14 Best Stores Like Michaels for Budget Arts and Crafts Shopping [2026]

Looking for stores like Michaels without the full price tag? You're not alone — crafters across the U.S. are actively hunting for better deals on art supplies, seasonal décor, and DIY materials, especially after Joann Fabrics closed its doors. Business Insider has long noted that Hobby Lobby and Michaels dominate the craft retail space, but dozens of worthy alternatives exist at every price point. Whether you prefer big-box convenience or online-only specialty shops, there's a store that fits your budget — and if you enjoy hunting deals, check out our roundup of similar discount retailers too. Let's get started!

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Summary Table

14 Best Stores Like Michaels for Budget Arts and Crafts Shopping [2026]

Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.

1. Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is one of the closest alternatives to Michaels, offering a similarly vast selection of art supplies, framing, seasonal décor, and DIY craft materials. Stores are typically large-format with frequent 40% off coupons that make it competitive on price. According to Business Insider, Hobby Lobby often beats Michaels on home décor variety while matching its core craft supply range.

Worth knowing:

• Weekly 40% off single-item coupons available in-store and online
• Stronger home décor and floral section than most craft competitors
• Closed Sundays — plan shopping trips accordingly

2. Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree serves as a budget-friendly supplement to traditional craft retailers, carrying basic craft supplies, seasonal decorations, party goods, and art materials — all at $1.25 or less per item. While the selection is narrower than Michaels, it's a practical first stop for foam boards, ribbon, paint brushes, and holiday décor when cost is the priority.

Best for:

• Budget crafters stretching supplies across larger projects
• Party and seasonal decorations at minimal cost
• Bulk basics like tissue paper, glue sticks, and canvas frames

3. Walmart

Walmart stocks a solid range of everyday craft and hobby supplies — including yarn, fabric, acrylic paints, scrapbooking tools, and kids' art kits — making it a convenient one-stop alternative for casual crafters who don't need a specialty shop. Pricing is generally lower than Michaels, and the online store expands selection significantly with items shipped quickly or available for curbside pickup.

Key advantages:

• Competitive everyday pricing with no coupon required
• Online catalog far exceeds in-store craft inventory
• Free curbside pickup and two-day shipping on many items

4. Target

Target works as a convenient alternative for craft shoppers who want to combine art supply runs with everyday errands. While it carries a smaller crafting selection than dedicated hobby stores, Target stocks yarn, paint, scrapbooking supplies, seasonal DIY kits, and basic sewing notions at competitive prices — often 10–20% cheaper on everyday items.

Worth knowing:

• RedCard holders save an extra 5% on all purchases
• Same-day pickup and Drive Up available at most locations
• Curbside and online ordering with free shipping over $35

5. Arteza

Arteza is a direct-to-consumer art supply brand that undercuts craft store retail pricing by selling online only. For hobbyists and students who regularly buy paints, markers, colored pencils, or canvas pads, Arteza offers comparable quality to Michaels-brand products at noticeably lower prices — bulk sets in particular offer strong value.

Key perks:

• Frequent sitewide sales of 20–40% off
• Free shipping on orders over $35
• Wide range of professional and beginner art media

6. Pop Shop America

Pop Shop America serves crafters looking for curated DIY kits, craft tutorials, and specialty supplies not typically found at big-box hobby retailers. It functions as both an online shop and a craft-focused resource hub, making it useful for makers who want project inspiration alongside their supply shopping — a more community-driven experience than standard craft chains. Shoppers exploring party supply options may also find relevant DIY project kits here.

Highlights:

• Specializes in unique, small-batch craft kits
• Strong blog and tutorial library for project guidance

7. Factory Direct Craft

Factory Direct Craft is a solid online alternative for craft supply shoppers who want Michaels-style products at wholesale-friendly prices. The site stocks floral supplies, seasonal décor, ribbons, wire, and DIY materials—categories that overlap heavily with Michaels' core inventory. It's especially useful for bulk buyers like event planners or small business owners who need larger quantities than typical retail stores carry.

Worth knowing:

• Frequent clearance sales with discounts up to 50–70% off
• Strong selection of artificial flowers, wreaths, and seasonal décor
• Free shipping available on qualifying orders

8. Minted

Minted serves a more specialized niche within the crafting and art supply space—focused on stationery, art prints, and paper goods sourced from independent artists. For shoppers who visit Michaels for custom framing, greeting cards, or art prints, Minted offers a higher-quality, artist-driven alternative. Prices are higher than mass-market craft retailers, but the unique designs justify the cost for special occasions.

Key details:

• Art prints, wedding stationery, and holiday cards from indie designers
• Custom framing available with a wide mat and frame selection
• Best for: Shoppers prioritizing design quality over low price

9. MisterArt

MisterArt positions itself as a discount art supply retailer, making it a natural replacement for Michaels' fine art section. It carries paints, canvases, brushes, drawing supplies, and craft materials at prices that often undercut big-box craft stores by 20–40%. Artists and students who regularly buy supplies in bulk will find the savings meaningful compared to shopping at a traditional craft chain.

Notable perks:

• Deep discounts on professional-grade paints, pastels, and drawing tools
• Broad inventory spanning both fine art and general craft supplies
• Loyalty rewards program for repeat buyers

10. Plaid Online

Plaid is the company behind popular craft brands like Mod Podge, FolkArt, and Apple Barrel — making their online store a solid alternative for crafters who shop at Michaels regularly. You can buy directly from the brand, often finding product bundles and exclusive sets not available at big-box retailers. It's especially useful for decoupage, fabric painting, and general mixed-media projects.

Worth noting:

• Direct-to-consumer pricing with frequent promotions
• Wide range of specialty finishes, sealers, and paints
• Free shipping available on qualifying orders

11. Blick Art Materials

Blick Art Materials is one of the best craft store alternatives for artists who need professional-grade supplies that Michaels typically doesn't carry. With both physical locations and a robust website, Blick serves hobbyists and working artists alike, stocking canvases, oil paints, printmaking tools, and more at competitive prices. Student and educator discounts make it particularly cost-effective.

Key advantages:

• Broader fine art selection than most general craft retailers
• Educator discounts up to 10% off
• Price-match policy available on select items

12. Jerry's Artarama

Jerry's Artarama fills a similar niche to Blick as a specialty art supply retailer, making it a strong Michaels substitute for painters, sculptors, and illustrators who need more than basic hobby supplies. They carry professional brands like Golden, Winsor & Newton, and Gamblin at discounted prices, and their site regularly runs clearance sales. Physical stores exist in select states, but online ordering ships nationwide.

Notable perks:

• Deep discounts on professional art brands
• Frequent sitewide sales and coupon offers

13. Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is primarily a discount fashion retailer, but it occasionally carries craft-adjacent items like seasonal decor, gift wrap supplies, and home accessories at significantly reduced prices. Shoppers looking for affordable decorative touches similar to what Michaels offers may find useful finds here, especially during clearance events. It's best treated as a supplementary stop rather than a dedicated craft store.

Worth knowing:

• Discounts typically 30–70% off original retail prices
• Home décor and seasonal sections overlap with Michaels' framing and gifting categories

14. Kohl's

Kohl's carries a modest but practical selection of craft supplies, seasonal décor, and DIY home accessories that competes directly with the everyday crafting needs Michaels serves. Their frequent 20–30% off coupons and Kohl's Cash rewards system make it a budget-friendly alternative for basic supplies like yarn, fabric, and holiday decorations. It's particularly convenient for shoppers who prefer combining craft purchases with clothing or housewares in one trip.

Key perks:

• Kohl's Cash rewards stack with regular sales and coupons
• Wide availability — 1,100+ store locations across the U.S.
• Online ordering with in-store pickup available

Final Words

Whether you need bulk craft supplies, seasonal décor, or framing materials, these 14 Michaels alternatives have you covered. Start with budget home decor stores if price is your priority, then branch out from there.