Crafting can get expensive fast, but it doesn’t have to be! As someone who DIYs for a living, I’ve made it my mission to uncover all the best Michaels shopping tips so you can keep creating without blowing your budget. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just getting started, this post is packed with the insider secrets I’ve learned over the years to help you make the most of your trips to Michaels Arts and Crafts store.
And with JOANN closing its doors, Michaels and Hobby Lobby are now the two major craft store players left. So let’s dive into everything you need to know before your next haul!
📌 What to Buy at Michaels (and When!)
If there’s one rule to remember: don’t pay full price at Michaels unless you absolutely have to. Almost everything goes on sale eventually, and with a little patience, you can save a ton.
Here are some of my favorite things to get at Michaels:
1. Craft Storage
Their Simply Tidy line is amazing. Affordable, sturdy, and sleek—my craft room is full of it!
2. Cardstock
The Recollections 65lb weight cardstock is my go-to for Cricut crafts and printables.
3. Jewelry-Making Supplies
The Bead Landing section is packed with quality options, perfect for DIY bracelets and earrings.
4. T-Shirts & Craft Blanks
The $2.99 Gildan tees are great for vinyl projects and even everyday wear. I also love their Bella+Canvas shirts and wide variety of blanks—especially wood signs.
5. Frames & Canvases
Stock up when they’re on sale! I especially love their poster-size frame options.
6. Clearance Aisles
Endcaps and fabric bins often hide major markdowns—perfect for seasonal items and last-chance deals.
7. Dollar Section
Great for kids’ crafts, seasonal fillers, and party prep on a budget.
8. $10 Grab Bags/Boxes
These are like thrift store mystery boxes but with brand-new supplies—usually available after major clearance events.
🧵 Yarn, Fabric & Sewing Are Growing at Michaels
Did you hear? Michaels acquired JOANN’s private label brands—including Big Twist yarn—so they’re massively expanding their selection.
Here’s what’s new:
- Yarn: The yarn section is now 25% bigger. Big Twist yarn is being rebranded under Loops & Threads (ex: Big Twist Posh → Loops & Threads Posh Purl).
- Sewing: More sewing machines, stabilizers, and DMC kits.
- Fabric: 10,000+ fabric options online with some in-store expansions starting.
If you’re into fiber crafts, Michaels craft store yarn selection is better than ever!
🛍️ Michaels Private Label Brands to Know
Learning these names will help you shop smarter, especially online when you’re trying to find something:
- Recollections – Scrapbooking, planners, paper
- Studio Décor – Frames, wall art
- Bead Landing – Jewelry supplies
- Creatology – Kids’ crafts
- Ashland – Florals and seasonal home decor
- Celebrate It – Party supplies and baking
- Art Minds (now Maker’s Market) – DIY blanks and wood crafts
- Artist’s Loft – Art supplies
- Craft Smart – Budget paints and basics
- Loops & Threads – Yarn and knitting
- Make Market – Trendy DIY decor
- Simply Tidy – Organization and storage
- B2C – Teacher and school supplies
💻 Tech Tools That Make Michaels Better Than Hobby Lobby
Let’s be honest—Hobby Lobby is still in the dark ages when it comes to technology. They don’t even use bar codes…. Michaels is way ahead when it comes to using tech to help customers have a better experience. Here’s what I love:
- Use the app to check stock, scan barcodes, and locate aisles
- Buy online, pick up in-store (a game-changer!)
- Easily access your digital receipts
- Search by brand or private label name online
🗓️ The Best Time to Shop at Michaels (Month-by-Month Guide
Sales start every Sunday and usually run through Saturday. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to watch for each month:
- January: Planners, storage, winter floral clearance
- February: BOGO events, Valentine’s Day clearance
- March: Spring florals, wreaths, Cricut deals
- April: Easter clearance
- May: Red, white & blue decor and summer craft supplies
- June-July: Semi-annual clearance, summer sales
- August: Doorbusters on fall and floral
- September: Halloween + early Christmas, fall decor deals
- October: Full-blown Christmas arrives
- November: Black Friday week, big sales on storage & Cricut
- December: Christmas clearance starts before the holiday
Pro Tip: Orange clearance stickers usually mean final markdown!
💰 More Ways to Save at Michaels
1. Michaels Rewards
- Free to join
- Earn 3–6% back on purchases
- Digital receipts for easy returns
2. Coupons
- App-only or email/text exclusives
- Usually 20–40% off regular-price items
- Only one coupon type per item per day
- Some exclusions apply (Cricut, LEGO, etc.)
💡 Pro Tip: Order in-store pickup through the app to use your coupon instantly if the item doesn’t qualify at the register.
3. Price Matching
Michaels will match identical items from Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, and others. Just be sure to read the fine print! You can read their full policy here.
4. Teacher, Military & Senior Discounts
- Teachers & Military: 15% off
- Seniors (55+): 10% off
- These apply even on sale items when verified through Rewards!
🔄 Easy Return Policy
- 60 days to return most items
- No receipt? Get store credit for the lowest price in 90 days
- Rewards members can access their purchase history via phone number
- Some exclusions: clearance, cut fabric, gift cards, custom framing
🏆 Michaels vs. Hobby Lobby – Which is Better?
| Feature | Michaels | Hobby Lobby |
|---|---|---|
| Open Sundays | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Coupons | ✅ Frequent | ❌ Discontinued |
| Tech Tools | ✅ App, barcode scanning | ❌ None |
| Home Decor | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Large selection |
| Cricut & OtherMachines | ✅ Huge selection | ❌ Limited in-store |
| Fabric Section | ✅ Growing again | ✅ Big selection |
| Prices w/o Sales | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower |
Best strategy? Use both! Michaels is better for Cricut, tech tools, and storage. Hobby Lobby wins for fabric and home decor (especially during 50% off weeks).
Final Thoughts: Stop Overpaying at Michaels
Whether you’re stocking up for a new classroom, hunting for seasonal deals, or grabbing your favorite yarns and blanks, the key to shopping Michaels craft store smart is planning ahead and stacking your savings. With these Michaels shopping tips, you’ll never have to pay full price again.
👉 Got a Michaels hack I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments!Let’s keep crafting on a budget, craft buddies! 💖
