I have divided the guide into three sections: Gifts for New Knitters, Gifts for Experienced Knitters and Whimsical Things.

Gifts for New Knitters

• A nice pair of needles with some nice yarn is always welcome. I recommend buying a set 4mm (US6) bamboo needles such as these or these. These needles go with double-knitting yarn, a common yarn type in the UK. For a funky scarf, two balls of James C. Brett Marble DK would be plenty, a blingy version would take two balls of King Cole Galaxy DK and a really luxurious version would take three balls of Rowan Baby Alpaca DK.
• Why not give your New Knitter a class in a local craft shop to help her skill up and meet fellow knitters? Here in Glasgow, The Life Craft offers great introductory courses on how to knit among other things. You would have to check the directory for your area, but most UK cities have similar places.
• Books! You will want to find a book that has cool patterns which are not too daunting. Sarah Hatton’s “Ten Simple, Cosy Projects” is a great little book filled with totally achievable patterns. You could combine the book with yarn for one of the projects and suitable needles.
• Most knitters love gadgets no matter their skill level. A New Knitter will love finding anything from a knitting gauge or a sheepy measuring tape to fun little project bags or stitch markers (available in all shapes and sizes from fun ones to very stylish ones).

Gifts for Experienced Knitters:

• Speaking of gadgets, a ball winder is top of most Experienced Knitters’ lists. Gift it together with an umbrella swift and you would be the best gift buyer ever. Other Experienced Knitters’ gadgets include sock blockers (available as a cute keyring too!) and blocking wires. You might also consider fun little project bags or stitch markers (available in all shapes and sizes from fun ones to very stylish ones).
• Experienced Knitters will already own a lot of knitting needles, but they can never have too many – especially if they like to work on many different projects at any one time. KnitPro is currently the brand to be seen using and luckily KnitPro caters to all budgets. On a tight budget? KnitPro cable needles. Able to spend a bit more? The KnitPro Starter Set would be ideal. In the mood to spend? The KnitPro Deluxe set is your answer.
• Yarn! If you want to give your Experienced Knitter a real treat, consider buying her some handdyed yarn in her favourite colour. I love Old Maiden Aunt Yarns, but you should also take a look at Juno Fiber Arts, Nimu Yarns and EasyKnits. One hank of yarn is enough for a project, but consider buying two if your budget allows.
• A subscription to a popular knitting magazine is really a gift that keeps giving. One of the most popular UK knitting magazines is The Knitter whilst Interweave Knits is a very popular US magazine. UK yarn company Rowan also offers a subscription which includes two magazines, membership newsletters, and discount on UK workshops.
• And speaking of which, workshop vouchers are a great gift. Many yarn shops offer advanced classes on finishing techniques, sock knitting and a dozen other topics. Booking a class directly may involve some sleuthing, so go for a voucher if you are unsure.

Whimsical Things:

• How about jewellery made from knitting needles?
• Shawl pins will be welcomed by most knitters who have tried to wrap themselves up in a pashmina or shawl only to re-wrap themselves five minutes later.
• Fact: knitters love buttons. Textile Garden and Bedecked specialise in luxury buttons. Why not make a little bag with a selection of stunning buttons?
• You can get a lot of jewellery aimed at knitters such as earrings, brooches and necklaces.
• Tote bags. A godsend for a serious knitter on her way to knit night. Yarn Play Cafe has a huge selection of fun tote bags aimed at your own personal bag lady knitter.
• Finally, you could always succumb to getting a t-shirt made. There are many design out there so you are sure to find something suitable.

I hope you found this guide useful. And I also hope you will make a knitter very happy this Christmas.

All links work as of December 5, 2011. Please note any postal deadlines relevant to your location.