly than the "Ball Sack" bags. Just be careful not to get them any knitting-specific stuff if they don't knit - avoid jokes that mention or have needles on them rather than hooks, or that include knitting terminology like this funny shirt.

6. Swifts and Winders

   

What in the world are swifts and winders? Well, yarn winders are mechanical or automatic tools that wind yarn into what we call "cakes." These cakes can be much easier to work from and can fit onto yarn spinners better than a traditional skien. Since they are flat, they often store better as well. A yarn swift is an umbrella-looking thing that keeps the yarn from getting tangled as you wind it into a cake. These can range in price from $40 to over $100, depending on whether you get wood or plastic. You can also purchase the yarn winder separate from the swift as you can use it without one. Swifts just make the process faster! Small plastic winders on their own can be less than $20. My preferred option? Something in the middle, with both a swift and a winder, this $50 set is sturdy but easily stored and a great gifting option.

7. Pattern Books

Buying pattern books is by far the more economical way of getting patterns. There are some amazing books and designers out there, like Megan Lapp's fantasy creations, Alyson Dratch's MamaMadeMini book, and Rikki Gustafson's creepy creatures. There are so many books available, so just take a quick peek at your loved one's shelf to see what they already have, and pick the pattern book that best suits them. Just double-check what kind of stuff they like to crochet. If they like amigurumi, aka crochet plushies, then get one of the books above! If they prefer clothes, try Janine Myska's twenty sweaters book, or a granny square glossary like this one by Joke Vermeiren.

8. Blocking Mats

This item is ideal for anyone who crochets clothes or blankets, but not so much for amigurumi creators, so if your loved one doesn't do many clothes, feel free to skip this item. But if they do, then consider buying them a set of blocking mats if they don't already have them. Blocking mats are foam boards that you can pin your piece on to help stretch it out and relax the fibers. It's an incredibly critical step in any garment or granny square making. Interlocking boards are best, as they store better and can fit the shape best. That's why I love this set from Amazon, as they are affordable, interlocking, iron-safe, and come with T-pins.

9. Anti-Nausea Glasses

   

Now, I'd like to preface this item by saying that I've never used these things, but I know many crocheters who swear by them. If your loved one is a passenger prince/ss who loves to crochet in the car, consider getting them these goofy-looking things to help prevent carsickness and nausea. This set comes in multiple colors, and has a carry bag!

10. Neck Light

I know this isn't the most glamorous thing to end on, but it might just be the most useful thing on this entire list. Neck lights hook around your neck and illuminate your project hands-free. This prevents eye strain, makes it easier to crochet, and provides a focused enough light that it won't bother others in a darkened room. Adjustable neck lights like this one on Amazon make particularly great gifts for crocheters and readers. Save your loved one's eyes, especially in this season of 4 o'clock sunsets!

Whether you choose a fun and creative gift like decorative hooks or something practical like a yarn bag, these ten items are sure to please any crocheter. Have fun shopping, and happy holidays to all who celebrate!