some gift ideas for knitters (and crocheters)
Yes, it’s that time of the year. Gift idea lists are everywhere. I had a beautiful series planned to begin over month ago (a few weeks before Chanukah) that would outline what I thought could be great gifts for a wide variety of recipients. Then November came and reminded me it’s always my busiest month for work (yay!) and here we are almost at mid-December and I’m still closing out November’s plans!
What are gifts, that as a knitter and crocheter I appreciate the most? Sure, I’d like yarn, but let’s face it, I have a lot and so do most of us. I’m picky about what kind and colours I like and what I think I need for planned projects, so unless you check out one of my wish lists (*cough* *cough*), something else would probably be more appreciated.
Today I’ll write a bit about bags, pouches, and storage containers. These can be as simple as a box of generic zip-top bags or something more complex and fancy from a draw-string bags, to box bags, tote bags, and stuff sacks.
Pay attention to what your knitter tends to use most and chances are they want another one. I use the 2 gallon zip-top plastic bags to keep yarn stash safe, but they also sometimes hold bigger projects that aren’t being actively worked on. I need to be careful though because buddy likes to eat the plastic zippers so I’ve transitioned away from using those. I have an assortment of different bags and I have preferences depending on my needs for that project. Please stay away from anything that fastens with velcro.
Don’t forget your knitter’s small tools too, there are quite a few different notions pouches and containers out there.
I store my needles in a three ring binder with pencil pouches separating out various sizes. This works great for studio storage but not so much when I’m out and about and might need some things but definitely not All The Things.
I have a Knit Kit and love it (and have surprised myself by not loosing most of the pieces yet, and I’ve had it for a few years now). Tom Bihn recently collaborated with Knitty Editor Amy Singer and came up with these new knitting tool pouches. I still haven’t decided which one(s) would best suit my needs. I think they’re a great idea and if you’re in doubt, go with size 4.
Speaking of Tom Bihn, their bags are very well made, in addition to my co-pilot (that after 3.5 years, still looks almost new), I have a swift that I love fiercely. There’s a strong change your knitter has one on their wish list.
Not sure exactly what would make them happy? Gift certificates are good. Pick one up from their LYS (Local Yarn Store), Tom Bihn (they offer wish lists *cough* too), or an Etsy gift card.
Looking for more ideas? The Yarn Harlot is offering her annual ideas and I’m also adding to a gift ideas board on pinterest.
All opinions are my own, I’ve not received nor expect to receive compensation for links in this post.