The Ultimate Cricut Gift Guide from Someone Who Actually Uses One
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If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a crafty person (or, let’s be honest, you’re buying “for someone else” but it’s really for you), a Cricut setup is basically the holy grail. I’ve had my Cricut long enough to know exactly what’s worth the money, what’s just cute to look at, and what will actually make your crafting life easier instead of more chaotic.
And since it’s the holidays and everything is on sale right now, this is literally the best time of year to start your Cricut journey or upgrade your current setup. Cricut machines and tools hit that sweet spot of price point: not cheap, but not “sell a kidney” expensive — and they hold their value because you can use them for years.
So here it is: my honest, no-fluff Cricut Gift Guide. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner or building your own dream setup, these are the things that actually matter.
1. The Cricut Machines aka: The Big Purchase
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. If you’re gifting a Cricut, THIS is the list you need. These machines do all the cutting magic; vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, craft board, all the fun stuff.
Cricut Explore 4
This is the perfect starter machine. It’s fast, it cuts most materials you’ll ever touch, and it comes in pretty colors because aesthetics matter.
Perfect for: beginners to advanced crafters who want versatility without complications.
Cricut Maker / Maker 4
If the Explore is the reliable friend, the Maker is the favorite cousin who does everything.
It cuts fabric, leather, basswood… basically if you want to make earrings, ornaments, 3D models, customized gifts, the Maker is the winner.
Perfect for: people who want to sell crafts or do more serious projects.
Cricut Joy / Joy Xtra
Tiny, portable, adorable. Think: labels, cards, smaller vinyl designs, on-the-go crafting. This one is great as a secondary machine too.
Perfect for: small spaces, beginners, or anyone obsessed with labeling everything in their house.
2. Tools You Actually Need, Not Just Pretty to Look At
Some Cricut “bundles” come with fluff. These, however, are the things you’ll use constantly.
Essential Tool Set
Your scraper, weeder, scissors, tweezers — basically the stuff that keeps you from using your fingernails and regretting your life choices.
A Paper Trimmer
If your cuts are crooked, your projects look crooked. Cricut’s trimmer makes your life easier. Worth it.
Extra Fine-Point Blades
Because they will dull eventually, especially with cardstock. Having backups on hand saves you from mid-project meltdowns.
3. The Mats. Yes Mats, Trust Me: You’ll Want Multiples
Mats are one of those things nobody tells you to stock up on until yours suddenly loses all stick and your vinyl starts gliding across the surface.
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Standard Grip → your everyday mat
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Light Grip → paper, light cardstock
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Strong Grip → heavyweight materials
Gift idea: a multi-mat pack because mats never last as long as you think.
4. The Heat Tools, Game Changer for Iron-On (+ Crafts That Look Expensive)
This is where your projects jump from “cute” to “wow did you buy that from Etsy?” territory.
Cricut EasyPress 3
Basically a smart heat press that doesn’t burn your house down. Great for shirts, tote bags, blankets, baby gifts, anything that needs iron-on vinyl.
Cricut Hat Press
If someone is making hats for a craft fair or Christmas gifts, this thing pays for itself fast.
Cricut Mug Press
A super fun, super easy way to make custom mugs that look professionally printed.
Perfect for holiday gifts, teacher gifts, or selling online.
5. The Accessories That Make Your Cricut Space Feel Like a Real Craft Studio
Not required… but let’s be honest, extremely necessary for mental sanity and organization.
Rolling Cart
Trust me: once you start collecting vinyl rolls, tools, mats, scraps, and random bits of foil that you swear you’ll use “one day,” you will need storage.
A rolling cart keeps everything tidy and mobile.
Desktop Vinyl Organizer
Makes your workspace look like you have your life together even if you don’t.
Tool Caddy
Keeps weeding tools from mysteriously disappearing (how do they ALWAYS vanish?).
6. Vinyl, Iron-On, & Specialty Materials
These make amazing stocking stuffers or bundle add-ons.
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Holographic iron-on (gorgeous)
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Smart vinyl (no mat!)
These give beginners a variety of textures to play with and help advanced crafters expand their skillset.
A Cricut setup is one of those gifts that keeps giving all year long. It lets you create décor, gifts, clothing, labels, art, literally everything. If you’re shopping for a crafty person or you want to start a new creative hobby, a Cricut bundle is hands-down one of the best purchases you can make during the holidays.
And if you’re new and don’t know where to start, don’t worry, I’m going to break it all down in more posts soon: beginner projects, must-have materials, organizing your space, and how to actually use your Cricut without feeling overwhelmed.
This is just the beginning.
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