Gift ideas that support hobbies are so much fun to give. But what do you give to upcycling crafters when their supplies come from reclaimed materials? Well, accessories to help them with their next craft project, of course! I think you’ll love the gift ideas for crafters who love to upcycle I gathered for you here 😉
Gift Guide for Upcycling Crafters
When choosing a gift for an avid DIYer or upcycling crafter, think about what kinds of crafts they do and what might be useful to them. For instance, someone who doesn’t work with paint probably won’t put paintbrushes to use. Use this gift guide for upcycling crafters to help inspire a great gift idea.
What Is Upcycling Crafts?
Upcycling is a play on the words “up” and “recycling”. You take something that’s been discarded and with a bit of DIY skills (and imagination) transform it into something useful or beautiful.
Refinishing furniture is a common example of upcycling, but there are virtually limitless projects and possibilities out there. Not only is it a relatively inexpensive crafting hobby, but it’s also an environmentally friendly one!
Not everything is free or thrift store prices, though. Upcycling crafts usually require consumable supplies like sandpaper, paint, glue, etc. You might also need a specific tool to get the look you’re going for…
And tools can be expensive. By giving some of these supplies and accessories as gifts, you’re really giving a DIYer an opportunity to enjoy their hobby even more.
Best Gift Ideas For Crafters Who Recycle
Sanding Block
Sanding is a huge part of upcycling projects that involve wood. Usually, you have to sand before painting, or at least to smooth out rough edges. Plus, they wear out, so it’s something most upcycling crafters will need to rebuy eventually.
Plier Set
AmazonBasics Plier Tools Set – Set of 4
I can’t speak for everyone, but I definitely can never have too many tools. Pliers, especially sets that have multiple styles, are handy for all sorts of upcycling projects. Especially when working with wires and other metals.
Heat Gun
PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun, 1500-Watt (PC1500HG)
Heat guns are super useful for all sorts of upcycling projects! Some things they can do are bend plastic, shrink plastic tubing, and remove stuck-on paint and adhesives.
Stencil Set
Deco Art ASMM38 Americana Decor Stencil, Inspiration, Gray, 6
Stencils can be added to furniture for a more finished look. Making DIY signs on reclaimed wood using stencils is also a popular idea for upcycling crafters… And you can never have too many stencils!
Good Quality Painting Tape
FROGTAPE 1358463 Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape with PAINTBLOCK, Medium Adhesion, 0.94
This is another one of those ‘consumable’ gift ideas for upcycling crafters. Really good quality painter’s tape (I like Frog Tape) will leave crisper lines on their finished projects. Perfect for someone who does a lot of painting in their craft projects.
Dremel
Dremel MM20-07 2.3-Amp Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit with 6 Universal Quickfit Accessories
Dremels are one of the best crafting, upcycling, and DIY multi-tools out there. It can sand and cut all kinds of different materials so there really aren’t many upcycling crafters that can’t put one to use somewhere.
Unique Furniture Paint
If you’re trying to find a unique gift idea for upcycling crafters who refinish furniture, why not give them some paint? Choose something that they might not have tried before, like this chalk paint, so they get a chance to experiment with something new.
Lamp Light Kit
This is like getting a craft kit for an upcycler! It comes with everything they need to turn almost anything into a light.
Comfortable Work Gloves
Regardless of what type of materials they usually work with, most upcycling crafters are going to need a good pair of work gloves in their tool box. It’s also something that’s nice to have multiples of which makes it a useful gift idea.
Engraving Tool
This rotary tool can be used to add fine details to projects or drill holes. I like that it comes with stencils to make engraving intricate designs a little easier! What’s nice it can be used on a variety of materials including wood, stone, glass, plastic, and leather.
Crafting Apron
Help the DIYer in your life keep their clothes clean while working on their latest project. The large pockets of this apron are super handy for storing materials while someone works on an upcycling project.
Sharpie Set
Sharpie Permanent Markers Ultimate Collection, Fine and Ultra Fine Points, Assorted Colors, 72 Count
The marker with almost infinite uses! Make their day (or year) by giving multi-packs of Sharpies to the upcycling crafters in your life.
Sanding Mask
Non-Toxic Disposable Paint Sanding Dust Particulate Respirators, 8-Pack
A lot of people forget about their personal safety when doing upcycling projects. Masks should be worn when working with chemicals, disassembling older items, and sanding.
Book of Inspiration
Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made from Reclaimed Materials
If you don’t want to give tools or supplies to upcycling crafters consider offering some inspiration instead. There are so many books and magazines out there to choose from, but if you can’t decide, something general like this one is a great choice.
Paint Brushes
Pro Grade – Paint Brushes – 5 Ea – Paint Brush Set
Painters go through brushes like crazy. A new set of professional brushes is a practical gift idea for someone who likes to upcycle furniture or create other painted crafts.
Hot Glue Gun
The go-to tool for crafters everywhere. A good quality hot glue gun can make crafting and DIYing a whole lot easier (and the results better). If you know they already have one they love, consider giving some hot glue gun sticks instead.
Glass Bottle Cutter
Upcycled glass bottle crafts are really cool, but cutting the bottle can be tricky. A tool like this that holds the bottle in place while cutting will make it a lot easier to get a straight, smooth cut.
Craft Supply Storage
Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer with 12 Plastic Drawers
If you’re shopping for upcycling crafters who already have everything, what do you get? How about a place to store all their craft supplies! These carts are nice because there are several smaller drawers for easy organizing and the casters make them easy to move around.
Super Glue
Gorilla Super Glue with Brush & Nozzle Applicator, 12 Gram, Clear, (Pack of 1)
You never know when super glue will come in handy while working on a craft project. Don’t cheap out: it won’t adhere as well! This one dries in 10-30 seconds which means your crafter can keep going without having to wait hours for the glue to dry.
Cricut Maker
This is the holy grail of crafting accessories. Upcycling crafters will especially love the vinyl cutting that can be used for adding decals to projects, creating custom stencils, or ironing on to fabrics.
Hopefully, all these gift ideas for upcycling crafters will mean you get to see some awesome upcycling projects happen! If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to pick up some of these DIY and crafting tools for yourself and start your own projects to get in on the upcycling fun.
About the author: Anne loves finding the perfect gift idea that’s on budget. She has been writing about gift-giving and personal finance online since 2012, as the owner of UniqueGifter.com. Her favorite beverage is champagne and she loves figure skating, even if it’s harder now that she’s not 20!
