If you have a quilter in your life, you know it is hard to buy them gifts because it appears that they have everything they need. . . and they probably do! But, there are always lovely gifts that you can buy that will be appreciated and, more importantly, used!
Now, I know that a lot of people like to receive gift cards but we also know that gift cards and gift certificates often do not get used. I shudder to think how many Joann gift cards are still floating around and never got used. Buying an actual item shows that you have put thought and effort into choosing a gift for your special person.
#5 Quilting Clothing or Jewelry
Coming in at number 5 is something the quilter can wear. If they are a t-shirt aficiando, your job is easy as long as you know their shirt size. The same goes for hoodies. I get chilly sitting still and quilting, so I am often wearing a hoodie and warm socks- but I don’t recommend socks because many quilters (not me!) enjoy sewing barefoot! If you are not sure of their size, there is a lot of sewing related jewelry available that would probably be appreciated and worn. Think earrings sporting sewing machines or quilt blocks. https://amzn.to/4is2gwZ
#4 New cutting mat
Yes, your quilter almost surely has a cutting mat, but they do wear out and most of us are slow to replace them. There are lots of options on the market but be aware that large, self-healing cutting mats can get expensive. I do recommend a self-healing mat and I like the ones that are two-sided with two different colorways so that I can choose a contrast when cutting a project. https://amzn.to/48vy1Rf
#3 Seam Ripper
I am NOT talking about a cheapo seam ripper from Walmart. . . every quilter probably has three of those!!! Seam ripping is one of the least enjoyable tasks that we perform as quilters and I can tell you that when I have a lovely tool to use, the task is way more fun! My favorite seam ripper is from Etsy and was made from a knife handle. I also have some lovely ones that were turned on a lathe from wood or acrylic. All of these will be used before the dreaded Walmart ripper.
#2 Fabric
I know buying fabric is scary, but think about what the quilts look like that your quilter makes. Are they scrappy with a lot of different fabrics in them? If so you could buy an assortment of “Fat Quarters” in their favorite color or in an array of colors. You can buy Fat Quarter Bundles that are curated and attractively bundled together and we quilters love them. If your quilter tends toward a more modern aesthetic and uses a lot of solid color fabrics, buy them 1 yard cuts of different values of the same color- like light blue, medium blue and navy blue. This will get used and actually is very useful.
#1 Scissors
My top place pick for a gift for a quilter is a new pair of scissors. Even a new pair of Fiskars would be used and appreciated but be aware that scissors can be pricey! My son and daughter-in-law sent me scissors from Amazon a few years ago and it was a treat to have a super sharp new toy to use. We ALL use scissors even if we have cutting mats and rotary cutters. I would strongly recommend the Karen K Buckley or Kai brands of scissors- they are really superb and can be purchased in many sizes which can affect the price. https://amzn.to/43Y23LT
Bonus Gift Idea- A class or experience
Quilting is a hobby of skill learning. There is ALWAYS a new quilt to make that does things a little differently or uses a new technique and classes, retreats and event virtual classes are a lot of fun for most quilters. If your quilter has mentioned that a certain teacher is coming to the area or that the guild is hosting a retreat, buying that experience for them will be both fun and educational. You may need to actually stop by the quilt shop or give them a call to facilitate this idea.
I hope this list has sparked an idea for you. Quilters are generally very kind and generous people so they will appreciate your effort and if they are gifted something they really can’t use they will probably pass it along to a beginning quilter- which you should consider a win/win.
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