There’s something extra special about a gift that sparks creativity… especially for the multi-passionate crafter who’s already tried a little bit of everything.

If you’re shopping for a crafty friend (or let’s be honest, yourself), this list is packed with thoughtful, creative and (mostly) beginner-friendly gift ideas under $100 – with suggestions on how to expand on them if you’ve got a slightly bigger budget to work with.

This isn’t a list for a particular crafty niche – It’s the list for someone looking for their next creative obsessions, or for someone who wants their gift to say “I love that you’re creative” without risking buying the wrong type of paper or a 50th set of the same pencils.

Some are kits that include everything to get started, others are tools that level up a favourite hobby. Either way, I’m confident you’ll find something here for the artist or crafter on your list!

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you click them (at no cost to you).

Mini Animal Crochet Kits

These mini animal crochet kits are a great gift idea for anyone who likes to dabble in new projects but maybe isn’t ready to commit to a mountain of yarn.

Each kit includes everything you need to create a super cute animal (i.e. a penguin, koala, or bunny), regardless of whether you’re a beginner or have already been crocheting for years. It’s a perfect rainy-day project that brings a sense of accomplishment and maximum adorableness.

Cricut Joy (Mini Cricut)

Cricut Joy is the compact (and beginner-friendly) little sister to the Cricut machines that are incredibly popular in the papercrafting and DIY community. Make your own cards, labels, stickers and more. You can connect it to your computer or phone (via Bluetooth) and use it to cut vinyl, stickers, cardstock, and more.

Bigger budget? Why not get the full kit to add all the starter materials for a bunch of projects!

Colour Cube 2nd Edition

If you’ve ever stared at your supplies and thought “I have no idea what colours to use”, this is the answer. The Colour Cube is a beautifully designed box of 250 curated colour palettes on easy-to-reference cards (made by yours truly!). It’s great for colouring, painting, digital art, crochet, miniature painting, and so much more. It’s like holding a real-life Pinterest board in your hands, and it looks great in any craft space!

Kristy Rice Watercolour Set

I was given Kristy Rice’s Watercolour Set a few years ago, and it’s still my go-to when I need some bold colours that I know will go together and just make me feel GOOD to paint. Her entire range of products are beautifully made, full of encouragement, and give you the tools to paint more confidently and enjoy being creative – even if you’ve never picked up a brush before.

Bigger budget? Add a set of her gorgeous watercolour brushes for the full creative experience.

Mini Photo Printer

I recently attended a wonderful art retreat with friends, and one of them brought along a mini photo printer that became the topic of conversation for the whole group. This palm-sized printer (and other similar printers available online) connects via Bluetooth to your phone and allows you to print your photos or art as stickers – perfect for art journalling, memory keeping, or even decorating your own cards. It’s simple to use and makes things instantly more personal.

Vibrant Wilds Colouring Book

Adult colouring is still such a great “gateway art” for adults who are wanting to rediscover their creative side. It’s easy to get started and the creative possibilities are endless.

This colouring book is one I’ve drawn myself, with 80 colorinug pages based on florals, plants, intricate patterns and animals.
It’s got a mix of pages with lots of details, and others with plenty of blank space to allow you maximum creativity. The thick, mixed media paper and hardcover make it even more special as a creative gift for a friend.

Bigger budget? Add a set of 48 or 72 Prismacolor pencils for the ultimate colouring bundle.

Engraving Pen

I stumbled across a Facebook ad for this recently, and couldn’t help but start to think of all the creative ways I could use it! Instead of just engraving a message or name into something, imagine creating your own designs in wood, leather or plastic. A simple tool like this makes it easy to do, and allows you to make custom gifts for all your friends – or give them the opportunity to make something themselves!

Becoming An Artist by Scott Christian Sava

Scott Christian Sava is a good friend of mine, so I was very excited to read his new book Becoming An Artist and I’m even more excite to be able to say – it was a great read!

Part memoir, part creative pep talk, this heartfelt book shares Scott’s journey from self-doubt to successful artist – with humour, honesty, and plenty of relatable moments along the way. It’s perfect for anyone who’s ever questioned their own creativity or felt like an imposter. A lovely, inspiring read (with lots of art throughout!) that I’ll be buying more copies of for my own friends!

Sculpd Beginner Pottery Kit

Pottery can get messy… and we don’t all have access to a kiln! So finding a simple at-home pottery kit like this is perfect for the curious crafter who might want to try pottery without attending a class. It includes the tools, paint, and instructions alongside the air-dry clay so you can make mugs, plant pots, trinket dishes and more. It’s still probably messy, but it’s also completely beginner-friendly.

Let’s Resin – Resin Jewellery Kit

I tried UV resin for the first time this year, and it was such a unique medium! It’s far more approachable when compared to some of the big resin pours that require lots of know-how and the right equipment. As someone who dived straight into the deep end for my first resin project, this is a much better way to dip your toes in.

This resin jewellery kit includes moulds, pigments, tools, and instructions to make custom pendants, earrings, and charms. Perfect for makers who love finishing a project they can actually wear or gift.

Ohuhu Brush Alcohol Marker Set

If you’ve never tried alcohol markers, you SHOULD. They work unlike any markers you’ve grown up with – allowing you to blend colours together and get even colouring without streaks or tearing up the paper.

From all the markers I’ve tested, my recommendation for most beginners is the Ohuhu Brush alcohol marker sets. They are a favourite in the art world for a reason – smooth blending, great colour range, and a price that doesn’t make you cry. Ideal for colouring, mixed media, or illustration.

Bigger Budget? If you’re happy to spend more, get a bigger set of colours! 40-70 is a great starting point, but you can buy Ohuhu in over 300 colours if you really want a “wow” gift.

Needle Felting Starter Kit

Full disclosure: I haven’t been brave enough to try this yet. But I’ve been told that it’s strangely addictive, very rewarding, and not as dangerous as it seems. Needle felting has become really popular in the last few years, and feels like something everyone should try at least once.

These starter kits usually include wool, felting needles, a foam pad, and step-by-step instructions to create small animals or shapes. There are 2 example kits here, but you can find others on Amazon or in most craft shops.

Take a look at this one and an alternative I’ve picked out.

Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils

Even though they aren’t quite my top favourite pencils, Prismacolor are my go-to coloured pencils for most of the colouring I do – and they are the brand I recommend the most for new artists or anyone trying not to break the bank on Caran d’Ache.

Soft, blendable, and very pigmented, Prismacolors are a dream to colour with. They’re loved by beginners and professionals because they blend so easily, and make colouring an enjoyable experience.

Bigger Budget? A set of 48 or 72 is a great gift for most aspiring artists, but a full 150 set would make someone’s Christmas even more special!

Paper Flower Making Kit

Real flowers don’t survive long in my house. In fact, my dining table proudly features a Lego bouquet because it’s so much easier – and kind of fun. But if you’re looking for something more crafty (or just want to try a different project!) these paper flowers are a great option!

These kits usually include pre-cut paper, wire, and glue to build beautiful flowers from scratch. Once you’ve learnt the method, you can use leftover scrapbooking supplies or other paper to make even more! It’s a relaxing craft with beautiful results that you can display forever.

Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith

This isn’t a book… it’s an experience.

Once you’ve taken up the first challenge of breaking the spine, every page offers a different prompt, encouraging you to draw, destroy or spill coffee on every page. It’s a great gift fo perfectionists, overthinkers, and anyone who needs a playful push to embrace the mess and just be creative without limits.

Bigger budget? Pair it with some acrylic markers or colouring stickers to give creativity a head start!

Pom Pom Maker

As a kid, I remember spending hours making pom poms of all sizes and colours, with my donut-shaped cardboard cutouts in the middle. I’ve been seeing these new(ish?) pom pom gadgets everywhere, and can’t wait to try one for myself.

Why pom poms? Why not! They’re a fun little project that you can later use for decorations, hats, keychains, or just for fun. I honestly just love the tactile experience – and that final moment of cutting them open is incredibly satisfying!

Bigger budget? Add a bundle of yarn in bold colours to turn it into a full DIY kit.

Giving the gift of creativity!

Whether you’re treating a friend, a fellow crafter, or yourself (go on, you’ve earned it), I hope this list helps you find something that feels fun, playful, and full of possibility.

Looking for more?

Check out my other gift guides for more ideas!

Over 20 arty Christmas Gift Ideas for under $20 for creative people
Under $100 Christmas gift ideas for any artist.

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