Whether you’re already decking the halls or going into full hibernation mode, Winter is coming and Christmas is just around the corner! As cosy and celebratory as this time of year can feel, it’s always tempered with the hectic hustle and bustle of frantic gift gathering and we’re here to save you from the last-minute scramble! We’re brimming over with ideas for Christmas goodies (for knitters and non-knitters alike!) so you can spread holiday cheer while supporting our small business.
FOR THE KNITTERS IN YOUR LIFE
Buy a book!
Anna’s bestselling book, Colourwork in the Round, is now finally available in English as well as French! In this book, Anna demystifies this traditional knitting technique through clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions as well as five gorgeous garment patterns, each suited to a range of different skill levels. It would be a wonderful addition to any knitter’s collection!
Create a kit!
Even if you missed out on our The Knit Before Christmas advent calendar, we sell everything you need to create a knitting kit on our site! First browse our patterns, then pick the quantity of yarn for your recipient’s size. You could even choose some festive colours like Trésor (gold) or Grenat (burgundy red), or some wintery tones like Louve (grey) or Royale (blue). And if you’re looking for a reusable wrapping paper alternative, why not wrap it up in our custom Along avec Anna 100% cotton bag?
Accessorize!
We have a growing selection of fun and whimsical custom Along avec Anna knitting accessories, and we believe accessories should be as pretty as they are practical! From, boxes of festively golden stitch markers, to illustrated marker sets, to unique enamel pins, these all make great cheerful and cheap presents and ideal stocking fillers!
Go digital!
For any last-minute gifters out there, sometimes you need the option of sending a gift that will arrive immediately (even on the day if need be!) without needing to worry about postage. Our Along avec Anna e-gift cards are perfect for this! You can personalise the amount you want to send (anywhere between £4.00 and £150.00) and the money is valid for the whole year to come. Gift cards give your loved ones just the right amount of flexibility to pick and choose, without losing that element of surprise! Alternatively, if you’d like to pick a specific digital pattern to send, head over to Ravelry! Just click on the “send as gift” link beneath “add to cart” and enter your recipient’s email address or Ravelry username to have it sent directly to them.
FOR THE NON-KNITTERS (WHO WE LOVE ANYWAY…)
For the non-knitter who just needs persuading
First ask yourself, is this person a non-knitter or are they actually a knitter who has yet to start knitting? If it’s the former, skip ahead to the next two paragraphs, but if it’s the latter, maybe it’s time you took matters into your own hands. We recently released our free ebook to teach beginners to knit: Keep Calm and Get Knitting, which includes a free pattern for the simple and stylish Easy Peasy Headband. It’s the perfect first project, so why not make a beginner’s knitting kit by accompanying the ebook (either printed or as a link) with one ball of our Double Merino and some 4 mm circular needles? Your newly knitting friend will be able to get going on their headband right away!
Knit your own gifts!
There’s nothing quite like giving handmade gifts for making someone feel special. Not only do they receive a completely unique present, but also get the gift of the time, thought and energy that has gone into it! But sometimes we don’t have fifty hours spare to make someone that perfect winter sweater, and we need a quick knit we can churn out that will still keep them cosy through the colder months. Our Snow Drop Headband with its wintery motif is perfect for this, and, best of all, the pattern is completely free! You’ll just need one ball of our Merino (fingering), one ball of our Silk Mohair, and a surreptitious way of asking for your friend’s head circumference…
No knitting required
Some people just aren’t drawn to knitting, and while we might not understand them, we accept them. But don’t worry, we still have a few gift ideas up our sleeve! For anyone who owns knitwear, knitter or not, our non-toxic wool shampoo, made in collaboration with our local business Tappermade, is perfect for taking care of all manner of natural knitwear, including machine knits. Finally, our unique enamel pins aren’t only for knitters! Our Scafell, Bowfell and Merrivale jumper pins make a cute wintery accessory or a great stocking filler with no crafting required!
Of course, this is only a small selection of what we have to offer, so check out our website for lots for gifting inspiration or get in touch with us if you have any questions! If you decide to give the gift of knitting this Christmas, let us know in the comments! And make sure to tag us on Instagram @along.avec.anna and use the hashtags #alongavecanna and #alongavecannayarn, so that we and other knitters can be inspired!
