Just for you! 37 thoughtful gifts for knitters in 2023

We all know someone who's obsessed with knitting. But what are the must-buy gifts for knitters? It's hard to come up with present ideas for people who already have a houseful of yarn and all the needles they need. So we have some fun suggestions for presents any knitter would be happy to unwrap on their big day.

We've gathered 37 gifts for knitters for birthdays, anniversaries or celebrations. Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or big luxury gifts, and whatever your budget, we’ve got something for you in our round-up.

The best gifts for knitters 2023

Giving a gift linked to a loved one's hobby is a thoughtful way to show you care. But what if you know nothing about knitting? That's where Gathered can help! We've broken our gift list down into five categories (yarn; tools and accessories; home and clothing; books and magazines; and stocking fillers), to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Follow the links below to find the perfect knitting gift:

• Yarn gifts for knitters
• Tool and haberdashery gifts for knitters
• Home and clothing gifts for knitters
• Book and magazine gifts for knitters
• Stocking fillers for knitters

Don't forget the gift wrap! We've also rounded up our favourite greetings cards and wrapping papers with a knitting theme:

• Cards and wrapping paper for knitting gifts

Yarn gifts for knitters

As any knitter will tell you, there's no such thing as too much yarn! But when you're buying as a gift it's important to make sure it's the right kind. Think about what the recipient likes to knit (would they prefer 4ply for socks or bulky for blankets?), the colours they wear, and the fibres they love.

If you're not sure about any of the above, why not let someone else choose for you with an advent calendar or a surprise subscription box? With more than one parcel to open they're the gifts that keep on giving!

1. Hand-dyed mini skeins

Treat-size mini skeins make fabulous little gifts – and they're perfect for Christmas stockings too. We can't resist the Around the World sets from Weavers' Cottage yarn, which take inspiration from natural landscapes and bustling cities across the globe.

• Buy the Weavers' Cottage yarn mini skeins from Etsy

2. Drop spindle kit

They’re already obsessed with yarn, so take it a step further and help them learn how to make their own!

This drop spindle kit from Heidifeathers includes everything you need to start spinning: a wooden beginner spindle, 250g of wool top and full instructions.

• Buy the Heidifeathers drop spindle kit from Etsy

3. Lauren Aston yarn subscription box

Yarn subscription boxes are a great luxury gift for knitters and Lauren Aston Designs' are no exception. You can choose how many hanks you get in each box, and they come in an array of different colours.

If you're looking for more subscription options then head over to our round-up of the best craft subscription boxes.

• Buy the Lauren Aston yarn subscription from Lauren Aston Designs

4. We Are Knitters knitting kit

Kits make fantastic gifts for knitters and We Are Knitters have something for everyone – we're smitten with this Chord cardigan, or see more options in our best knitting kits roundup.

Buying for a newbie? Make sure you check out our list of knitting starter kits and essentials for beginners.

• Buy the We Are Knitters Chord cardigan kit from We Are Knitters

All wrapped up!

Found the perfect present? Wrap it like a pro with our gift wrapping ideas tutorial.

Tool and haberdashery gifts for knitters

Not just needles! There are loads of different tools and accessories to choose from when you're looking for gifts for knitters. We've picked a few of our favourites below…

5. Cute cat yarn bowl

A yarn bowl is designed to hold your yarn as you knit, perfect to stop it rolling under the sofa! We especially like this smiling cat version – what about you?

If you want to explore different styles and sizes, check out our best yarn bowls article.

6. Sock blocker

If you know someone who loves to knit socks, this handy blocker is a perfect gift. Handmade by the talented MlynJedrow, it'll stretch and shape their finished footwear to make it look better than ever!

Find more in our round-up of sock blockers.

• Buy the handmade sock blocker from Etsy

7. Magnifying lamp

Ideal for doing fine work on dark evenings, the versatile Purelite 3-in-1 Magnifying Lamp is a floor lamp, table lamp and desk lamp in one. Knitting friends or family would be delighted to unwrap one of these!

To discover more lamp options, check out Gathered's round-up of the best daylight craft lamps.

8. Yarn swift

Make the chore of winding wool into balls much easier with a yarn swift. This nifty contraption holds the yarn while it's being wound so it doesn't get tangled.

Pair it with a KnitPro ball winder to complete the gift, or see our best yarn winders review for more options.

• Buy the KnitPro yarn swift from Etsy

9. Botties slipper soles

A Botties sole is a plastic sole with felt insert that comes pre-perforated with holes around the top edge that let you attach your own knitted slipper or sock, to create a pair of hand-knitted slipper boots with a proper sole. Super cosy to wear and with a sturdy sole, some folks even use them as their outdoor shoes too!

• Buy Botties slipper soles from Artyarn

10. Hand-painted bamboo needles

We couldn't get through this list without recommending at least one pair of needles!

Bamboo needles are the nicest to knit with, we reckon, as they offer a lovely lightweight grip on your stitches to stop slipping, and are easy to hold in your hands. Add a hand-painted ball end, like these ones from DMC, and they make a lovely gift for knitters, too.

• Buy bamboo knitting needles from DMC

It's in the post!

For a gift that keeps on giving, why not treat a friend to a craft subscription box?

Home and clothing gifts for knitters

Wear your love of knitting on your sleeve (literally) or celebrate it in your home with these fashion and homewares gifts.

11. Keep Calm knitting mug

Every crafter needs a good slogan mug. Knitting builds up a project one stitch at a time – so we know the joy of persevering, as well as the joy of a good brew.

Celebrate both with this fun mug based on the old wartime adage of keeping calm and carrying on. One row at a time!

12. Knitter T-shirt

Every knitter needs a go-to top and we love these by Stitchers Tees. They also have sweater versions for colder days, and a crochet one too. Gifts for knitters have never looked so good!

• Buy the Stitchers Tees Knitter T-shirt from Etsy

13. Retro knitting poster

Knitting gifts don't have to be yarn! Why not give some knitting-themed wall art? We can definitely get on board with the sentiment of this poster, which comes in five different sizes and is printed on canvas.

14. Rainforest knitting bag

Project bags make great gifts for knitters, and you can never have too many! We love the colourful print on this large loop-top tote, with side pockets for needles and a matching mini bucket bag with yarn hole, to keep your working yarn clean and tidy while you knit.

Check out Gathered's guide to the best knitting bags and organisers for some more of our favourites.

15. Personalised knitting socks

If you want a knitting gift for the crafter who has everything, how about these personalised socks? Each of the soles has a specially chosen motto, making them perfect to communicate your priorities to those around you. Who doesn't love a custom-made present, either?

• Buy knitter's socks from Not on the High Street

16. Sheep bedding set

They’ll be sure to dream about knitting in this sheep-themed polycotton bedding set from Fusion. It comes in four sizes (from Single to Super King) and four colours, and each set includes one duvet cover and two pillowcases.

17. Personalised knitting mug

We don't know any knitters that aren't fond of a hot beverage. This brilliant motto mug is ideal to drink from when your hands need a break from the needles.

Practical knitting gifts are always a winner – and this one from So Close Studio can be personalised with the text of your choice.

• Buy the personalised knitting mug from Not on the High Street

18. Sheep cushion

Create a cosy knitting corner by adding this sweet sheep cushion to a favourite chair. It measures 50x30cm and comes in neutral shades that will go with a variety of decors.

19. Shawl pin

This is a knitting gift they'll treasure for years to come. Treat that friend who always rocks a knitted shawl to a beautiful handmade shawl pin. We love this silver tree of life design from MusawwarCreations.

• Buy the Tree of Life shawl pin from Etsy

Book and magazine gifts for knitters

When we're not knitting, we're reading about knitting! Whether you're looking for techniques guides, pattern collections or a magazine subscription, we have a recommendation to suit.

20. Knitting stitch dictionary

Help someone dip a toe into designing their own knits, or discover some new stitches to add to their repertoire, with a stitch dictionary. Whether they're new to the craft or have been knitting for years, stitch libraries like this are always great fun to explore.

We love 400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Knitting Patterns from Potter Craft.

21. Subscription to The Knitter

Every month The Knitter features beautiful patterns from the world’s best designers and in-depth articles from experts around the globe, so buying a pal a subscription is a no-brainer really.

Subscribe to The Knitter for a quick and efficient gift for the knitters in your life.

• Buy a subscription to The Knitter from BuySubscriptions

22. Festive sock knitting patterns

If it's a Christmas gift for knitters you're after, how about socks? They're a classic festive present. This book includes patterns by Winwick Mum for a riot of hand-knitted socks. So much classier than a Christmas pudding print pair!

• Buy the Christmas Socks book from LoveCrafts

23. Simply Knitting subscription

Subscribe to Simply Knitting magazine with a gift subscription to treat them to a year of unmissable patterns, stories, competitions and more. With friendly knitting advice, interesting stories and reader knits, Simply Knitting brings the yarn community together, with something for every knitter.

• Buy a subscription to Simply Knitting today from BuySubscriptions

24. Knitting encyclopaedia

Every knitter needs a good reference guide to hand, and you can't go wrong with The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt.

At a hefty 736 pages, it covers all the techniques you could possibly need (though it might be a bit much for beginners!). It would make a gorgeous coffee table book too.

DIY your decor

Give them a fun festive project to cast on with our guide to the best Christmas knitting and crochet kits.

Stocking fillers for knitters

We've rounded up a selection of little gifts that are perfect for stockings, or just for showing you care. From stitch markers to pin badges, there's something here for every knitter.

You could even go the extra mile and put together a whole advent calendar…

25. Handmade advent calendar

Why give one gift when you can give 25? You could either knit an advent calendar or buy a pre-made one and fill each day with knitting gifts such as yarn, stitch markers and buttons.

We've rounded up the best DIY advent calendar kits and ideas right here on Gathered.

26. Handmade stitch markers

Every knitter needs stitch markers and these fruit salad ones are totally our aesthetic. They're handmade by AliceRCrafts so you'll be supporting a fellow maker too.

If you're going to gift these, check out our how to do furoshiki wrapping and suminagashi gift wrap tutorials to wrap them up prettily!

• Buy the AliceRCrafts handmade stitch markers from Etsy

27. Wool wash

For a thoughtful knitting gift, why not treat a friend to some wool wash so they can keep their precious knits in tip-top condition? Soak is easy to use and comes in a range of gorgeous scents.

28. Couturiers hand cream

Keep those hard-working knitters' hands in good shape with quick-absorbing hand cream. SEAMS Couturiers Hand Cream is designed with sewers in mind, but it's perfect for fibre crafters too.

It's a luxury gift for knitters that would make a great stocking filler!

• Buy Couturiers hand cream from SEAMS

29. Knitting Stuff storage pouch

Get organised with this Knitting Stuff bag from Joanne Hawker. It comes in medium and large sizes and has plenty of space for your latest WIP. Why not complete the gift by filling it with yarn or other treats?

• Buy the Knitting Stuff storage pouch from Not on the High Street

30. Pin badges

Wear your crafty heart on your sleeve – literally! These pins from Hartiful would make wonderful stocking fillers. Look out for a range of colours and fun maker-themed designs.

• Buy the Hartiful pin badge from Etsy

31. Luxury wooden buttons

Garment makers love a luxury button set, and these Milward wooden buttons would make a great finishing flourish to a knitted cardigan, or even a decorative touch on homewares or toys.

They come in packs of two, so pick up a couple of sets as a sweet little stocking filler gift for knitters.

• Buy Milward wooden buttons from The Knitting Network

32. Christmas sheep loo roll

This "ever so ewesful" gift is sure to raise a smile! Each sheet of the Christmas sheep loo roll is printed with sheep-themed jokes and groan-worthy puns. A great novelty stocking filler.

• Buy Christmas sheep loo roll from John Lewis

Handmade with love

Looking for a gift to knit? Check out our favourite Christmas knitting patterns for inspiration!

Cards and wrapping paper for knitting gifts

You've found the perfect gift, but don't forget the rest! Below we have some cute cards and gift wrap ideas that are perfect for knitters.

Alternatively, why not whip up some reusable wrapping? We have some easy projects for you to try on Gathered. Cast on our free gift bags knitting pattern or learn how to sew fabric gift bags and DIY knitting project bags for their next WIP. The handmade touch will make your gift extra special!

33. Knitting wrapping paper

How perfect is this paper? Covered in beautiful watercolour illustrations, it's sure to make your knitting gift stand out. Choose the number of sheets you'd like (up to 20) and add matching gift tags too.

• Buy the knitting wrapping paper from Not on the High Street

34. Sheep with Flowers gift wrap

Baa-rilliant for any occasion, this colourful paper is ideal for wrapping a knitting gift. The paper measures 66 x 48cm and you can also find co-ordinating cards in the Jane Buurman Handmade shop.

• Buy the Sheep with Flowers gift wrap from Etsy

35. Woolly jumper birthday card

Make every aspect of your knitting gift extra woolly! Send a sheepy greeting with this fun card from Emma Ball – and don’t forget to check out the rest of the Sheep in Sweaters range for more quirky gift ideas.

• Buy the Sheep in Sweaters birthday card from Emma Ball

36. Christmas sheep wrapping paper

Perfect for smaller presents, this A3 wrapping paper from Louise Money has a cute festive design. It comes in packs of two sheets with matching gift tags and twine.

• Buy the Christmas sheep wrapping paper from Etsy

37. Yarn craft birthday card

Wish a crafty friend a happy birthday with this yarn-themed greetings card. Go for standard A5 size or supersized A4 to make a big statement!

• Buy the yarn craft birthday card from Thortful

Choosing the best gifts for knitters

We love shopping for crafty friends, but if you don't craft yourself it can be hard to figure out what to buy. That's where our list comes in! Whether it's books, tools, homewares or (of course) yarn, there's a gift out there to suit every knitter. We hope Gathered's round-up has helped you find the perfect knitting gift for your loved one.

Thoughtful presents for yarn crafters

Need more inspiration, or still have other friends and family to buy for? We have dozens more yarn-themed presents for you in Gathered's round-up of the best crochet gift ideas for 2023.