Craft Kits and the ‘All-In-One’ Trap

You know what else? Those “complete” craft kits. Supposed to include everything, but somehow, when I open the box, half the stuff I need is “not included” in the tiniest font. Kits look tempting on the shelf. But do they actually save money? Or is it just less junk to shove in a closet?

Are Starter Kits Actually a Bargain?

Every influencer swears these kits “save you money.” Allegedly. I keep falling for it, thinking this time I won’t need to run to the store. Then I open the kit—tiny glue bottle (like, what am I supposed to do with this?), and I still need scissors or “optional” extras that are, surprise, not optional.

My friend paid $48 for a “deluxe” macrame kit. She thought she’d avoid extra costs. Next week, she’s at the store for more cord and beads because the kit ran out halfway through. The box claimed “everything included.” Wouldn’t it just be cheaper to buy supplies in bulk or swap with other crafters? Some kits on The Mother Huddle’s round-up actually include full-size materials, but a lot of them are just dressed-up starter packs.

The Reality of ‘Essential’ Kits for Beginners

Beginner kits dangle “simplicity”—no decisions, easy results, anyone can do it. Sounds good, until I realize they pick the colors and tools for me. Why does every kit come in green and beige? I bought a junk journaling kit that promised a “Jane Austen theme” (don’t ask), and it came with five floral papers, no glue, and some random washi tape. Ran out of paper halfway through, and the instructions said to “buy coordinating stamps separately.” You don’t see that until you’re buried in scraps. Sustain My Craft Habit says mixed media kits try to fill the gap, but most go heavy on fluff, light on actual supplies.

Not saying kits are useless—sometimes they’re a fun distraction—but “all-in-one” is a stretch unless you want something basic. Starter sets? More like sample platters. Technically “complete,” but only if your expectations are very, very low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still can’t decide if I’m crafting for joy or just blowing my grocery money on fake succulents and glitter glue. Somewhere between the receipts and the unopened gadgets, I started wondering why my closet keeps swelling.

What’s actually worth buying for crafting without wasting money?

Paint, glue, scissors. I used to buy every color, then months later, dig out the same five crusty tubes. There’s always a push for “essentials,” but honestly, a solid cutting mat and plain paper do more than a drawer full of random brayers and pom-pom trim. Looking at my supply drawer, the only thing I finish is masking tape.

Any insider tricks for scoring cheaper materials?

The thrill of a 70%-off washi tape bin never gets old. Friends swear thrift shops are goldmines (I mostly find sticky yarn and dusty candle holders). Coupon groups promise deals, but that fine print is a trap. If you’re patient, clearance bins at Dollar Tree or craft stores sometimes cough up better finds than the “premium” brands.

Do those bulk buys ever save cash, or is my closet just their retirement home?

Bought a giant bag of rainbow pipe cleaners. Used six. Ten years later, the rest are a weird art installation in my closet. Bulk is tempting, especially when multi-colored chenille stems go on sale, but unless you’re running a daycare, most will outlive your interest.

Which ‘must-have’ gadgets are truly must-haves, not just shelf-occupiers?

Label maker—sat untouched. “No-drip” hot glue gun—drips everywhere. Only a few tools are actually worth it: solid craft scissors, a decent cutting mat, basic white glue. Every year, someone declares a new “essential” (hello, die-cutting machine), but the basics always win. Forget what the “47 Essential Crafting Tools” lists say—half of them are wishful thinking.

Is starting a craft stash an investment or a ‘great idea’ that’ll never pay rent?

Everyone claims their stash saves money—four years into “scrapbooking” and I haven’t finished a single book. Some people see bins of yarn and get inspired; I just see receipts. Investment? More like emotional insurance for a rainy day you’re convinced you’ll finally “get around to it.”

How do I not end up on one of those hoarding shows with all the DIY leftovers?

Okay, so apparently you’re supposed to have those perfectly organized bins—acrylic, labeled, color-coded, whatever. That’s not happening. I’ve got a mess of cardboard boxes shoved behind the couch, and last week I glued my fingers together, again, because something leaked. I keep hearing people say, “Oh, just throw out what you haven’t used in a year.” Lies. Has anyone actually done that? I tell myself every January—yeah, this is the year, I’ll sort it all out, but then suddenly it’s like March and I’m at Michaels buying more glitter glue because, I don’t know, what if I need it?