Episode 125: Gifts for Knitters

In this episode, Anne provides some guidance for those who are attempting to shop for a knitter this holiday season and walks them through the whats and whys. These show notes will be the longest ever and will likely be chopped off by some podcast distribution apps. To get to all of the recommendation links, please visit the full show notes at IThoughtIKnewHow.com/episode-125-gifts-for-Knitters

Links to Things Mentioned in the Show

Blankets:
Wool Throw
Connecticut Blanket (scroll down for list of sellers)

Tea:
Art of Tea
Tea & Absinthe creates loose leaf tea blends based on fandoms (Perfect if your knitter is a nerd!)

Coffee Suggestions:
Charleston Coffee Roasters Variety Sample Pack (Pre-ground)
City Boy Coffee (You can choose the type of coffee and what form it comes in.)

Hot Chocolate options:

PopBar Hot Chocolate Sticks
Gourmet Du Village Hot Chocolate Based in Canada, come in packs of 6. Fun themed packaging and very tasty! They can be found in shops in the US as well.

Calendars:
My Life with Sheep calendar by Jo Spencer on the Isle of Skye
Lambies in Jammies and Goats in Coats Calendar

Digital Devices:
Apple IPad Mini
Apple IPad 10th Generation
Sumsung Galaxy Tab
Amazon Fire

The best knitting app on the planet: KnitCompanion

Headphones:

Budget option or stocking-stuffer: Panasonic Wired Earphones I've been using these for years when I need a wired earphone. When something happens to them, I buy another pair of the same!

For Apple users: The AirPods Pro2 have great sound and noise canceling, and they are built to work with Apple products, so they are quick and easy to set up and start using.

Over-ear style, wireless: Bose QuietComfort. In all honesty, I haven't used these as I prefer the in-ear style, but I asked around and these were recommended over and over. They have noise canceling and are great for spoken-word situations and music!

Lamps:

A floor lamp with directional lighting
A table lamp with semi-directional lighting
Ott-Lites (full spectrum light lamps for crafters)
LumosLumos neck lamps (Use code ANNE30 at checkout before December 2 for 30% off!)

Cushions:
Samsonite Lumbar Cushion with heat
A basic, 12" x 20" throw pillow cover, don't forget you will need a pillow form for it, too.

Lots of wool vendors and designers to be found at the LoveWovember.com marketplace!

Kits
US: Morehouse Farm
UK: Uradale Yarns
Canada: Urban Yarns
Australia: The Skein Sisters
EU: WoolDreamers
You can also sign them up for kits to be delivered periodically! Hop over to Cratejoy and search for Knitting and see what subscription boxes are currently available!

Books
The Journal of Scottish Yarns
Memory Lane: Embellished Knits to Cherish
Every Way With Granny Crochet
Patty Lyon's Knitting Bag of Tricks and the accompanying Workbook
Books of knitted animals

Blocking tools:
"Official" blocking mats (They will need multiple sets for an adult sweater)
A less expensive mat solution (This is what I use)
Blocking Pins (yes, these are a special type!)
KnitBlockers are like multiple pins in one
Blocking wires
Jumper Board from Paparwark Furniture

Other Tools
Swift
Ball Winder (The type I have is no longer available, but this is a reputable company)
Yarn Bowl
Needle Roll
Plain hanging storage for circular needles
A decorative hanging storage for circular needles (also check etsy.com!)
Binder system for circular needles

Interchangeable needle kits:

Knitters Pride has many options at different price points. All are good choices.
This Chiaogoo Set is ideal for lace knitters as the tips are very pointy.
HiyaHiya are also a popular brand.

BE CAUTIOUS of interchangeable needle sets priced below $70. You get what you pay for, and you want quality when it comes to interchangeables.

Janette Budge (knitting belts and classes)

Small gifts:
Bulk scissors
Bulk glass nail files
Bulk measuring tapes
Standard stitch markers
Metal stitch markers in a tin
1500 bulb pin stitch markers
Decorative stitchmarkers (also check Etsy!)
Barber Cord in a tin
Rolls of Barber Cord

Knitting Jewelry

Cute yarn earrings
Silver "yarn" earrings
Charms suitable for a pandora-style jewelry
Bracelet from an old knitting needle
Honestly, there are so many options. Go to etsy and search for knitting jewelry and see what pops up around you!

Gift Certificates

If you do not have a local yarn store, support a local yarn store in my community!
Knit New Haven
Or, choose a yarn store closer to your home:
Canada: West Coast Wools
The UK: Black Sheep Wools
Germany: Pascuali
New Zealand: Flock of Knitters

I will see you daily through December on the Purl Together YouTube Channel and will return in audio form in 2025!