Now may feel like the worst possible time to buy a bunch of new holiday gifts. Between trade wars, politicians gutting renewable energy subsidies, and climate-charged weather disasters, the cost of goods, food, and even electricity is on the rise. If you’re tired of, or priced out of, our over-consumption culture, I’ve got some sustainable, slow-fashion gift ideas for everyone on your list, from kids to crafters to fashionistas.
I love slow fashion. I’m a knitter, and most of my clothes at this point are either second-hand or handmade. I meticulously scour thrift stores for wool sweaters, cotton dresses, silk tops, and leather boots. I recently had my friend, who has a mending business, teach me how to repair moth holes in a thrifted cashmere pullover. I (try to) do just one big yarn shop a year and stock up on hand-dyed, high-quality fibers at my state’s sheep festival. Lately, I’ve been dabbling in sewing (I’m having a big quilted placemat year), and I took a reusable gift bag sewing class at a local textile arts organization a couple of weeks ago. I love quality, handmade things with weird colors and personality.
Meanwhile, fast fashion is an environmental disaster. In 2000, the fashion industry was responsible for about 1 billion metric tons of climate-warming greenhouse gas pollution. By 2022, that number had doubled. And because trends move fast and manufacturers churn out new clothes constantly, a lot of fast fashion ends up in landfills, where decomposing textiles can leach microplastics and chemicals.
I find a lot of crossover between my love of slow fashion and my values as a climate reporter. I believe good things take time and care. I believe in reducing my consumption and investing in clothes that will last for decades.
Don’t worry, this list is designed for all levels of craftiness, so you (and your loved one receiving the gift) don’t need to be an expert crocheter or own a sewing machine.
For new (to them) fashion
A thrift store shopping spree & a gift card to a local tailor: I swear by my favorite method of shopping for pants: thrift them for cheap and take them to a tailor who will make them fit like a glove. TIP: If you buy something made of cashmere or wool, stick it in the freezer for 48 hours to kill off any lurking moths.
A sewing or other fiber arts class, so they can start making their own clothes: Before I invested in a sewing machine, I took lessons from a friend. Even now that I know how to sew, my favorite way to make something is still in a class.
Gift cards to online thrift stores like TheRealReal and Thredup: I recently bought a pair of new (old) leather Dr Martens boots on TheRealReal, and I wear them everywhere. I like that on both of these websites, you can filter by the condition of the item.
For extending the life of well-loved fashion
A mending kit and how-to book: I was intimidated by mending for a while, which, now that I know how simple it is, feels very silly.
Take their summer shoes to the shoe repair shop: There aren’t enough shoe repair people anymore in my town (and likely yours, too), and I’ve found that it can take months to get a pair repaired. That means now is the perfect time to spruce up scuffed, sole-worn summer shoes.
Some gentle wool detergent and sweater drying mats: Careful washing helps clothes last longer. Plus, one of my least favorite parts of winter is trying to figure out where to dry my many sweaters after I’ve done a big hand wash. Maybe I’m a weirdo, but if someone got me a sweater drying rack for Christmas, I’d be thrilled.
For some cozy vibes
A pair of repurposed sweater mittens: In many areas, local organizations make mittens from scraps of old sweaters and donate the proceeds to food banks. I’ve seen them at garden, grocery, and gift stores, as well as holiday craft markets. You could also go to YouTube University and make a pair yourself.
Knit a hat or pair of mittens: Even if you’ve never knit before, you might still have time to learn in time to present something handmade (and, probably, slightly wonky). I taught myself to knit by working my way through the totally free Tin Can Knits Simple Collection. I found their hat and mittens patterns to be easy to follow and easy to make.
Thrift a quilt or crochet blanket: I’m always shocked by how many handmade quilts and blankets I find at my local thrift store. You can get something gorgeous and handmade for like $5. It’s bananas.
For the kids
A potholder loom: This is such a classic gift to me. I remember making so many potholders as a kid, and I love passing that tradition on to the kids in my life. Look for a kit that uses cotton loops instead of synthetic ones.
A big piece of pretty fabric: Is it a cape? A tent? A monster? Who knows! Let their imagination run wild.
A handmade hat that makes them look like a fruit or an animal: I’ve found it pretty easy to find a handmade baby hat at a craft fair or gift shop. One of my favorite things to knit every year is a new pumpkin hat for my friend’s kid to wear during fall adventures.
A sampling of hats I’ve made for friends’ kids.
For the more experienced fiber artists
Second-hand equipment: I have found Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to be great places to look for equipment like looms, spinning wheels, sewing machines, yarn swifts, and more.
Membership to a local craft or makers space: For those of us apartment dwellers with limited space, trying to find room for all our art equipment and supplies is an eternal pain. Many maker spaces offer the chance to use shared equipment (like giant floor looms or quilting machines) instead of buying your own.
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