Are you out of inspiration for end-of-year gifts for yourself, your wife, your grandma, your sister, your cousin... Their common point: they sew or would like to learn to sew? Then look no further, I had fun compiling the best gifts to give or get so you won’t be disappointed at midnight under the tree, at the big unwrapping moment! 

I've been sewing for years now, and every year at the holidays people ask me: "but what would make you happy?"... I have to tell you that even after all these years, I still find things to keep me busy 😂 and to enrich my collection of tools to make sewing easier. 

So let's get started with smart gift choices! 

1. A good pair of scissors

A pair of "good" cutting scissors is truly a must-have for any self-respecting seamstress. I am very demanding when it comes to cutting because it is essential for the success of your sewing projects. 

For me, a good pair of scissors must have sharp blades, a comfortable handle, and above all must be sharpenable. 

There are very famous scissor brands, especially Japanese ones like Kaï, Clover... which require a certain budget. In the shop, we found a brand with a very good quality-price ratio. We use the black titanium for cutting and after 1.5 years of intensive daily use, they still cut just as well... in short, we are delighted. Plus, they also come in a left-handed version so Marie Hélène has hers too!

We also chose high-quality scissors with excellent value for money. 

Céline fell for the glittery roses and uses them for all her sewing projects. 

Beyond cutting scissors, I also recommend buying embroidery scissors which have really nice designs but are especially very useful for detailed cutting. I use them daily for trimming, clipping, opening buttonholes... For me, they are the foundation of the sewing kit!

Budget cutting scissors: from €25 to... no limit

Budget embroidery scissors: from €9/10

2. Marking tools

Along the same lines as scissors, another essential in the sewing kit that is very useful is the family of marking tools. The all-time classic is the chalk pen. I also use it daily to mark darts, notches...

I really like the chalk pencil system where you can change the lead color and especially that is reusable. You can buy refills without having to throw away your pencil and that is really important. 

Another classic for me and for more experienced seamstresses is the buttonhole ruler. When you start making shirts, dresses with snap openings, ... the buttonhole ruler is a must-have to mark the spaces between buttonholes and buttons. No more misalignment and a perfect shirt comes out of your machine! 

Budget chalk: around €15

Budget buttonhole ruler: around €29

3. Storage tools

Well, it's nice to have lots of supplies but at some point you need to be able to store them, otherwise your workshop or dining table will look like a real mess. 

I really like the idea of the wooden sewing box that you can easily carry from the workshop to the couch (to hand-hem or sew on buttons sitting comfortably, some will recognize themselves 😂). 

My grandmother had a big one and it's a somewhat nostalgic object... anyway, you get it, the little sewing box is really great to give or to receive as a gift. 

Another really handy tool is bobbin organizers. Indeed, when you start sewing a little, a lot, passionately... you have lots of threads... and lots of bobbins that get tangled... so, bobbin organizers might not be the most glamorous gift but they are very practical!

There is also the small magnetic or pin cushion skein holder, super practical! 

Sewing box budget: starting at €40
Bobbin and skein budget range: starting at €5

4. One pattern or several patterns

Giving one or more patterns is also a great idea. Just be sure to know the person's clothing tastes and sewing level. There's no point in buying an expert pattern for a beginner, especially if they don't like the style of the pattern. 

I took the liberty of making a small selection among the patterns that I find nice to give at the end of the year (without taking too much risk):  

- the travel bag and Eugène from Ikatee 
- the fanny pack from Atelier Brunette
- the Namaste coat (for advanced) and Ninon jacket (for intermediate) from Coralie Bijasson
- the Hathor jacket and Rainbow sweatshirt from Iam Patterns
- the elegant shirt or the dreamer pajamas from Les Beaux Gosses 
- the pretty George dress from Atelier Bernie
- the Monceau vest and Ségur top from Cozy little world
- ...

Pattern budget: starting at €15 for the printed and €9.5 for the PDFs

5. A course

Whether you're a beginner or advanced, learning new techniques can be fantastic! Plus, group courses allow you to meet other enthusiasts and share experiences. It gets us out of our comfort zone and sometimes gives us the confidence to try more complicated techniques. 

A really great and popular course is our serger discovery workshops. To join, you need an intermediate sewing level. 

Another fun course is the fabric discovery where even a beginner can participate. 

Course budget: from €35

6. Labels to customize all your sewing projects

A smaller budget gift that’s really appreciated is customizable labels. I must say we’re quite fans at the workshop. We use them to decorate our bags and sewing projects. 

There are packs of 5 of the same labels or mixed ones. 

Budget: from €2.50 to €7.50 per pack

7. A thread cutter jewelry or a magnetic needle case

They are little must-haves in my sewing box. I love the thread cutter to wear as jewelry that I always take with me when I go on vacation. It passes airport security and lets me sew and embroider on the plane. 

The magnetic needle case also goes everywhere with me. Without it, I’m always looking for my needle and constantly losing it! In short, my thread cutter and needle case have become essentials in my sewing and embroidery box. 

Thread cutter budget: around €20

Needle case budget: €8.90

8. A pretty printed of needles for hand sewing

Bohin releases needles in collector packaging and each time the printed are super beautiful. Some seamstresses even like to collect them. 

We really love them at the workshop and it’s always nice to receive a beautiful and useful object! 

Printed budget: €4.30

9. A sewing machine or a serger

Among the expensive gifts, there is of course the sewing machine and the serger... and that’s quite a budget but what a joy to unwrap your new toy under the tree! 

In short, if you want to score points gentlemen, ladies... all that's left is to break the piggy bank! 

Machine budget: no limit 😂

10. A gift card

Finally, for those out of inspiration, the gift card remains a great option. People can use it for supplies, courses... to use all at once or several times 😊. 

There you go, I hope you liked these gift ideas! 

And until then... get your needles ready!