If you're looking for a special little something for a knitter in your life, or just for some suggestions for gifts other people can get you for the holidays (or your birthday), look no further. Here are some great ideas for little gifts that all your fiber friends will love.
1. Burt's Bees Hand Salve
Burt's Bees Hand Salve is marketed as a product for gardeners, but it's great for knitters as well, particularly in the winter when the air is really dry. This oily, waxy salve is the perfect relief for skin that's rough from too much knitting, and applying it gives you a great hand massage. And the tin will stay closed even in the bottom of a knitting bag or purse.
2. Measuring Tapes
Everyone has a measuring tape or two, but it never hurts to have a few more. They're never where you think they should be when you need them. If you have several, you can keep one in each knitting bag or even one in each room of the house where knitting happens so you won't have to wonder where one is when you need it. I like the basic vinyl ones because they don't stretch as much as the fabric ones can. Retractable tape measures are a great choice for bags.3. Row Counters
Row counters are another knitting necessity that you can't seem to find when you need them. There are several varieties, including ones that slip onto your needle or around your neck, peg boards or the fun "kacha kacha" variety that makes a cheerful noise when you change the number.4. Stitch Markers
Yet another knitting supply that it's hard to have too many of is stitch markers. Whether you buy a bunch of the plain plastic ones we're all familiar with or make your own or buy ones handmade with beads, this is one gift that's sure to get used by its recipient.5. Make Your Own Stitch Markers
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
If you have a bit of beading skill you can quickly and easily make up a set of beaded stitch markers, which make a lovely and useful personalized gift. Use of beads from your stash or, if you're new to beading, a small investment in supplies will get you a ton of these handy little markers.
6. Double-Pointed Needles
For the sock and hat knitting fans out there, a set or two of double-pointed needles is always a welcome gift. Whether you go for aluminum, bamboo or wood, and no matter what size you choose, your favorite knitters is sure to be happy to add to her or his needle stash.7. Work in Progess Tube
Nancy's Knit Knacks.
If you're giving double-pointed needles, or you know someone who likes to knit a lot of socks, a tube that helps hold all the stitches on all the needles when she or he is not knitting can be a big help. It's great for traveling or for keeping curious kids from tugging on the needles, thus dropping all your stitches.
8. Stress Relief Gloves
Therapeutic gloves are a great choice for knitters of all ages. I don't know any knitter who hasn't knit too long at some point, making their hands and wrists hurt. Slipping on these gloves improves circulation and allows you to knit a little longer with a lot less pain.9. Good Medicine Ball
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This fabric ball, filled with flax seed, essential oils and other goodies, works hot or cold to relieve joint pain, whether from the strain of exercise or too much knitting.
10. Knit Kards
Nancy's Knit Knacks.
Knit Kards are a handy way of keeping tons of knitting-related information at your fingertips, from how to do the kitchener stitch to the estimated yardage for a project, and even your needle inventory and the measurements of people you knit for.
11. Yarn Dots
(c) Sarah E. White, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Yarn Dots are fun little accessories that you can add to your bulky knits or wear on your Crocs or similar shoes to show the world that you're a knitter. They're a great little stocking stuffer for younger knitters, who are more likely to actually understand what they are for.
