Cricut Gift Guide for Beginners

If you're new to the world of Cricut, here is the ULTIMATE Cricut Gift Guide for Beginners!

Whether you just purchased a new Cricut machine or are looking into one, it can be overwhelming to know just what tools and supplies you really need. I've been a Cricut user for 5+ years, so I've put together the ultimate list of Cricut accessories and supplies that every Cricut beginner will need to get started. If you got a Cricut machine for Christmas, Black Friday, or another special occasion, use this guide for yourself or send it to a loved one!

Since this post is aimed at a Cricut beginner, let's start talking machines! If you don't own one yet, I know that it can be overwhelming to make such a big decision. It is definitely an investment, and I want to help you be informed. You can also take a look at this other post to decide which Cricut machine is the right one for you!

If you want to compare machines, here are some helpful posts:
Cricut Explore vs Silhouette Cameo
Cricut Explore vs Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Cricut Maker

Now that we've covered the machine basics, let's get to the Cricut accessories! These are supplies that you will need to successfully use your Explore or Maker machine.

Cricut Mats

The Cricut Mats come in a variety of strengths to help keep your materials in place as they are cut. Use the LightGrip (Blue) Mat for standard paper, light cardstock, and vellum; StandardGrip (Green) for heavy cardstock, iron-on, and vinyl; and StrongGrip (Purple) for specialty cardstock, and heavy materials like matboard, leather, and wood. The FabricGrip (Pink) Mat is made with the perfect amount of adhesive to cut fabrics with the Rotary Blade (Maker machine) or the Bonded-Fabric Blade (Explore machines).

The mats are all reusable, but the adhesive does wear down after multiple uses. I would recommend keeping spare mats on-hand, and purchasing them when they are on sale. You can also get 12"x24" mats in all of the grip strengths to use for larger projects!

Blades

All Cricut machines come with a Premium Fine-Point Blade & Housing. The blades actually last quite a long time, but if you notice your cuts aren't as clean as they once were, keep a set of replacement blades around to switch out your old blade for a brand new one. You can also get replacements for the Deep Point Blade, Rotary Blade, and Knife Blade.

Basic Tools and Accessories

To get the most for your money, I would recommend getting the Essential Tool Set. It comes with everything you need: scraper, scissors, tweezers, weeding hook, spatula, trimmer (with replacement blade and scoring blade), and a scoring stylus that can be used in your machine.

If you do a lot of crafting with vinyl, I recommend adding the Weeding Tool Set to the Essential Tool Set. For sewing, the Sewing Kit, Brayer, and Rotary Cutting Kit are just what you'll need.

Cricut Access

A lot of new Cricut users need help finding images and/or projects to make. Cricut Access gives you unlimited access to 100,000+ images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. You also get a 10% discount on every single Cricut product on cricut.com - including machines and sale items! Every new Cricut machine comes with a free trial. Once your free trial has run out, you can sign up for a subscription:

The Standard Cricut Access has a monthly subscription or an annual subscription. Either way, you get the unlimited access to the 100,000+ images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. You also get a 10% discount on every single Cricut product on cricut.com (including machines and sale items), and you'll also get a 10% savings on premium licensed fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects from brands like Disney, Sanrio, Simplicity, and Anna Griffin.

With the Premium Cricut Access subscription, you get everything included the Standard subscription, PLUS up to 50% savings on additional licensed fonts, images, and ready-to-make projects that aren’t included in the Standard Access plan, as well as free shipping on orders over $50.

Cricut Materials

Iron-On Vinyl

A lot of Cricut users LOVE creating with iron-on vinyl (also known as HTV)! The most common project is custom t-shirts and onesies, but you can put iron-on vinyl on things like tote bags, canvas, wood, leather, and more! HTV comes in variety of finishes, including regular Everyday Iron-On, Foil, Patterned, and Glitter. Make sure that you also have the Weeding Tool Set!

Cricut EasyPress 2

The EasyPress 2 allows you to transfer your Iron-On to your project with exact temperature control, and you'll get professional quality results in 60 seconds or less! The EasyPress 2 comes in four different sizes: mini, 6x7, 9x9, and 12x10.

You’ll also want to grab an EasyPress mat to keep your work surface safe from the heat and to provide even pressure on your whole project.

Adhesive Vinyl

Adhesive vinyl comes in variety of styles, including basic, glitter, foil, patterned, and more. You can use vinyl for decals and labels, home decor, organization, car windows, and so much more. You'll also need to make sure to have the Weeding Tool Set.

Transfer Tape

Transfer tape is essential to transfer your vinyl design from the backing sheet to your project. The clear tape with the grid also helps you to make sure to get your design on straight.

Paper

Paper is forgiving and inexpensive, so it’s a great material to start with when working with your Cricut. Use paper for scrapbooking and card making, or use cardstock, kraftboard, glitter cardstock and more for making your own paper flowers, decorating the classroom, creating holiday and party decor, and so much more!

The Scraper and Spatula Set are great for carefully removing paper pieces from your mats. I also highly recommend quilling tools to help make perfect paper flowers!

I hope this Cricut Gift Guide has been helpful so that you know what you need to get started. If you got a Cricut machine for Christmas, Black Friday, or another special occasion, use this guide for yourself or send it to a loved one!

If you have any questions about your new Cricut, please feel free to ask them in the comments! If you already have a Cricut and have anything to add, please share them in the comments as well! I know learning to use your new Cricut can be overwhelming, so remember I’m here to help.