@Cat_LeFey @moss I can confirm that knitters tend to collect needles, especially needles that they have tried, but have found are not for them¹, and may be happy to give them to somebody who is learning to knit
(also, in my experience crafters tend to be quite enthusiastic at helping beginners in their craft :D )
¹ not necessarily because they are bad needles: e.g. I had a few wood and bamboo needles from good brands that I've given to my mother because I've found I significantly prefer metal ones