Best Christmas Craft Supplies to Stock Up on Before the Holidays
Picture this: it’s December 20th, you’re finally ready to make those adorable handmade ornaments you saw on Pinterest, and the craft store is completely wiped out of red glitter and ribbon. Sound familiar? Every year, thousands of crafters face this exact frustration because they waited too long to gather their supplies.
That’s why knowing the best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays is absolutely essential for anyone planning festive DIY projects. Whether you’re making gifts for loved ones, decorating your home, or keeping the kids entertained during winter break, having the right materials on hand makes all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly which supplies fly off shelves first, where to find the best deals, and how to build a holiday crafting kit that will serve you for years to come.
Ready to become a prepared holiday crafter? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to stock your craft room before the holiday rush hits.
Why Stocking Up on Christmas Craft Supplies Early Matters
Timing is everything when it comes to holiday crafting. The most popular Christmas craft supplies start disappearing from store shelves as early as mid-November. By the first week of December, finding specific colors, styles, or specialty items becomes nearly impossible.
Beyond availability, there’s the price factor. Craft stores offer their best sales in October and early November—think 50-70% off seasonal items. Wait until December, and those same supplies often return to full price or get marked up due to demand.
Planning ahead also reduces stress significantly. When you have all your materials ready, you can focus on the joy of creating rather than scrambling to find that one essential item. If you love exploring fun crafts to make at home, having supplies ready means spontaneous crafting sessions are always possible.
Essential Paper and Cardstock for Holiday Projects
Paper products form the foundation of countless Christmas crafts. From handmade cards to gift tags and scrapbook pages, quality paper makes your projects look professional and polished.
Must-Have Paper Types
Cardstock should be your first purchase. Stock up on traditional Christmas colors—red, green, white, gold, and silver—in both solid and patterned varieties. Look for weights between 65-110 lb for versatility.
Specialty papers add magic to your creations. Glitter cardstock, vellum, kraft paper, and metallic papers create stunning effects. Don’t forget tissue paper for gift wrapping and paper mache projects.
Patterned scrapbook paper featuring snowflakes, plaid, ornaments, and winter scenes sells out quickly. Buy these in variety packs for the best value and selection.
Best Christmas Craft Supplies: Ribbons, Trims, and Embellishments
Nothing elevates a holiday project quite like beautiful ribbons and trims. These decorative elements transform simple crafts into gift-worthy creations and are among the first supplies to disappear during the holiday season.
Ribbon Essentials
Wired ribbon is incredibly versatile for bows, wreaths, and package toppers. Purchase several widths—from narrow 3/8″ for gift tags to wide 2.5″ for statement bows. Focus on classic patterns: buffalo plaid, velvet, satin, and burlap.
Grosgrain and satin ribbons work perfectly for ornament hangers and card embellishments. These come in every color imaginable and often go on sale in multi-packs.
Trims and Embellishments
Pom-pom trim, rickrack, and lace add texture and whimsy to stockings, ornaments, and fabric projects. Stock up on both traditional red and green plus trendy neutrals like cream and gold. Embellishments like buttons, sequins, rhinestones, and jingle bells add those finishing touches that make handmade items special.
When creating DIY handmade gifts, these small details show your recipients just how much thought you put into their presents.
Adhesives and Tools You Can’t Craft Without
Having the right adhesives prevents crafting disasters. Different materials require different bonding solutions, so building a complete adhesive collection now saves frustration later. Hot glue guns and glue sticks remain the most essential crafting tool.
Purchase extra glue sticks—you’ll use more than you think, especially for wreaths and ornaments. Consider both regular and mini guns for different project sizes. Craft glue, tacky glue, and fabric glue each serve specific purposes.
E6000 works wonders for heavy embellishments and mixed media projects. Double-sided tape and glue dots provide mess-free options for paper crafts. Don’t overlook tools like sharp scissors (dedicated craft scissors stay sharper longer), rotary cutters, cutting mats, and precision knives.
These are perfect for home craft projects quick setups where efficiency matters.
Fabric, Felt, and Textile Supplies for Festive Creations
Textile crafts produce some of the most cherished holiday items—stockings, tree skirts, ornaments, and cozy gifts. The best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays definitely include quality fabrics.
Felt Favorites
Craft felt is inexpensive, easy to work with, and perfect for ornaments, gift card holders, and kids’ projects. Buy sheets in classic Christmas colors plus skin tones for making characters like Santa and elves. Wool felt, while pricier, offers superior quality for heirloom ornaments.
Its thickness and texture create professional-looking results worth the investment.
Fabric Must-Haves
Cotton quilting fabric in holiday prints works for everything from gift bags to table runners. Fat quarters offer variety without committing to large yardage. Fleece and flannel create cozy blankets, scarves, and no-sew projects.
Red and green solids plus winter-themed prints disappear fast from stores.
Paint, Glitter, and Finishing Supplies
The magic of Christmas crafts often comes from sparkle and shine. Paint and glitter supplies transform ordinary objects into festive decorations. Acrylic craft paint in Christmas colors is essential.
Red, green, white, black, gold, and silver cover most projects. Metallic and glitter paints add instant holiday glamour to wood crafts, ornaments, and home decor. Fine and chunky glitter in various colors lets you add sparkle strategically.
Don’t forget glitter glue for controlled application—especially important when crafting with children. Mod Podge in various finishes (matte, gloss, sparkle) seals projects and creates decoupage effects. Spray sealers protect finished pieces and add unified sheen.
Looking for affordable options? Explore dollar store crafts ideas to stretch your budget while still creating beautiful holiday pieces.
Natural Elements and Specialty Items
Natural materials bring organic beauty and texture to holiday crafts. These items often have limited availability, making early purchasing crucial.
Natural Materials to Gather
Pinecones anchor countless Christmas arrangements. Collect them yourself or buy pre-cleaned and prepped pinecones to avoid unwanted critters. Various sizes offer different design possibilities.
Cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and whole star anise create fragrant, rustic ornaments and gift toppers. These natural elements add wonderful scents to your creations. Twine, jute, and raffia provide natural-looking hanging materials and decorative ties.
Wood slices, bark, and birch rounds serve as bases for painted ornaments and signs.
Specialty Supplies
Clear glass or plastic ornament balls allow for fill-and-display projects. Wreath forms, foam shapes, and styrofoam balls provide structure for three-dimensional crafts. Fairy lights and battery-operated LED strings add magical illumination to mason jar projects, lanterns, and centerpieces.
Kids’ Craft Supplies for Family Fun
Holiday crafting with children creates lasting memories. Stock up on kid-friendly supplies that inspire creativity while being safe and easy to use. Pipe cleaners (chenille stems) remain a kids’ crafting staple.
They bend into candy canes, wreaths, and countless characters. Metallic and glitter varieties add festive flair. Pom poms in various sizes become reindeer noses, snowman buttons, and fluffy accents.
Googly eyes bring characters to life instantly. Foam sheets and stickers provide mess-free crafting options. Pre-cut shapes speed up projects and help younger children participate successfully.
Washable markers, crayons, and kid-safe scissors round out your children’s crafting station. Having dedicated supplies prevents frustration when little hands want to create alongside you.
Storage and Organization for Your Craft Supplies
Investing in proper storage protects your supplies and makes future crafting sessions more enjoyable. When you know exactly where everything is, you can dive into projects immediately. Clear plastic bins let you see contents at a glance.
Label everything—future you will be grateful. Stackable containers maximize vertical storage space. Ribbon organizers prevent tangles and make color selection easy.
Hardware stores sell inexpensive dowel rods that work perfectly for DIY ribbon storage systems. Small compartmentalized boxes organize buttons, beads, and tiny embellishments. Tackle boxes and bead organizers work wonderfully for these items.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Christmas Craft Supplies
Smart shopping stretches your crafting budget significantly. Knowing where and when to buy helps you stock up without overspending. Major craft stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby run weekly sales and accept coupons.
Sign up for email lists and apps to receive exclusive discounts—40-50% off single items is common. Dollar stores offer surprising quality on basics like glue sticks, paintbrushes, and seasonal items. Check inventory frequently as stock varies by location.
Online retailers including Amazon, Etsy (for unique items), and craft store websites often beat in-store prices. Factor in shipping costs or use free shipping thresholds strategically. Post-holiday sales (December 26th onwards) offer 70-90% off seasonal supplies.
Stock up for next year while selection remains decent. If you enjoy exploring handmade gift craft ideas, buying ahead at these sales makes gift-giving more affordable.
Building Your Ultimate Christmas Crafting Kit Checklist
Having a comprehensive checklist ensures nothing essential gets forgotten during your shopping trips. Here’s a quick-reference list organized by category: Paper Products: Cardstock (solids and patterns), specialty papers, tissue paper, kraft paper Ribbons and Trims: Wired ribbon, satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, pom-pom trim, lace Adhesives: Hot glue gun and sticks, craft glue, tacky glue, double-sided tape, glue dots Textiles: Felt sheets, cotton fabric, fleece, flannel Paint and Finish: Acrylic paints, metallic paints, glitter, Mod Podge, sealers Embellishments: Buttons, sequins, rhinestones, jingle bells, googly eyes Natural Elements: Pinecones, cinnamon sticks, twine, wood slices Tools: Scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, paintbrushes
Conclusion: Start Your Holiday Crafting Journey Today
The best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays represent an investment in creativity, stress-free crafting, and memorable handmade moments. By purchasing paper products, ribbons, adhesives, textiles, paints, and embellishments early, you position yourself for a season filled with successful projects rather than frustrating store runs. Remember, the most organized crafters shop in October and November when selection peaks and prices drop.
Build your supply stash gradually if budget is a concern—even small purchases each week add up to a well-stocked craft room by December. Whether you’re creating ornaments, wrapping gifts, or decorating your entire home, having the right materials within reach transforms holiday crafting from stressful to joyful. The best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays aren’t just materials—they’re the foundation for traditions, gifts, and memories that last long after the season ends.
Now it’s your turn! Which supplies are you adding to your shopping list first? Share your must-have Christmas crafting materials in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this guide for reference during your next shopping trip.
Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to stock up on Christmas craft supplies? A: October and early November offer the best combination of selection and pricing. Craft stores run major sales during this period, and popular items haven’t sold out yet.
Shopping right after Halloween often yields excellent seasonal discounts. Q: What are the best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays for beginners? A: Start with versatile basics: cardstock in Christmas colors, a hot glue gun with extra sticks, ribbon in various widths, acrylic paint set, and felt sheets.
These materials work for dozens of simple projects and build your foundation for more complex crafts. Q: How much should I budget for Christmas craft supplies? A: Budget varies based on project scope, but $50-100 covers essential supplies for multiple projects when you shop sales strategically.
Focus on quality basics first, then add specialty items as budget allows. Using coupons can reduce costs by 40-50%. Q: Which Christmas craft supplies sell out fastest?
A: Red and green glitter, wired ribbon in popular patterns (especially buffalo plaid), clear ornament balls, and specialty patterned paper disappear quickest. Metallic paints and specific embellishments like jingle bells also sell out early in the season. Q: Can I use the best Christmas craft supplies to stock up on before the holidays for other occasions?
A: Absolutely! Many supplies transfer to other holidays and occasions. White, silver, and gold items work year-round.
Basic tools, adhesives, and neutral materials serve any project. Smart crafters buy versatile supplies that pull double duty across multiple celebrations.
