'Tis the Season . . . Tuft's Guide to (Thoughtful) Giving

November 16, 2021

Ok everyone. The next six weeks are gonna be tough. There’s travel to plan, weird Zoom parties to attend, family to navigate, Mariah Carey to un-stick from your head . . . and of course, presents to buy! Ideally gifts that are unique, affordable, and for sale somewhere other than Amazon. No pressure!

We hope this little guide will help you narrow down something for everyone on your list, from the most seasoned tufter to that family member who still has no clue what tufting is. And we've tried hard to select crafty objects that are ethically made by small businesses, artists, and designers, so you can focus on more important things this season.

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!

For your mom, partner's mom, anyone's mom:

These sweet contemporary needlepoint kits by Unwind Studio work like paint-by-numbers, except instead of a deer drinking from a mountain stream, crafters will create a colorful, artist-designed composition. From $32 - $50. 

For your dad, who's super supportive of your practice: 

Tuft the World's cute T-shirts come in a variety of colors and designs, like the Tuft Tuft Tuft Tee in Rust. Choose from either Classic or Fitted, for a look to suit every shape and personality. $24 each. 

For your tufting-obsessed best friend: 

She already has a Tuft Tote; all she needs is a sweet enamel pin (or four) to decorate it with. Designed by brilliant Philly designers/illustrators Melissa McFeeters and Lucy Price. $10 each.

For your friend who needs something to hold other than their phone:

Solid wood pom-pom makers from Pom Maker come in a variety of sizes and sweet designs, like this one, inspired by a pistachio macaron.  $18.

For your partner, who's been watching tufting TikToks for the last 16 months but still hasn't tried it: 

Tuft the World’s Tufting Starter Kit includes all the basic supplies your aspiring tufter needs: a machine that creates either cut or loop piles, one yard of our premium tufting cloth, and an easy-to-assemble wood frame. They’ll be making you a custom “Thank You” rug in no time! $365 (or save 20% during our Black Friday Sale!)  

For your office Secret Santa: 

Bauhaus Around You is a deck of creative prompts that “challenges users to find classic design styles and ideas in their everyday environments.” ‘Cause there’s an artist inside everyone, even your grumpiest colleague! By Form Function Studio, $28.

For your sister, who already has every pair of shoes ever: 

Maybe it's time she made her own? Shoemaking kits from Portland-based Rachel Sees Snail include supplies and instructions to create cute mules, Mary Janes, or sandals in a variety of colors and styles. If the kits are out of your budget, Rachel's new sandalmaking book is less of a splurge. Kits, $140 - $250. The Sandalmaking Workshop, $30.

For your best friend’s creative kid: 

Brooklyn’s beloved Textile Arts Center has a number of cool, affordable craft kits for weaving, felting, and beading, all great for ages 5 to 13. $25 - $50.

For your niece or nephew:

With this adorable alphabet sidewalk chalk set, your favorite little ones can doodle outside and practice their ABCs at the same time. One of many hand-made chalks by TWEE, a woman-owned Philly business committed to biodegradable and non-toxic products. $42.

For the graphic designer you've been hanging out with long enough that maybe you should get them a gift (but one you’ll also want to keep, in case things fizzle before the holidays . . . ):

A museum gift shop favorite, these gorgeous Gradient Puzzles come in color spectrums for every mood, and range from 100 to 1,000 pieces. Bring on the snow days! Designed by Bryce Wilner for Area Ware, $15 - $35. 

For you, so you can bring your tufting gear to your parents’ house over winter break: 

Finally, a tote large enough to accommodate your entire yarn collection! And in complementary colors to match. The Schlepper from STATE the label is 100% cotton and hand sewn in the U.S.A. in small batches. Shown in Circus, but you're gonna love the Studio print, too. $100 - $125.

For your favorite beginner, intermediate, or advanced tufter: 

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