New and updated for 2025!
Looking for a gift for a potter? Or maybe you want to treat yourself to something? This post includes a bunch of gift ideas for someone who works with clay, starting with our top picks and then has sections for gifts under $30, under $50, under $100, and concludes with gift ideas over $100.
When shopping, keep in mind that most potters probably already have a basic tool kit and a few others tools. In a separate post, we’ve also got a handy guide to the best tools for pottery beginners, and there are many other posts on this site with reviews of tools we love.
Note: This site uses affiliate links for sites such as Amazon and Blick. If you click the links and complete a purchase, we may receive a percentage at no extra cost to you.
Top Picks: Gifts for Potter and Ceramic Artist
Pottery Apron
Everyone who works with clay can use an apron. The Claypron is our top pick and costs around $40. Designed for working at the potter’s wheel, it features a split, overlapping leg with ties at the neck and waist. Available in a variety of colors, it is made with high-quality, machine-washable cotton.
Hand builders may find the Claypron to be a bit long. If you are looking for a different style of apron, check out our complete guide to pottery aprons or keep scrolling to see another apron recommendation.
Recommended for: everyone but especially potters
Cost: $40
Soolla Studio Bag
Soolla Bag in 80s Windbreker pattern.
The Soolla Studio Bag is a canvas art tote that comes in a wide variety of solid colors and a patterns, and is washable. A well thought out bag, it has 30+ pockets for small tools and a large central opening, along with padded handles. This is an awesome bag from a small company that would make a great gift for any potter. The bag typically retails for $55 to $65 depending on the pattern and style.
Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $55–$65
Gifts Under $30
Kemper Clay Drill
The Kemper Clay Drill
This single tool is a workhorse and replaces an entire set of hollow hole punches, many of which are more difficult to use and clean. The Kemper Clay Drill is easy to use, a breeze to clean, and is the best way to make holes in greenware for teapots, flower pots, lamp cords, or wherever you need a hole. This quality steel tool can drill a hole as small as 1/16” of an inch or as big as 3/4”. Simple insert and twist, and keep drilling to your desired diameter. The beveled edge results in a clean, even hole. It costs around $6.
Recommended for: potters
Cost: $5.79
Xiem Studio Tools BatMate
The Xiem Studio Tools Bat Mate
The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12-inch diameter piece of synthetic fabric that can be placed in between a bat and wheel head to virtually eliminate any wobble, improving the accuracy of throwing and trimming. Many potters, however, wet the fabric and place it directly on a wheel head to use when trimming pots. Pots will stay put just by tension, without adding little balls of clay wadding. This saves time and works just as well. At around $15, this is a tool that gets used all the time once it’s in a potter’s kit.
Recommended for: potters
Cost: $14
Hand Cream
Weleda Skin Food
There are lots of great everyday creams, such as O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream (shop at Amazon), but a real upgrade is Weleda Skin Food. It’s a rich, luxurious cream that will help protect hands during a long studio session or at home. This extra thick cream smells great, melds into your skin quickly, and the squeeze tube makes it easy to use at home or studio. The “original” comes in a 2.5 ounce squeeze tube and Skin Food Body Butter is available in a 5 ounce glass jar.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists
Cost: $17
Multi-Function Titanium-Fused PRO Trimming Tool by Xiem Tools
The small, medium, and large multifunction trimming tools from Xiem Tools.
Xiem makes a lot of great tools, but their Multi-Function Pro Trimming Tools are really wonderful, with a long-lasting titanium-fused metal blade, comfortable wooden handle, and most of all, a distinctive and functional shape. In a test of loop tools, these were some of our favorites and they continue to impress in the studio. These are available individually or set of three. If getting just one, choose the middle size, #05.
Recommended for: intermediate to advanced
Cost: $17-19 each
Mini Ribbon Tool Set
Mini Ribbon Tool Set
This set of 6 tools is great for detail work, decorating, and finishing a piece of pottery or a sculpture. At 5 1/2” each, the metal tools don’t take up much room but they can do a lot, especially for detail work or scraffito.
Generic option of this tool set range from $8 to $13, and the Kemper brand set is around $20.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists, especially those who focus on decoration and detail
Cost: $8 to $20
Xiem Studio Tools Precision Applicator
The 3 oz Precision Applicator from Xiem Studio Tools.
Another awesome tool from Xiem is the precision applicator, available in 1 and 3 oz sizes. The applicators have a soft, flexible rubber bulb with a variety of screw-on metal tips. Mostly used for slip trailing and slip decoration techniques, these bulbs can be used to apply just about any type of thicker, viscous liquid. The larger 3 oz size will be the best option for most. There are cheaper slip-trailing options that are a plastic bottle with similar metal tips, but the rubber bulb in the Xiem applicator provides steady, even pressure that is just easier to use.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists and those interested in slip trailing and slip decoration
Cost: $22–$27
Green Split Leg Apron
This green split-leg apron is popular with many of my students and has a few features that make it a nice upgrade from a standard kitchen apron. Made from cotton, it has an adjustable, clip-on neck strap and it also has clips to attach the split legs to either leg. Some may prefer a longer apron (such as the Claypron) but this apron covers the thighs and the split-leg design makes it perfect for sitting at the pottery wheel. Usually available for $20 to $25, the Revco green apron is available in 36”, 42” and 48” lengths.
For our complete guide to aprons, click here.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists but is great for handbuilding or potters that want a light-duty apron
Cost: $27-$32
Neiko Diamond-Coated Drill Bits
5 piece diamond coated drill bit set from Neiko.
Diamond-coated drill bits are the best way to drill holes in bisque or glaze-fired ceramics. (Do this with plenty of water and eye protection, and you’ll also need a cordless drill) While there are numerous name-brand and generic drill bits for cutting accurate holes, this set from Neiko is a great way to get started with diamond bits. Ranging from 5/32” to 1/2”, the Neiko bits are a good size for tasks such as drilling cord holes in ceramic lamps or adding drainage holes for planters. At $11, the Neiko bits are a cost-effective addition to any ceramic studio.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists
Cost: $11
Fun T-Shirts at Redbubble and Threadless
The print on demand websites Redbubble and Threadless hava a lot of fun and interesting t-shirts and other merchandise with pottery and kiln themes. If you see a pattern or design you like, make sure to click around — designs are usually available on multiple products.
Pictured here a few shirt ideas, or check out our post about pottery shirts for more ideas.
Recommended for: all ceramic artists
Cost: $23 and up
Retro 70s Pottery T Shirt (Shop at Redbubble)
Evolution of Pottery T Shirt (Shop at Redbubble)
Mastering the Potter’s Wheel by Ben Carter
This approachable book is great for beginners and intermediate pottery students. The thorough, straightforward advice covers a variety of throwing techniques and how to alter and modify those thrown forms. The book even includes a section on stretches and ways to avoid a sore lower back. Published in 2016, it’s a great addition to any potter’s book shelf.
Mastering the Potter’s Wheel, by Ben Carter, 208 pages, 2016, $30
Mastering Hand Building, by Sunshine Cobb, 208 pages, 2018, $32
Mastering Kilns & Firing, by Lindsay Oesterritter, 192 pages, 2019, $35.
Double Ended Clay Modeling Tool
The line of Colour Shaper double-ended modeling tools from Royal Sovereign.
The Colour Shaper line of tools from Royal Sovereign is a great addition to anyone’s tool kit. Each tool features a high-quality rubber modeling tool, with a corresponding metal loop tool on the other side. Available in a variety of sizes and with a pointed or chisel rubber tip, these are especially useful for sculptors and hand builders but have their place in a potter’s tool kit as well. If getting just one, check out the size 6 tool with a chisel tip, which usually retails for $12-13.
Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $10–$17
JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag
The JJRing craft tote bag has a bunch of pockets.
The JJRing Craft and Art Organizer Tote Bag comes in a variety of colors and has numerous pockets to keep everything in its place. Made of nylon with cardboard supports, this bag is available in a variety of colors and is long lasting despite being very affordable.
Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $15.99
Gifts Under $30 – $50
Zebrawood Carving Tool
The P1 Zebrawood Carver from Diamond Core Tools.
The Zebrawood Carvers from Diamond Core Tools are functional, long-lasting (replaceable blades!), and beautiful. At 5.5 inches long, they feel like a pencil and can be used for sharp, even cutting tasks such as scraffitto and other forms of decoration. Diamond Core makes these with a wide variety of cutting blades—the P1 is a great carver to start with but there are many options. At $39 each, these are on the expensive side for a ceramic tool but the adjustable (and replaceble!) blade and beautiful wood handle makes this a great gift for any potter.
Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $39
Folding Hand Truck
Folding Hand Truck
If you work with clay, you need to move stuff all the time. Whether it is boxes of clay, packaged ware for shipping, or large sculptures, a folding hand truck is an invaluable tool that folds up for efficient storage when not in use. Store it in a closet or the trunk of a car, it’s a handy tool that will get used all the time.
Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $41 and up
Diamond Hand Pads
Stadea semi-hard foam-backed diamond hand pads.
A sanding block with a set of interchangeable diamond pads in different grits.
Diamond hand pads are the perfect way to sand away burrs, small glaze drips, and rough patches on pots, sculptures, or kiln shelves and posts. Made of industrial-grade diamonds embedded in plastic, these are available from a variety of manufacturers as either soft, flexible pads or semi-hard foam-backed pads. The foam backed are my favorite because they provide structure and support your hand, but the flexible pads are useful for sanding more complicated shapes. Available as sets or individual pads, my recommendation is to get up to four individual pads in the range of 50 grit, 100 grit, 200 grit, and maybe 400 grit.
There are also sets where you can change out velcro-backed pads on one sanding block, but the drawback is you may wear out certain pads much faster than others, and replacement pads are only sold in complete sets.
Recommended for: Everyone
Cost: $16 and up for individual hand pads
$37 for the diamond pad set
Gifts Under $50 – $100
Banding Wheels
Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are heavy duty and come in five different sizes.
Banding wheels are very useful for coil building, sculpting, and decorating. Nidec-Shimpo Banding Wheels are the best on the market, made of cast iron with sealed bearings. They are on the heavy side, but this added weight gives the wheels a smooth, even spin. Shimpo banding wheels come in five different sizes ranging from $61 to about $130. The 8 3/4” wide x 2 1/2” tall model ($73) is an all-purpose size that should work for most studios. For more info, read our complete review of banding wheels.
Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $82 to $162
Handheld Extruder
The Nidec Shimpo Handheld Extruder
A handheld extruder is one of the best ways to make handles or other shapes in a quick, efficient way. Basically a specialized version of a caulking gun, most handheld extruders have a 2” wide barrel and a set of dies.
There are a variety of handheld extruders, which are all about the same, but the Nidec Shimpo Handheld Extruder is compact and well built. The key is getting dies that work for. In addition to the basic dies, my favorite add on is the Scott Creek Handle Die kit, which should match up with any small handheld extruder.
Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $70 for handheld extruder
$50 for die kits
MudTools Essentials Kit
The MudTools 9-piece Essentials Starter Kit
MudTools makes innovative tools such as their beloved flexible plastic ribs, and this Essential Starter Kit includes nine of their most popular tools in one. A great gift for pottery beginners, experienced potters will also appreciate this set. Included are three flexible polymer ribs, the Mudshark cutting tool, a cut-off wire with polymer handles, a long plastic scraper/rib, a sponge, the MudTools all-in-one trimming tool, and the MudTools shredder. For more info, read our guide here on beginner pottery tools here.
Note: Some marketing describes this as a 10-piece kit, but I would classify the plastic holder as a “tool.”
Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $99
Xiem Tools also makes tool kits.
The Xiem Tools Beginner’s Pottery Kit
The Xiem Beginner’s kit contains 9 tools (unless you count the tube it comes in as a tool) including a Foot Shaper, Needle Tool, Heavy Duty Clay Sponge, 11" Pro Wire Clay Cutter, 2 Titanium Fused Trimming Tools, Soft Silicone Clay Rib, Rigid Plastic Clay Rib, and Flexible Stainless Steel Rib. It retails for $61.
Recommended for: beginners
Cost: $61
The Xiem Tools Essentials Kit.
The 14 piece Essentials Kit (13 tools plus the tube) has the same tools as the Beginners set with the addition of an extra rib, another loop tool, a metal clay knife, and the extendable Xiem pottery sponge.
Recommended for: Intermediate / advanced
Cost: $110
Wagner HVLP Spray Gun
A High Velocity Low Pressure (HVLP) spray gun just needs a power outlet to instantly get any potter spraying glaze. With a built-in fan, nozzle, and cup for glazes, it’s a quick and affordable way to spray glaze. Wagner makes a straightforward, dependable HVLP that worked great in our recent test of spray guns. The best part is the smaller, cheaper models seem to be best suited for spraying glaze.
Safety Note: Spraying glaze should only down with proper respirator masks and excellent ventilation, or outside.
Recommended for: Advanced
Cost: $55 for basic model, $85 for slightly bigger spray gun
Underglaze Sampler Packs
Underglazes are studio favorites and are great way to get vibrant, saturated colors on ceramics. They can be applied by brush, sponge, or spraying. Sample packs are a great way to find the underglaze colors that work best, and are available from a variety of manufacturers.
The Speedball sampler pack includes 12 colors in 2 oz bottles, $45.
AMACO Velvet Underglazes are available in 4 different sampler sets of 2 oz jars for $52 each. Shop at Blick
Mayco has a 10 pack underglaze sampler for around $40. Shop at Amazon
Sax True Flow Underglaze has a 12 pack sampler set for around $43. Shop at Amazon
Gifts Over $100
Nidec-Shimpo Potter’s Stool
Another great gift idea from Nidec-Shimpo is the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. It’s the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine slots on each leg with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. It also has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a great upgrade for any potter.
Recommended for: Anyone who owns a wheel
Cost: $99
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill
The Milwaukee M12 compact cordless drill is a studio favorite. It’s strong enough for most jobs, but small and light so that it’s comfortable for just about any user. Paired with the right mixer blade, this is an ideal drill for mixing glazes, plaster, or other tasks in a ceramics studio. Milwaukee also makes a wide variety of tools that fit the M12 battery. Click here to read a full guide to cordless drills.
Recommended for: Potters with their own studios
Cost: $125-$140
Recommended drill accessories for ceramics:
Jiffy LM Laboratory mixer for mixing small glaze cups.
Plastic helix mixer for mixing 1-2 gallon glaze buckets.
Jiffy ES Mixer for mixing 2 to 5 gallon bucket.
Dewalt 14 piece bit set for drilling holes and the Dewalt 45 piece screwdriver set.
My Weigh iBalance 5500 Scale
The MyWeigh iBalance 5500 is a precision scale that is accurate to 0.1 grams while maintaining a large capacity of 5500 grams or about 12 pounds. It has a stainless steel top, optional AC power adapter, simple and intuitive buttons, and a 3 year warranty. The four feet can be independently leveled too. It’s one of the best options on the market and is a great gift for the potter who also mixes their own glaze.
Recommended for: Anyone who mixes glazes
Cost: $125
Giffin Grip Trimming Tool
The Giffin Grip is a trimming tool that attaches to any pottery wheelhead, and various arms allow you to easily hold vases and pots in place for trimming. It sure beats trying to attach pots using small bits of a clay. It’s not cheap—typically around $270—but it lasts for ever and once a potter has one, they’ll use it all the time.
Recommended for: intermediate / advanced
Cost: $270
Speedball Artista Tabletop Wheel
The Speedball Artista is a great tabletop wheel that is strong enough for most potters but is also portable and can be stored with ease. It’s the perfect option for an at-home practice wheel or for someone looking to try out pottery with a professional machine. It has an 11” wheelhead, a 1/3 horsepower motor, is compatible with standard 10” bats, and weighs just 26 pounds, so it can easily be put away when not in use. You can also add an optional foot pedal or legs. For a complete overview, check out our guide to tabletop wheels.
Recommended for: everyone
Cost: $549
North Star Portaroller
The North Star Portaroller is a great tool that can instantly upgrade any studio. Designed for artists who are on the go, it’s also ideal for small or home studios because it quickly breaks down into three pieces that can be stored when not in use. The Portaroller has two metal rollers, a crank, and two tabletop pieces that fit on either side of the roller. The top roller can be adjusted for slab thicknesses up to 2.5 inches and it can make slabs that are 16 inches wide. It’s a well thought out piece of equipment that is backed by North Star’s impeccable record of quality. There’s also a larger model in the same style, the North Star Polaris, that can make slabs up to 22 inches wide.
For a complete guide to portable rollers, click here.
North Star Portaroller, 16” wide slabs, $750
North Star Polaris, 22” wide slabs, $1,000
Full Size Pottery Wheels
A professionally quality pottery wheel starts around $800 and ranges up to around $1,500 to $2,000. Most potters use a wheel in the $800 to $1,500 range from quality brands such as Nidec-Shimpo, Brent, or Speedball. We’ve got a complete pottery wheel buyer’s guide here, but just know that as the price goes up you are paying for a stronger motor, a sturdier tabletop and legs, and a few other features.
Here’s a quick overview of a few wheels that would be great gifts.
Nidec-Shimpo Wheels
Nidec makes three full size wheels:
VL-Lite is a motor-driven model that retails for $858
RK-Whisper has the classic Shimpo metal body and fixed foot pedal, 12” wheelhead, and the ultra-quiet magnet driven wheelhead. It retails for $1,310
VL-Whisper is many potter’s favorite with a 14” wheelhead, the same ultra-quiet magnet drive as the RK, and a moveable foot pedal. It retails for $1,532
Brent Pottery Wheels
Brent wheels are workhorses and come in a few models where everything is the same, except the motor. Some models are also available in black in addition to the distinctive “Brent yellow.” The most popular Brent models are the Brent B with a 1/3 horsepower motor, or the Brent C, with a 1/2 horsepower motor.
Brent Model B, 1/3 HP motor, $1,898
Brent Model C, 1/2 HP motor, $1,943
Speedball Wheels
In addition to the tabletop model mentioned above, Speedball makes two full sized wheels. The Clay Boss has a 1/2 HP motor with a 14” wheelhead. It’s reversible, but only via a plug and not a switch. The Big Boss has similar features except it comes with a 1 HP motor.
Speedball Clay Boss 1/2 HP wheel, $1,038
Speedball Big Boss 1 HP wheel, $1,271
Other Gift Ideas
Kilns: Read our guide to Skutt kilns here.
Tools: We’ve got a lot more ideas in our tool guides such as:
Tools that can be used in the kitchen or the studio.
Classes: A set of classes at your local ceramics studio can be a great gift. If you can’t find a studio, ask a local clay supplier if they can recommend local studios.
Magazine Subscriptions: Magazines are great sources of ideas and inspiration. Check out The Studio Potter, Pottery Making Illustrated, or Ceramics Monthly.
Tours, Trips, or Conferences: Look for pottery-specific travel tours, retreats, or conferences.
What ideas do you have for pottery gifts? Let us know in the comments.
Gift Guides
Check out these posts for more gift guides:
