The U.S. hobby and craft store market is projected to expand significantly through 2033, per OpenPR's market analysis, making it a great time to explore alternatives beyond a single retailer. Whether Hobby Lobby is out of stock, out of budget, or simply out of your way, plenty of stores offer comparable selections in art supplies, fabrics, seasonal decor, and DIY kits. If you also enjoy browsing deals from home, check out our online outlet shopping options for extra savings. Here are 15 top picks to keep your creativity flowing.
Quick Answer
Stores like Hobby Lobby include Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Joann, AC Moore, Tuesday Morning, and Walmart's craft section. Online alternatives include Amazon, Etsy, and JOANN.com. These retailers offer comparable art supplies, fabrics, seasonal décor, and DIY kits, often at similar or lower price points depending on current sales and coupons.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michaels | $1–$150+ | All-around crafters wanting coupons and classes | Visit Site |
| Jo-Ann Fabrics | $2–$120+ | Sewers, quilters, and fabric enthusiasts | Visit Site |
| Blick Art Materials | $3–$200+ | Fine artists and serious art supply shoppers | Visit Site |
| MisterArt | $2–$100+ | Budget-conscious artists buying in bulk online | Visit Site |
| Blitsy Crafts | $1–$50 | Deal hunters looking for discounted craft supplies | Visit Site |
| Pop Shop America | $5–$60 | DIY makers and small craft project enthusiasts | Visit Site |
| Jerry's Artarama | $3–$150+ | Professional artists needing specialty supplies | Visit Site |
| Cheap Joe's Art Stuff | $2–$80+ | Watercolor and fine art supply shoppers | See details |
| Five Below | $1–$5 | Extreme budget crafters and casual hobbyists | Visit Site |
| Dollar Tree | $1–$7 | Ultra-budget crafters and classroom supply shoppers | Visit Site |
| Paper Source | $5–$80 | Paper crafters, card makers, and stationery lovers | Visit Site |
| Cricut | $30–$400+ | Cutting machine users and vinyl/heat transfer crafters | Visit Site |
| Kiwi Co | $20–$30/month | Parents seeking educational craft kits for kids | Visit Site |
| Craft Supply Depot | $2–$75 | Online shoppers wanting bulk and wholesale pricing | Visit Site |
| HobbyTown | $5–$200+ | Hobby collectors, model builders, and RC enthusiasts | Visit Site |
15 Best Stores Like Hobby Lobby for Crafters on a Budget [2026 Guide]
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Michaels
Michaels is the closest direct alternative to Hobby Lobby, offering a nearly identical mix of arts and crafts supplies, seasonal décor, framing services, and DIY project materials. With over 1,200 locations across the US and Canada, it's the go-to substitute for crafters who want a wide in-store selection at comparable prices. Michaels also runs frequent 20–50% off coupons that rival Hobby Lobby's weekly deals.
Why it competes:
- Similar product range: yarn, paint, floral, scrapbooking, and home décor
- Michaels Rewards loyalty program with member-exclusive discounts
- Custom framing available in-store and online
2. Jo-Ann Fabrics
Jo-Ann is a strong Hobby Lobby alternative specifically for sewers, quilters, and fabric-focused crafters. It carries an extensive selection of fabric, patterns, sewing notions, and seasonal craft supplies that overlaps significantly with Hobby Lobby's textile and needlework departments. Jo-Ann frequently offers 40–50% off coupons and has over 800 US locations.
Notable perks:
- Largest fabric selection among craft chain retailers
- In-store classes for sewing, quilting, and knitting
- Online fabric ordering with curbside pickup
3. Blick Art Materials
For shoppers drawn to Hobby Lobby's fine art supplies aisle, Blick Art Materials goes considerably deeper — stocking professional-grade paints, brushes, canvases, and drawing tools from brands like Winsor & Newton, Prismacolor, and Golden. Blick operates around 40 retail stores nationwide and a robust website, making it ideal for artists who want more than a general craft store can offer. Prices are competitive, and the site regularly features sale sections.
- Broader fine art inventory than any general craft chain
- Student and educator discounts available
4. MisterArt
MisterArt is one of the closest online alternatives to Hobby Lobby for art supply shoppers, offering a wide catalog of paints, brushes, canvases, and drawing materials at discounted prices. It caters specifically to artists and art students who want specialty supplies without paying full retail. Free shipping is available on orders over $35.
What you get:
- Deep discounts on professional-grade art supplies
- Brands like Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, and Daler-Rowney
- Bulk pricing for classrooms and studios
5. Blitsy Crafts
Blitsy operates as a flash-sale craft retailer, making it a budget-friendly substitute for Hobby Lobby shoppers hunting deals on scrapbooking, paper crafts, and mixed-media supplies. Sales are time-limited, so prices are often 50–80% below standard retail. It's best for crafters who plan purchases and can act quickly on rotating inventory.
Notable perks:
- Flash deals at 50–80% off retail pricing
- Categories include yarn, stamps, stickers, and seasonal decor
- Free shipping thresholds apply on select sales
6. Pop Shop America
Pop Shop America serves as a DIY-focused alternative for crafters who want curated project kits, craft supplies, and maker-culture goods similar to what Hobby Lobby stocks in its creative departments. The site leans toward indie and handmade aesthetics, offering kits for candle-making, macramé, resin art, and more. It also publishes free tutorials, adding genuine educational value alongside its products.
Key features:
- Ready-to-go project kits for beginners and hobbyists
- Strong focus on trendy DIY categories like resin and fiber arts
7. Jerry's Artarama
Jerry's Artarama is a strong alternative for shoppers who visit Hobby Lobby primarily for fine art supplies. It carries professional-grade paints, brushes, canvases, and drawing materials at competitive prices, often undercutting big-box craft retailers. Artists who need specialty items beyond basic hobby supplies will find a deeper, more focused selection here.
Worth knowing:
- Frequent "Jerry's Deals" promotions offering 40–70% off name-brand supplies
- Both online shopping and physical retail locations available
- Strong selection of easels, printmaking, and sculpting materials
8. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff
Cheap Joe's Art Stuff targets the same art-and-craft customer base as Hobby Lobby but focuses almost entirely on fine art materials, making it ideal for painters, watercolorists, and mixed-media artists. Prices are generally budget-friendly, and the site regularly runs clearance sales on paper, pigments, and studio accessories that rival or beat typical craft-chain pricing.
Key perks:
- Specializes in watercolor, oil, and acrylic supplies at low price points
- Free shipping available on qualifying orders
- Loyalty rewards program for repeat buyers
9. Five Below
Five Below appeals to the budget-conscious Hobby Lobby shopper looking for affordable craft supplies, seasonal décor, and hobby accessories without spending much per item. Most products are priced at $5 or under, making it a practical stop for basic crafting materials, stickers, journals, and holiday decorating items that overlap with Hobby Lobby's lower-priced inventory sections.
Best for:
- Casual crafters and kids' activity supplies on a tight budget
- Seasonal and holiday décor at rock-bottom prices
10. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is a budget-friendly alternative for crafters who want affordable supplies similar to what Hobby Lobby sells, but at fixed $1.25 price points. You can find basic craft materials like foam sheets, ribbon, floral picks, seasonal decorations, and DIY project supplies without spending much. It's ideal for large-scale craft projects where cost per unit matters, though selection is more limited than dedicated craft retailers.
What you get:
- Fixed $1.25 pricing on most items
- Seasonal and holiday decor updated regularly
- Basic floral, paper, and party craft supplies
11. Paper Source
Paper Source focuses specifically on stationery, paper crafts, greeting cards, and gift wrapping — making it a strong Hobby Lobby alternative for paper-centric hobbyists. The store carries high-quality cardstock, envelopes, rubber stamps, wax seals, and bookbinding kits that Hobby Lobby's paper section can't match in depth. Prices run slightly higher, but the curated selection appeals to calligraphers, journalers, and card makers.
Notable perks:
- Exclusive proprietary paper products and designs
- In-store crafting classes and workshops available
- Gift wrapping and custom stationery services
12. Cricut
Cricut bridges the gap between physical craft stores like Hobby Lobby and digital making, selling cutting machines, tools, and materials directly through its own retail site and app. Crafters who buy supplies at Hobby Lobby for DIY projects often find Cricut's vinyl, iron-on, cardstock bundles, and adhesive sheets complement those purchases. Machines range from $199 to $429, with a subscription to Cricut Access unlocking thousands of design files for ongoing projects.
Key features:
- Cricut Access subscription: ~$9.99/month for design library
- Compatible materials sold directly (vinyl, leather, fabric)
- Free Design Space software for custom project creation
13. Kiwi Co
KiwiCo offers a unique subscription-based alternative for craft and STEM enthusiasts looking for hobby-focused products similar to what Hobby Lobby carries in its educational and activity sections. Each monthly crate delivers curated materials for hands-on projects, making it a strong pick for parents shopping for kids' creative supplies. Crates range from $16–$30/month depending on the age-targeted line you choose.
Notable perks:
- Multiple subscription lines from toddler to teen (Koala, Kiwi, Eureka crates)
- All materials included — no separate supply runs needed
- First box discounts frequently available for new subscribers
14. Craft Supply Depot
Craft Supply Depot is a budget-focused retailer carrying fabrics, floral supplies, painting materials, and seasonal décor — overlapping heavily with Hobby Lobby's core product categories. It appeals to crafters who want comparable selection at competitive pricing without the large-chain markup. The store stocks both individual supplies and bulk quantities, useful for classrooms, small businesses, and frequent DIYers.
Key features:
- Bulk pricing available on most supply categories
- Strong inventory in fabric, floral, and paper crafts
- Regular clearance sections for deep discounts
15. HobbyTown
HobbyTown is one of the closest hobby-store alternatives for shoppers who want a dedicated hobbyist retailer rather than a general craft chain. While Hobby Lobby leans toward arts and seasonal décor, HobbyTown specializes in radio-controlled vehicles, model kits, die-cast collectibles, and tabletop games — serving enthusiast hobbyists who need specialized gear. With 150+ franchise locations across the U.S., it offers both in-store expertise and an online shop.
What you get:
- Deep inventory in RC, models, and collectibles
- In-store staff with hands-on product knowledge
- Online store complements local franchise availability
Final Words
Your best bet depends on whether you prioritize bulk crafting supplies, home décor, or seasonal finds — but these 15 stores ensure you'll never be limited to one source. Explore similar discount retailers to stretch your creative budget even further.