One of the great things about knitting is that you don't need a lot to get started. However, there are an quite lot of fun gadgets that make the knitting experience that much better. Many of the knitting do-dads I've accumulated over the years have been the best Christmas presents. I'm sharing some of my favorites here, in the hopes that it will help out some poor husband type that may be desperately searching for a last minute holiday gift.

This list is ranked in order from beginner accessible, to the most advanced esoteric stuff you don't really need (but is still cool to have). Or in other words, from easy to awesome. They're all worth looking into. Click the links to get full details, I'm just here to hyperbolize!

1. Interchangeable Needle Set.
My dear husband, many moons ago, was an adorably clueless boyfriend. He knew nothing of my craft, but had sense enough to go to my favorite yarn shop and ask them what I might like. The nice lady there set him up with one of the best gifts I've ever received, the Denise Interchaneable Needle Set. This set has withstood years of abuse, and I can confidently endorse it's value and quality.

2. Needle Roll. (Etsy is the place for this)
Do you often see your favorite knitter riffling through their needle collection like a crazy person, throwing long pointy things aside without regard to nearby eyeballs or kittens? This person may be afflicted by a disturbing state of disorganization that is disrupting your happy home! Don't worry. I've got the solution: Get your lady an attractive needle roll and all will be well. Sunshine and crocheted flowers.

3. Double Pointed Needle Set (in a range of sizes).
 To the untrained eye, this item may look an awful lot like #1 on this list, but don't be fooled. Both sets will end up saving your knitter hundreds of dollars, but this set will yield many more hats, mittens and gloves. So if you'd prefer to receive hand knitted gifts on the smaller side, go with this option. I'd recommend a mid-range of sizes (US 5 to US 11, perhaps).

4. Scale
Now here's a multifunctional tool that's fun for everyone! A scale is useful for any knitter, especially if your recipient meets any of the following criteria: 1. She is meticulous. 2. She is not a robot with extra special sensors in her hands. 3. Or, most likely, if she's got an unusually large stash of half used balls of yarn. A scale can help her figure out how much yarn she'll need for her projects. My husband, Brian, knows that I've been touched with a bit of inspiration when the scale comes out and my stash erupts all over the living room (sorry about that, hun!) Another cool thing about a scale is that it is useful in the kitchen, or in Brian's case, for measuring home brewing ingredients (everyone wins!)

5.Yarn Swift.
Now this is some serious business! Aside from looking like the coolest thing that ever to happened to yarn, the swift will also improve your life! Has your knitter ever asked for your assistance in winding a ball of yarn? If she has, you know how boring holding that stupid loop of yarn can be. The yarn swift will make your hands obsolete, freeing you up for much more important things, like head scratching and nose picking.

6. Ball Winder.
The ball winder, like the yarn swift, is another super cool fast moving gadget. Be warned though, the ball winder is almost useless without a swift, so either get them together (advisable), or just go for the swift if your knitter doesn't already have one. Both of these gifts are perfect for the zealot knitter types that have really latched on to the craft and are never looking back!<!--more-->

7. Big Heavy Old-Man Calculator.
I've always had a special love for calculators. It is most certainly a little bit of my inner mathlete shining through. Earlier this year, I wore out my calculator, and thought I could get by with the calculator app on my iPhone. WRONG! How annoying is it to always be unlocking your calculator every minute? Admittedly, this isn't just for any knitter. It is one reserved for the few dorky knitter nerds like me that see every creative challenge as just another math problem to be solved. This is only appropriate for the budding designer types, if she's that, she'll love you forever when you get this for her!

8. Blocking Wires and Board.
These are super useful, and should probably be a little higher on this list. Actually, I have a little confession about this. I've never owned these items, but really REALLY want them. I'm adding this to my list in the hopes that someone will buy them for me this Christmas (hint, hint, Brian!).

Gift Certificate to a Local Yarn Shop.
When in doubt, a little mad money to spend (guilt free) on some yarn is NEVER a bad idea. If she's like me, the yarn shop is her favorite place, and she'd love any excuse to spend some time there. Though this is only a gift certificate, it is still extremely thoughtful, and she will appreciate that you're supporting her hobby.

10. Massage. The best gift of all! Your knitter works so hard to produce beautiful hand-made gifts. These things are made with care for people that probably don't even know or appreciate that she spent an entire weekend making a tiny little hat, or weeks of her free time on that fuzzy scarf. She's stiff and could use a little pampering, so go ahead and treat her to something she could really use!

Now, don't I look happy with my new calculator?!