This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

I love when someone comes to me and say they’ve decided to buy a Cricut. Then asks can you help me figure out what I need to get started? This question is one I love to answer and I’ve decided to pull it all together in one post as a Cricut Gift Guide of What you need to get started with Cricut.

Make sure you check out my 5 things I love about my Cricut Explore Air 2, and FAQs about the Cricut Easypress 2 to help you understand the kind of Cricut crafter I am.

What Cricut should I buy?

Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker

Obviously the 1st questions is which Cricut Machine should I buy? This is where I think you need to ask yourself what are you planning to use the machine for? Are you someone who wants to make paper items, shirts and signs, then Explore Air 2 is probably the perfect machine to get you started with.

Or is it important for you to be able to cut fabric and wood, then you may want the Cricut Maker. No matter which machine you choose both are amazing and I strongly feel that buying it directly from Cricut as one of the bundles is the best deal and gives you a lot of what you need to get started, but I’m going to break if down for you on why.

What tools do I need for a Cricut?

Cricut Tool Set

The Cricut tool set goes hand and hand with a Cricut Machine. This set is constantly used basically every time you cut something, especially the spatula, scraper and tweezers. Tip: There’s a small compartment in the Cricut to store these tools.

Cricut Access in Design Space

I was hesitate at first to sign up for Cricut Access in Design Space. I was fearful that I wouldn’t use my Cricut enough to justify it, but I have to say having over 100,000+ images and fonts to choose from the possibilities to create are endless. It actually encourages, and inspires me to want to make more and I think it’s a good tool to have.

From the Make it Now projects to just having lots of options I’m always amazed at the choices. I also know that this library continues to grow making my projects and skills grow as well. I would personally love to be gifted a yearly subscription as it’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Cricut Mats

Yes, you get a mat with your Cricut box, but I think purchasing the 12 x 12 multi pack, which gives you a Litegrip, Standardgrip, and Stronggrip is a great investment. So you can tackle just about anything you’re planning to do. I’m also going to say that I LOVE my 12×24 Standardgrip mat, but I think you can get away without it, until you know you want to make a bigger project.

Deep Point Blade

I’m adding this blade because this was something that I picked up and kept in a drawer and then one day I went to cut leather and discovered I needed this blade and I was so thankful I had it. I find things like this blade to the be surprise things that once I use it I’m so thankful I have it.

Scoring Stylus Pen

This pen is only good for the Cricut Explore Air 2. I can’t tell you how much I love the scoring stylus pen. If you’re getting the Maker there are blades for scoring, but I love my Explore Air 2 and the stylus pen. You can make place cards, rosettes, cards, and so much more.

What Supplies should I get for a Cricut?

Vinyl

I always have a few rolls of vinyl. I recommend getting a sampler pack to start, this way you have a few different colors. Tip: It’s really important to pay attention when buying vinyl, as there’s removable, permanent, and outdoor.

Transfer Tape

Getting a roll of Transfer Tape to use for transferring vinyl over makes life a lot easier. Something that’s important to know is that transfer tape can be used multiple times, so make sure you hold on to the back paper so you can reuse it for other projects.

Iron on Vinyl

I make a lot of things with Iron on Vinyl, so I’m a huge fan of always having a few rolls on hand. I keep staple colors like, black, white and red ready to cut.

Cricut Pens and/or Infusible Ink Pens

Getting a pack of Cricut pens or Infusible Ink Pens to start is nice. I think it’s about learning the different things your machine can do, and now with Infusible Ink there’s so many cool things you can make.

Of course there’s always another things I could add onto this list, but I’m going to finish with one of my favorite Cricut things, after my machine!

Do I need a Cricut EasyPress 2?

Cricut EasyPress 2

I use my EasyPress 2 all the time. To me this is a tool that was a splurge, but well worth the money and something that I use consistently. Making things with iron on, or even applying Girl Scout Badges. This is something that sure would like nice wrapped up in a bow! Just don’t forget to grab the EasyPress Mat too.