1Mudtools Shape 1 polymer rib
Potters swear by Mudtools ribs once they've tried one. The flexible polymer smooths, shapes and compresses clay on the wheel or by hand, and it won't wear or burr like cheap ribs. Shape 1 is the all-rounder, and the colours run from ultra soft to firm, or they come as a set of five.
Pros
- Smooths and shapes beautifully.
- Won't wear or burr.
- Five flexibilities to choose from.
Cons
- Pick a flexibility, or get the set if unsure.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Mudtools product page ↗
2Kemper pottery tool kit
Every potter needs the basic tools, and Kemper's kit is the classic set handed out in pottery classes. It has eight essentials: a loop tool, ribbon tool, rib, needle tool, wooden modelling tool, sponge, scraper and wire cutter. It's cheap and covers wheel and handbuilding.
Pros
- Eight essential tools.
- Class favourite.
- Cheap and useful.
Cons
- Basic quality, so keen potters may upgrade later.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Kemper product page ↗
3DAS air-drying clay
Not every potter has a kiln at home. DAS clay hardens in the air, so they can handbuild dishes, pots and little sculptures on the kitchen table and paint them once dry. It washes off hands and clothes, and it comes in white or terracotta.
Pros
- No kiln needed.
- Paint it once dry.
- Washes off easily.
Cons
- Not food safe or waterproof like fired clay.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
DAS product page ↗
4Soolla Studio Bag, graphite
The Soolla Studio Bag is designed by artists to carry tools to a class or studio. It's a sturdy canvas tote with more than 30 pockets, so ribs, needles, sponges and wire tools each have a home. It goes in the washing machine, which matters for anyone carrying clay-covered kit about.
Pros
- More than 30 pockets.
- Machine washable canvas.
- Padded handles and base.
Cons
- Too small for clay itself.
- Pricey for a tote.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK listing from Soolla ↗
5Hedley & Bennett Crossback apron, Cedar Blue
Potters get covered in clay and slip, so a tough apron is kit they wear every session. This Hedley & Bennett apron is heavy-duty and full length, with straps that cross over the back instead of pulling on the neck during long sessions at the wheel. It has pockets for tools and goes in the washing machine.
Pros
- Crossback straps for long sessions.
- Pockets for tools.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not fully waterproof.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Hedley & Bennett product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves pottery
Potters use a few tools every session, so good versions of those make great gifts. The best gifts for potters are quality ribs and tools, clay, a tough apron and a tool bag. Find out whether they throw on a wheel or handbuild first. Air-dry clay suits anyone without a kiln.
How we picked these gifts for potters
We picked each product for what potters enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
