Whether you are looking for a new hobby to start, or for a great gift for a friend, we’ve scoured the internet for the best craft kits for adults. DIY kits are a low-investment, fun way to try out a new craft which could become a life-long hobby. Each of these craft kits are ones we’ve bought or would love to try ourselves. And as makers of craft kits ourselves, we’ve learned a lot about what makes the perfect kit!
What to Look for when Buying Craft Kits for Adults
As we mentioned above, craft kits are a great way to get your feet wet with a new craft. They’re also perfect for someone with a short attention span as they’re generally designed to be completed within a few days.
When shopping for a craft kit for an adult or a child, be sure to look out for the following:
high quality materials;
full set of detailed instructions;
inclusion of all the necessary tools and supplies you’ll need to make the project;
good product 5-star reviews (if buying online);
double check the finished project size so it isn’t larger or smaller than what you’re expecting.
All of the art and craft kits we’ve selected below are sold online. They’ve been assembled by like-minded makers to include all of the materials needed to get started. This list is perfect for crafters who enjoy trying new and different creative projects. They’re also a great solution for those who don’t know exactly where to start.
Since all of our own DIYs and crafts are mostly inspired by nature, such as our driftwood crafts or our pine cone projects, we’ve thoughtfully selected an assortment of craft kits that are made with natural materials, such as merino wool, mulberry bark paper, cotton cording, coconut and beeswax and so on.
We also have a great collection of craft kits for kids if you need ideas for the little ones.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. You can find our full disclosure here.
With hand-picked driftwood pieces, acrylic paints, embellishments, and step-by-step instructions, this DIY craft kit is unique and perfect for beginner or seasoned crafter alike.
Not only does Winnie’s Picks have gorgeous paint-by-number kits for all skill-levels, but you can even send in a photo and they’ll create a custom kit for you. The kits include a high-quality canvas, all the paints and even brushes you’ll need to complete the project. We sent in a picture of our parents’ home and are now painting it to give them as an Anniversary gift!
Have you heard of paint pouring? It’s not a new form of art but has definitely grown in popularity over the last year. With a starter kit, you’ll be able to experiment and perfect your paint pouring skills to create some really beautiful effects.
Diamond painting is our latest crafting obsession! With intricate designs and kits geared at beginner, advanced and pro skill levels, ArtDot makes diamond painting kits an ideal gift that will be enjoyed during and after the creation process. ArtDot also offers a budget-friendly selection of tools and storage cases to make crafting time even more enjoyable. Be sure to use our code SUS10 for an additional 10% off your order!
If you’ve wanted to try tie dye, this natural dye kit is one to try! These kits have wonderful reviews and inspiring customer completed project photos such as tie dyed baby clothing, t-shirts, t-towels and more.
If bright and vivid is more your style, this multi-color tie dye kit will take you right back to when you were a kid! We can still remember creating our own tie-dyed t-shirts in the backyard. Have you ever tried tie-dye?
Combined with a couple of sketch pads or an coloring book for adults, a set of Ohuhu Dual Tip Alcohol Ink markers in vibrant colors are sure to get your creativity flowing! We have a set of these at home and my girls dip into them to make special cards for our family members and friends.
Learn how to make your own gorgeous candles with this highly-rated kit. You can even select your own scents and inclusions! The kit includes supplies to make six candles making this perfect for those craft nights with friends!
With a variety of scents to choose from, gift packaging available and even a video tutorial, this make a great kit for the whole family to craft together.
Have you ever tried making paper flowers? This creative kit comes with everything you need to make a geometric box filled with beautiful paper flowers. All you need to do is assemble them. And another perk about these flowers: no watering needed! The kit includes a variety of paper leaves and flowers, the box, twine and a simple assembly guide. What a grat beginner kit to try!
Hand lettering is all the rage! We see it everywhere from artwork, rocks, greeting cards, throw pillows, fashion, you name it. This hand lettering starter kit includes everything you need to learn this fabulous and versatile skill.
Made from the bark of a mulberry tree, these natural papers with matching envelopes are a great start to homemade cards. Simply embellish with a lovely rubber stamp, a pressed flower, hand lettering or even some paint.
If you’ve ever wanted to try crocheting, the Woobles learn to crochet kits are an excellent place to start! These TikTok-viral kits come in a variety of designs such as Pierre the Penguin, Kiki the Chick, and Jojo the Bunny. Perfect for kids and adults, these kits come with beginner-friendly craft supplies and step-by-step video instructions. What a wonderful gift to give a loved one: a new fun hobby! And they’re so cute, you’ll want to make and collect them all.
For more advanced crocheters, these crochet bunnies are so soft and squishy! We couldn’t help but add them to this list. The kit includes all the materials to make three (yes, that’s right, three!) crochet bunnies, in a gorgeous natural 100% lambswool.
If you're considering either laser engraving or vinyl cutting machines, take a look at the xTool M1! The all-in-one kit has everything you'd need to get started with paper, wood or vinyl crafting. You can find more details and our full xTool M1 review here.
Gift the gift of basket weaving! This is one craft I have always wanted to try but never knew where to begin. Learn the basics with this kit and just imagine the possibilities. The materials and tutorial are included so all you need to do is decide when to start!
We’re in love with this starter needle felting kit! Needle felting has become a pretty popular craft these days. And how can you not love these adorable cats and dogs? The kits would make great birthday gifts. They come packed with felt, needles, finger protectors, felting mat and instructions to make 12 adorable characters.
You can create your own aromatherapy candle with this fully equipped how-to starter kit. The kit itself makes for a thoughtful gift giving idea or make for yourself or even as a handmade gift for a candle loving friend.
Have you ever tried macrame? With so many different patterns and decorative uses, it’s no wonder this craft is so popular these days. There are different degrees of skill level, so pick the right one for you. This beautiful macrame owl wall hanging has so much texture and interest.
Junk journaling is the process of creating beautiful keepsake books with various scraps and other items (junk). These kits take this trending craft to the next level with beautifully themed materials. Check out this Jane Austin themed kit – use the craft supplies to make journals, homemade cards and more.
Are you wondering what is a super chunky knit “snood”? Well, it’s a combination of a hood and a scarf making it a very versatile fashion accessory! The kit comes with beautiful natural merino wool yarn, knitting needles and two different sized patterns as well. With a range of color options available, this is ideal for all kinds of makers, those new to knitting as well as more advanced knitted. Make for yourself or as a gift for someone you love.
Learning to knit while making a scarf is the perfect beginner project. This is how I first started to knit and ever since I’ve been hooked, no pun intended! The kit includes everything you need to make a stylish new scarf that you’ll be proud to show off.
Throw pillows are the perfect accessory for any room, especially soft, knitted pillows. They add a cozy, luxurious feel to any space. Enjoy making your own or give the kit as a gift for a knit-loving friend.
The kit includes everything you need to make eight complete and beautiful necklaces. Purchase the kit for yourself or a loved one and enjoy making your own jewelry. Or perhaps consider planning a craft night with the girls. How fun would that be?
If you haven’t yet tried watercolor painting, this is the kit for you. It includes all the materials needed to start painting beautiful, colorful florals. It’s a wonderful gift idea for a new artist just beginning to flourish.
They have beginner kits for all levels including this owlet hoop art kit great for children to get started on.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of some of the best art and craft kits for adults. Consider these kits as gift ideas for friends, mothers, sisters, teachers, etc. And if you’re looking for additional specific ideas, we have this collection of the 20 Macrame Kits for Beginners and Cutest Needle Felting Kits.
Coming up with the perfect gift can be tough, really tough. I personally agonize over whether or not the gift will be unique enough, personal enough, or even useful enough. With these kits, you can make a handmade gift from the heart or share the gift of learning a new skill with someone you love. You could even buy one of these kits for yourself. We all deserve to treat ourselves from time to time, don’t we?
And although these are not considered craft kits, take a look at these popsicle stick crafts for adults! It’s hard to believe these creations were made from something as simple and inexpensive as popsicle sticks!
Popsicle Stick Crafts for Adults
It’s about time someone thinks about the big kids, don’t you think? You’re welcome :). We’d love to hear, which of these craft kits for adults would you love to get?
These are such great kits! I would love to have the hand lettering and macrame kits in particular. You're so right, these would all be amazing and thoughtful gifts!
Jane and Sonja
Thursday 18th of January 2018
Thank you Joann! You know, macrame is one of those crafts that I'd always wanted to try. One of our aunts used to make the most beautiful wall hangings growing up. I think I may need to pick up this kit, just to give it a try!
Joann @ Woman in Real Life
Monday 15th of January 2018
These are such great kits! I would love to have the hand lettering and macrame kits in particular. You're so right, these would all be amazing and thoughtful gifts!
Jane and Sonja
Thursday 18th of January 2018
Thank you Joann! You know, macrame is one of those crafts that I'd always wanted to try. One of our aunts used to make the most beautiful wall hangings growing up. I think I may need to pick up this kit, just to give it a try!