December 10, 2025
Creative Gift Guide: The Maker
There’s something special about giving a gift that sparks creativity, especially for the makers in your life who love trying new techniques or diving into their next project. That’s why we’re continuing our Holiday Gift Guide Series—to help you find thoughtful, inspiring gifts for every creator on your list with a little help from Home Office.
Each week leading up to the holidays, a member of the Creative Memories team shares their personal shopping list, including what they’re adding to their own craft spaces and the meaningful gifts they’ve picked out for friends and family. From must-have tools to longtime favorites, these guides make holiday gifting simple and full of creative possibilities.
This week’s gift guide comes from Annalisa Smola from Home Office, who fully embraces her role as The Maker and loves choosing gifts that encourage hands-on creativity.
Watch this video to learn what Annalisa selected for her gift guide and why!
Some words from Annalisa:
When the holidays roll in, I always find myself drawn to gifts that feel intentional and hands-on — the kind that spark inspiration the moment they’re unwrapped. As “The Maker,” I love choosing presents that help someone explore a new hobby or dive deeper into one they already love, which is why my list this year is full of Creative Memories favorites. These scrapbooking gifts and crafting essentials are perfect for beginners and seasoned creators alike, whether you’re shopping for someone who’s always working on a DIY project, wants to start their first scrapbook, or simply enjoys meaningful creative time.
What I love most about these products is how naturally they invite creativity. They’re more than crafting supplies — they’re memory-keeping tools that encourage storytelling, reflection, and time spent doing something that matters. Whether you’re picking out a beginner kit, adding to someone’s stash, or choosing tools to help them capture their favorite moments, these gifts are thoughtful, personal and fun to use all year long. And that, to me, is the heart of giving: helping someone create something beautiful with the memories they treasure most.
What I am treating myself to:
| Product Name | Rationale |
| CCS Bundle | The Custom Cutting System Bundle feels like the next step in my maker journey, giving me the ability to cut perfect circles and shapes that make every layout look polished and intentional. |
| Photo Trimmer | I decided this year that I’m treating myself to the tools that will help me level up my craft. The Photo Trimmer gives me those crisp, precise cuts and lets me reserve my regular paper trimmer for paper only — keeping it in better condition while my photos get the clean, professional edges they deserve. |
What I am gifting to a teacher:
| Product Name | Rationale |
| Rainbow Pens Bundle | Teachers love having their own set of special pens — the ones students aren’t allowed to borrow — and the Rainbow Pens Bundle gives them a bright, cheerful set that stays together and ready for grading, planning and classroom creativity. It adds a pop of color to charts, notes and feedback while giving them a fun, distinctly-theirs tool they’ll reach for every day. |
| Jumbo Tape Runner | From decorating bulletin boards to posting student work, teachers are constantly adhering things around the classroom — and the Jumbo Tape Runner makes it fast, clean and reliable. It’s strong enough for posters, gentle enough on paper and saves them from dealing with messy glue sticks or wall-damaging tape. It’s the quiet hero behind every polished, put-together classroom display. |
| Cool Vibes Trio Card Kit | This card kit is a perfect gift for teachers who love adding a personal touch to their classroom. They can use it to create encouraging notes for students, thoughtful thank-yous for families or quick cards to celebrate milestones — or even turn it into a simple craft activity. It makes heartfelt communication easy, meaningful and creative. |
Have you enjoyed our Holiday Gift Guides? From The Journaler to The Hostess, we’ve shared curated picks for every kind of loved one on your list. Make sure you’re all caught up—click through each guide below to find the perfect gifts that inspire creativity, preserve memories, and spread joy this holiday season!
Want to hear more about Annalisa’s Creative Memories gift guide? Check out this video to see what went behind her gift list.
Like seeing how Home Office is gifting this holiday season? Be sure to check out our weekly gift guides letting you in on our shopping carts!
Don’t miss the holiday shipping deadline! To make sure your perfect gift arrives in time for the holidays, make sure you place your order by Dec. 9 in the US, Dec. 7 in Canada and Dec. 7 in Australia.
I love how this gift guide celebrates thoughtful, creativity-sparking presents that inspire makers to explore new projects and cherish meaningful moments — it makes holiday gifting feel truly personal and joyful!
Aw, we are so happy you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays :)