If you thought crafts were limited to summer camps and elementary school, you're missing out. Craft stores such as Michael’s, Jo-Ann, and Hobby Lobby are filled with tools, materials, kits, accessories, decorations, guidebooks, and more for painting, quilting, model building, scrapbooking, and every crafty activity imaginable.
If you want to start a new hobby, replenish your supplies, or get a gift for the craft-loving person in your life, use this guide to decide if Michael’s, Jo-Ann, or Hobby Lobby is the right store for you.
With over 1,100 stores in North America, Michael’s is one of the largest arts and crafts stores in the nation. Customers can find a wide range of products, fair prices, and many seasonal products. Get custom framing for a guaranteed low price or attend an in-store class or event. Michael’s also offers project ideas and instructions on its website.
Michael’s prices are comparable to the other stores reviewed. It offers incredible savings through weekly ads, coupons, a free rewards program, email newsletter, and limited time sales. Additional discounts are offered for teachers, military, and seniors. Refunds are offered for returns within 180 days of purchase, the most flexible policy of the stores reviewed. See shipping prices below:
Find supplies for baking, art, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, sewing, papercraft, candle making, scrapbooking, and every other craft you can imagine. Decorations and accessories for special occasions, such as weddings, holidays, birthday parties, and more, are also available. Most products are available in-store and online, though you may want to check each item for availability.
With Michael’s endless coupons, sales, and product selection, this is a great arts and crafts store to shop at. Shipping can get expensive, though Michael's shipping costs are the least costly, so keep an eye out for free shipping coupons.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores are best known for their wide selection of fabrics. This store focuses on offering good customer service, high quality experiences, and a way for customers to connect to a wide creative community. Attend in-store classes, explore “The Creative Spark” blog, and get inspired with videos and how-tos on the company website.
Like Michael’s, Jo-Ann’s prices are similar to those offered by the other stores reviewed. Customers can get discounts through an email newsletter, coupons codes, weekly ads, and seasonal sales. Teacher rewards and military discounts are available. Returns with and without receipts are accepted for refunds within 90 days of purchase. Shipping details can be found below:
This craft store offers a variety of products with a focus on fabric. You can find scrapbook, crocheting, art, baking, jewelry-making, teaching, hobby, and craft supplies, as well as home decor, floral, party, holiday, and wedding products. Before buying, check your products’ availability for online and in-store purchases.
If you want fabric, Jo-Ann is the best option. For other supplies, the price and selection is much the same, depending on available coupons. For online orders, shipping is cheaper for orders under $50, but more expensive for larger orders.
In operation since 1972, Hobby Lobby is a privately owned arts and crafts store with over 700 stores in the U.S. This crafts retailer has products to support every hobby and strives to help customers live creatively. The online store is open 24/7, but all brick-and-mortar stores are closed on Sundays.
As mentioned, Hobby Lobby has prices that are nearly the same as the other craft stores reviewed. Save money through weekly ads, special promotions, an email newsletter, and coupon discounts. National charitable organizations, schools, and churches receive an additional 10% in-store discount. Returns can be made within 90 days of purchase and shipping details can be found in the chart below:
Hobby Lobby has a wide range of items, though it does not carry as many products as the other stores reviewed. Customers can shop for supplies for art, baking, scrapbooking, sewing, yarnwork, jewelry making, wearable art, and hobbies. Holiday, home, wedding, floral, and special occasion decor is also available.
Hobby Lobby offers similar product prices, but shipping is more expensive than the other arts and craft stores. Though it offers products for the same categories, the number of products is smaller. If you have a good coupon and free shipping, this store could work for you, but you’ll probably have better luck at Jo-Ann or Michael’s.
