Gift Guide for Crafting and DIY Enthusiasts

My friends often tell me that they would love to make and create things like I do but they don’t own the right tools.

No surprise there, I haven’t always either.

I have built up a pretty good collection over the years but it has taken awhile. If you want ideas on what to buy for your crafty friends and family (or yourself!) go no further!

I’m going to show you some gift guide for crafting and DIY enthusiasts. Many of my projects involve crafting tools as much as workshop tools. Please comment if you have any questions! I am always happy to answer and your questions are often helpful for others as well.

Without further adieu, here is the Best Gift Guide for Crafting and DIY Enthusiasts, according to me:

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WOODWORKING/DIY:

Nail guns, Stapler and Air Compressor – This is a very affordable way to get these tools. I have this exact Porter Cable set ($199) and have owned it for years. It works great! The brad nailer and finish nailer are easy to use and it’s extremely easy to connect them all to the compressor. It may not be the most high-end brand, but it has worked well for me on numerous projects! These are handy for smaller woodworking projects where you don’t need screws and can simply use nails, or for adding trim in your home. There are many uses for nail guns! Here are a few projects I’ve made using this these tools. DIY Flower Box Centerpiece, DIY Textured Headboard/Footboard, Wood and Resin Serving Tray, DIY Rustic Pallet Wood Flag

Jig Saw – I have used two brands and feel they are quite comparable in addition to being affordable. I’ve used this to cut out large shapes from plywood or cut down small pieces that wouldn’t be safe to cut with my table saw. This Porter Cable jigsaw ($50) is my favorite of the two. I also own the Ryobi jigsaw ($50) and it works well also. I think my hand just feels more comfortable on this one.
Miter Saw – This is the one tool that I splurged a little on because I knew I would use it frequently and wanted it to hold up. If you have the budget, I highly recommend the Dewalt 12″ Compound Sliding Miter Saw (on sale at $350). It is easily my favorite tool in the shop. My favorite thing about it is that I can cut a 4×4 post with it!
Speed Square – This Swanson Speed Square ($9) is easily one of the most used tools in my shop. I use it for measuring small things, marking angles, squaring up my saws, and sometimes as a guide if cutting a piece of lumber with my circular saw or jigsaw. There are many more uses, and I guarantee this is a tool that will be used by the person you buy it for. I have a few!
Dewalt Tape Measure – Have you ever been frustrated by a flimsy tape measure? I have been and that’s why I recommend splurging on this Dewalt 16′ Tape Measure ($20), it has a 10′ standout, which means that it won’t bend before you hit 10 feet. This is hugely useful if you are doing home renovation type DIY work, but it comes in handy just building in the workshop as well. Seriously, the first time I used it I felt like this tool changed my life.
Orbital Sander – Having a great sander is crucial for your projects. I love this Makita 5″ Orbital Sander kit ($97) because it’s got a good grip on it, with an adjustable/removable handle you can also add. It works well and has various speeds. I really think it works great for the price.
Paint Brushes – My absolute favorite paint brushes are Purdy Set of 3 Paint Brushes ($20). I often buy this set of three sizes because I find myself using them all. I recently refinished my steps that had previously been carpeted and the stairwell railing and I used every size of brush for that project. Cannot recommend these enough. If you do a great job cleaning them each time they last a long time as well, so it’s worth the investment.
Staining Pads – When I first saw these HDX staining pads ($20) I thought that they were pointless because you can just use an old sock or rag for staining, but I’ve learned differently. I recently refinished my wooden stairs. These made a massive difference in how even the staining went on. They are really great! Give them a try!
Pushblock – This MicroJig GRR-RIPPER (on sale at $50) is a must have if you do a lot of work with your table saw or router table. It helps keeps your hands safer while working with those tools and reduces the chance of kickback. Worth every penny.
Multi-Tool – Another really handy tool to have on hand for any DIYer is a Dremel (On sale for $74). This is a tool that you don’t know you need until you need it and it saves the day on a small cutting or sanding job.
Pocket Hole Jig – Many beginning woodworkers want to build things but don’t have the tools or skills to use fancy joinery techniques. This Kreg Jig is the perfect tool to help you assemble furniture that is easy-to-build, strong and long lasting.
Shelf Pin Jig – This is another great jig to help you if you’re building cabinets or bookshelves. Make the shelves adjustable with this quick and easy Kreg Shelf Pin Jig.
Bench Cookies – These are another inexpensive and great tool to have around the shop. They are handy for keeping things elevated off the workbench or keep it from sliding around while you’re sanding.
Wood Glue – One thing I always need on hand is more wood glue. This Titebond Wood Glue would would make a great gift to anyone that works with wood.

CRAFTING:

Cricut Maker – Almost all of my craft projects are made by somehow using this machine. It is the best! You can design anything you want in the Design Space and make it crisp and perfect out of paper, vinyl, fabric or now even wood! Also, if you have the Maker be sure to buy the Knife Blade, it is awesome! Here are some projects I used my Cricut machines on: DIY Leather Dice Pouch, Modern Flower Pillow Cover , Run Lift Fight Like a Girl Workout Tank, Easter Burlap Banner
Vinyl – If you have or buy a vinyl cutter, you’ll want some vinyl to create amazing projects! This is a great assortment of indoor vinyl that is perfect for walls.
Magnetic Cutting Mat – One thing I bought many years ago is a magnetic cutting mat. You can use this to cut paper or fabric and the magnetic ruler keeps whatever you’re working on in place while you are cutting. It’s an awesome tool and I use mine frequently.
Woodburner – One of my new favorite crafts is woodburning. The Walnut Hollow Woodburner (NEW) is by far the best woodburning tool I have used. I love it so much. Here are a couple projects I used woodburners for: DIY Wood Art using Woodburning Tool, DIY Reversible Holiday Sign using Pyrography
Glue Gun – Another crafting tool that is always a must-have is a glue gun. They can adhere any two things together that you need and are just a great tool to have in your arsenal. I like the Gorilla Hot Glue Gun personally.
Crochet Hooks – If you like to crochet, these Aluminum hooks are great and slide through the yarn without ever snagging. Don’t forget to buy an awesome crochet hook case as well!
Sewing Machine – If you aren’t looking to do a large amount of sewing this Brother 6000i is a fantastic machine. I have owned mine for almost 10 years and it is still working perfectly! I use it only every few months. If you’re looking to do more sewing you may want to get a heavier duty machine. That being said, this machine has always been great for me. I’ve uesd it a lot for making quilts for my kids.
Acrylic Paints – These paints are perfect for any type of craft project. The Americana paints have great coverage and a matte finish. You can also get a Metallic Paints set.
Detail Paint Brushes – This is a great set of different types of mini detail brushes that will make it easy to do any sort of detail painting you’ll need for your crafting. Definitely handy to have on hand.
Rotary Cutter and mat – This is a great set that includes a mat, rotary cutter and ruler and, that can help you with cutting fabrics. It makes projects like sewing and quilting much easier.
ModPodge – I use ModPodge for a variety of crafting projects and it is always nice to have some on hand. Did you know they make a variety of types? This kit has different types of ModPodge, such as outdoor, paper, sparkle, etc. It would make a great gift!

I hope you like this gift guide and find it useful! Please share it via social media by using the buttons on the left of the screen or by pinning this image.