5 Fun Gifts for Crafty People in Chicago

5 Fun Gifts for Crafty People in Chicago


By Kiana Pontrelli

If you’re looking for gift ideas for crafty people, instead of buying them more supplies they probably don’t need or can’t pick out themselves, treat them to unique experience gift ideas in Chicago! You can find workshops to send them on a solo craft adventure, craft date ideas to enjoy together, or birthday party ideas for a fun surprise. Regardless, these craft experiences are some of the best ways to celebrate!

These creative workshops will make for thoughtful gift ideas for your friends or family members, as you’ll give them the opportunity to learn, explore, and engage in one of their interests. Don’t sweat over finding the perfect gift, check out some of our favorite workshops and gift ideas for craft lovers!

A student in a yarn dyeing workshop dips a bundle of white yarn into blue dye.

Knitting classes for all levels

Knitting is a great activity if you’re looking for fun and easy hobbies. If you have a crafty friend, chances are, they’ll love this craft. Knitting will allow them to learn a new skill that they can unwind with at the end of the day. Once you get the hang of knitting, it’s easy to knit as you watch TV or even while you sit on the train or bus on your commute to work. Finger knitting, chunky knitting, and weaving are all easy forms of knitting that require very few supplies, making it an accessible and unintimidating hobby to explore. 

If you’re looking for a gift idea for an avid knitter, who might not benefit from a beginner’s knitting class in Chicago, you can treat them to a yarn dyeing workshop. They’ll enjoy diving deeper into their textile hobby and learn skills to be even more creative with their future knitting projects. Whether they’re looking for the perfect shade they can’t seem to find in their local craft store or they want a more sustainable option by learning to dye on their own, they’ll learn all the yarn dyeing basics!

A student in a paint and sip class paints a colorful lion with acrylic paint.

Throw a paint and sip party

If you’re looking for gift ideas where you can join in on the fun, join a paint and sip class in Chicago! You can either treat your friend to a painting night for two alongside other creatives or host a private painting party as a fun birthday party idea!

Book a paint party and enjoy an easy acrylic painting lesson! The casual and fun atmosphere of a paint and sip class makes the perfect environment to celebrate with a group of friends or family. BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine provided by the venue and get those creative juices flowing. No one needs to be an artist to participate in one of these classes, as these classes focus on exploring your creativity and connecting with your fellow classmates! 

A student in a hand building ceramics class wraps a piece of clay into a cylinder to make a mug.

Ceramics classes make great self-care gift ideas

If you have a crafty person in your life who deserves some relaxation, take a look at these ceramics classes in Chicago. Our list of offerings includes pottery painting classes, wheel-throwing workshops, and hand-building lessons. 

Each class presents its own therapeutic effects. A hand-building workshop will allow you to dig into clay and use your hands as tools to mold and sculpt a unique item from hand-built mugs to pinch pots. In a wheel-throwing class, you can learn how to use a potter’s wheel to create smooth and symmetrical bowls and cups. The spinning of the wheel and hands-on technique will take your focus away from daily worries. Lastly, a pottery painting class will allow you to express yourself with colorful paints and glazes. Watch as you transform a simple object into a bright and bold masterpiece that showcases your personality! 

Whichever you choose for your gift recipient, they’ll appreciate the opportunity to dedicate time to their creative growth and to unwind away from screens and worry. Not only will you treat them to a fun day making handmade ceramics, but also a self-care day they deserve!

A teacher in a resin art class assists a student in pouring resin to make a DIY charcuterie board.

Suggested experiences in Chicago

Resin art classes make great gift ideas for craft lovers

If you’re looking for crafty gift ideas for a friend who simply loves to create, introduce them to the world of resin! There are so many creative paths to travel down when you learn resin art. You can create beautiful handmade resin jewelry featuring pressed flowers or if you’re looking for something fun to make that is also useful, learn how to make a resin charcuterie board! Resin will add a creative and personal touch to an average item. Your snack boards will look gorgeous with a resin river down the middle! 

Two students in a terrarium building workshop smile at each other as they create their terrariums.

Terrarium classes for plant enthusiasts

If you have a friend who is both a craft and plant lover, we have the perfect gift idea for you! Treat them to a terrarium building workshop in Chicago. Terrariums are miniature contained gardens that are made up of low-maintenance plants. In a terrarium class, an instructor will teach you how to build your own! 

You’ll layer rocks, soil, and sand, to create the base and then start building your adorable oasis. Your instructor will teach you how to landscape your garden for optimal growth, and then you can get as creative as you want! Choose your favorite plants and succulents to include, incorporate sand art into your soil layers, add bits of moss to cover any exposed soil to mimic a fairy wonderland, and you can even incorporate small trinkets or sentimental items in your garden! This class is the perfect blend of DIY and spending time with nature, for your craft-lover friends!


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