If you have been toying with the idea of getting a Cricut machine or you want to put together the ultimate crafting bundle as a gift, this Cricut Gift Guide is for you! Keep reading to learn about machine options to consider, my favorite to go basic tools for weeding vinyl, and the Cricut vinyl materials I use most for crafts and gifts that make great stocking stuffers!
I have been happily crafting away with my Cricut machine for YEARS now and love that the “the possibilities are endless” when it comes to it’s capabilities.
Besides understanding the software and machine itself, a few key tools can help you have a more successful Cricut crafting experience. Follow along for my break down on the necessary tools for the beginner vs advanced crafter, tips and tricks about what materials to look for and explore all the fun this tool has to offer.
If you don’t want to read it all, you can easily shop these materials in my “Favorite Craft Supplies” list in my Amazon shop.
Cricut Gift Guide – Beginner Level Crafter
If you haven’t opened your machine yet, first, check out this box of Cricut Dos and Don’ts, then review the below list of Cricut materials I suggest all beginners to have for better cutting success.
- Cricut Machine – DUH! Choosing which Cricut machine really depends on what materials you think you might want to cut. I started with (and still love) my Explore Air 2! If you’re looking to create projects for party décor and t-shirt designs, using mostly cardstock and vinyl, this is probably the machine for you. If you’re looking to cut those materials, but also want to create designs with fabric, felt, leather, or poster board, or want to try things like scoring and embossing, you might want to look at the Cricut Maker. NOTE: I don’t have one but they also have a newer Cricut Maker 3 model out in marker if you’re looking for the latest and greatest!
- Basic Tools Kit – After the machine itself, you’re going to want this 5 piece basic tool kit to weed, cut and adhere the vinyl onto your surfaces. I use the scraper to smooth vinyl when using transfer tape, the weeder tool to pick up tiny pieces from an intricate design, and the spatula to help pick up cardstock shapes from the mat so they don’t curl or bend. The scissors and tweezers help separate any vinyl pieces as I’m working with layers or need exact placement so overall I recommend this bundle package than buying them separate. You can see all these in action on my instagram here.
- Sticky Mats – In order to cut your materials with a Cricut machine, you’ll need a sticky mat to adhere your materials to. Start with a 12 x 12” mat variety pack that includes a green standard grip (great for thicker cardstocks), blue light grip mat (great for lighter weight cardstocks and vinyl) and purple strong grip mat (great for thicker poster board or glitter paper). Once you get more into it, you might find that having additional mats in your favorite grip type is helpful for layered projects using multiple colors. For bigger projects, you might also consider 12 x 24″ mats down the road.
- Replacement cutting blades – While the blades do last through lots of cuts, there’s nothing like a new cutting session with a fresh blade! Circut brand does make fine point blades but I’ve found these knock off brand versions also work great with my Cricut Maker for a lesser cost.
- Brayer Roller – While not included in the basic tool kit, I consider this tool a staple for my Cricut crafts. Once you adhere you vinyl, cardstock and sticker paper to your sticky mat, this brayer is used to get out any air bubbles or wrinkles helping you achieve better cutting success.
- Tweexy Vinyl Holder – This little guy is actually meant to hold nail polish but can be worn on your opposite hand as you weed small pieces almost like a wearable garbage can. It comes in super handy when paired with the weeding hook in the above package, and especially with those tiny inners from letters. See it in action in my instagram reel!
Cricut Gift Guide – Vinyl Crafting Tips
If you’re looking to get into creating custom t-shirts, you’ll need iron on vinyl and a heat sources (either an iron or a heat press) to adhere it. If you’re looking to customize non fabric surfaces, like signs, sports equipment or mirrors, you’ll need adhesive vinyl and transfer tape. Consider reading to learn more about these materials and how to use them.
- Iron On Vinyl – Also known as HTV or heat transfer viny, this is the material type you’ll need to create projects on fabrics or even wood. Lots of brands make HTV but I personally like that from Siser best. They come in both rolls and sheets and if you’re unsure what colors you’ll need, start with an assortment pack! You can’t go wrong with getting a bulk roll of it in white or black. The shell tops of the girls’ mermaid Halloween costumes and Spark Joy t-shirts feature Glitter Iron On that really gives some sparkle. The iridescent look of the holographic vinyl works great for mermaid and unicorn designs, which are oh so trendy these days! They also make patterned iron-on for those who love a certain print or favorite licensed character!
- EasyPress 2 Machine – Yes, you can use a regular iron to add iron on designs to t-shirts, bags and canvases, but you’ll find the benefits of these machines really come in handy if you plan to do it a lot. These machines allow you to adjust temperature settings depending on the material and include a timer to countdown how long you should be holding the press on the surfaces. It provides even heat over your full design vs. an iron that has to be moved a lot and includes a lot of human error issues. The machine comes in a variety of sizes but the largest one is the one I used most for t-shirts and totes.
- EasyPress 2 Mat – This mat helps to protect your surface area from heat and moisture and is much better than your home ironing board. Tip: If you go with the larger size EasyPress, get the larger sized mat too!
- Adhesive Vinyl Materials – To add a personalized design to a non fabric surfaces, you’ll need adhesive vinyl. I’ve personalized storage tubs, drawers in my craft room, ornaments, drink glasses, notebooks, Christmas ornaments, and signs using adhesive vinyl! I suggest grabbing a few samplers pack so you have an assortment of colors on hand until you know what specific colors you need for a project. Make sure to check out other fun adhesive vinyl, like Holographic Sparkle, Disney licensed patterned vinyl, and Holographic threads.
- Vinyl Transfer Tape – Transfer tape is used to remove your adhesive vinyl material from the carrier sheet and apply it to the final surfaces. The best part – you can usually reuse this tape multiple times to get a lot of use from one roll! You’ll also need the scrap from your basic tool kit.
More Cricut Tutorials
Once you get your machine, check out my Cricut beginner’s guide with dos and don’ts for lots of Cricut made fun!
How to use the Cricut Foil Transfer Tool
How to make waterproof stickers
How to make stickers using Cricut Print then Cut
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