Shopping for hobbyists this holiday season? Skip the gift cards and generic presents — give something that supports their passion. We’ve curated holiday gift ideas for every budget, organized by price point so you can find the perfect present fast.
Stocking Stuffers Under $15
Small gifts that pack a punch. Perfect for stuffing stockings or adding to a larger present.
- Quality pencil set — Blackwing, Palomino, or Staedtler pencils for writers and artists
- Washi tape collection — Essential for journalers and crafters
- Seed packets — Heirloom varieties for gardeners planning next year’s garden
- Mini puzzle — 100-piece puzzles perfect for quick sessions
- Lens cleaning kit — Every photographer needs one
- Stitch markers — Helpful tools for knitters and crocheters
- Playing card deck — Stylish designs for card game enthusiasts
- Mini sketchbook — Pocket-sized for sketching on the go
Gifts Under $25
Thoughtful presents that won’t break the bank but show you put in effort.
- Brush pen set — Tombow Dual Brush pens for hand lettering ($15–20)
- Premium notebook — Leuchtturm1917 or Rhodia for journalers ($18–22)
- Yarn skein — Single skein of luxury yarn makes knitters happy ($12–25)
- Bird feeder — Simple window feeders for backyard birders ($15–25)
- Camera strap — Upgrade from the stock strap ($15–25)
- Palette knife set — Essential for acrylic painters exploring texture ($10–20)
- Portable chess set — Roll-up or magnetic sets for chess lovers ($15–25)
- Plant care kit — Moisture meter, pruners, and plant food bundle ($18–25)
Gifts $25–$50
The sweet spot for meaningful gifts that feel substantial without overspending.
- Complete starter kit — Knitting, embroidery, or watercolor kits bundle everything needed ($25–45)
- Art supply upgrade — Professional-grade paints or brushes to replace student supplies ($30–50)
- Photography book — Coffee table books of master photographers ($35–50)
- Quality binoculars — Entry-level optics for birders and hikers ($35–50)
- Drawing tablet — Entry-level XP-Pen tablets open digital art possibilities ($40–50)
- Board game — Modern strategy games like Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, or Azul ($35–50)
- Fountain pen — Lamy Safari or TWSBI Eco for writing enthusiasts ($25–40)
- Portable LED light — Improves any photo setup ($35–50)
Gifts $50–$100
Premium presents for someone special. These gifts make a statement.
- Premium yarn subscription — 3-month subscription boxes with patterns ($60–90)
- Art class or workshop — Local pottery class, online MasterClass, or Skillshare annual ($70–100)
- Quality tripod — Stable support for photography and video ($60–100)
- Woodworking hand tools — Quality chisels, hand plane, or marking tools ($50–100)
- Premium sketchbook set — Multiple sizes with quality paper ($50–80)
- Telescope — Tabletop telescopes for astronomy beginners ($60–100)
- Mechanical keyboard — For writers and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback ($60–100)
- Ergonomic craft chair — Back support matters for long crafting sessions ($80–100)
Splurge Gifts Over $100
Go big for milestone occasions or someone whose hobby means everything to them.
- Cricut or Silhouette — Cutting machines transform crafting possibilities ($200–400)
- Prime camera lens — A 50mm f/1.8 dramatically improves photos ($125–250)
- Sewing machine — Reliable machines from Brother, Janome, or Singer ($150–300)
- High-end drawing tablet — Wacom Intuos Pro or iPad with Pencil ($200–400)
- Premium tool set — Quality hand tool collections for woodworkers ($150–300)
- Easel — French easel or studio H-frame for serious painters ($150–400)
- 3D printer — Entry-level printers open a world of making ($200–400)
- Workshop or retreat — Multi-day experiences in their hobby ($200–500+)
Experience Gifts
Sometimes the best gift isn’t a thing — it’s an experience.
- Class passes — Pottery studio sessions, cooking classes, or art workshops
- Museum membership — Art museums, science centers, or botanical gardens
- Workshop weekend — Woodworking, blacksmithing, or specialty craft intensives
- Photography tour — Guided shoots at scenic locations
- Escape room tickets — Puzzle-solving fun for the whole family
- Concert or show — Live music for the music lover in your life
Last-Minute Digital Gifts
Forgot until the last minute? These digital options deliver instantly.
- Online course subscription — Skillshare, MasterClass, Domestika, or Craftsy
- Software subscription — Adobe Creative Cloud, Procreate, or Lightroom
- Gift cards — Specialty retailers like Blick Art, Michael’s, REI, or B&H Photo
- Ebook bundles — Craft technique books or hobby-specific guides
- App subscriptions — Headspace, Calm, Duolingo Plus, or hobby-specific apps
Gift-Giving Tips
- When in doubt, ask. Hobbyists have strong brand preferences. A quick question beats a returned gift.
- Consumables are safe. Paint, yarn, paper — they always get used up.
- Quality beats quantity. One great tool outperforms a pile of cheap ones.
- Gift cards aren’t lazy. Specialty store gift cards let them choose exactly what they need.
- Include a note. Explain why you chose this gift — it makes any present more meaningful.
More Gift Ideas
Looking for something specific? Browse our other guides:
Return to all gift guides or explore hobby resources.
]]>