GREEN GIFT GUIDE: Eco Knits for the Holidays
Nothing says ‘warmest wishes for the holidays’ like knitwear that is lovingly crafted and sustainably produced. Eco knits are the ultimately gift giving gesture, as they remain stylish from year to year while also keeping us cozy and cutely bundled from day to day. We have handpicked a few great finds from our favorite eco boutiques, Etsy crafters, and our new Inhabitat Shop as a toasty warm-up for your gift-giving list. Spread the cheer of sustainable style with eco knits that add a unique and fun twist to chic green layering.
NIT ARM WARMERS – $35
What’s not to love about an eco-luxurious pair of long arm warmers from NIT. Made from 100% super fine merino wool, this is the ultra chic gift for the green girl about town. Sculpted knitwear like this goes a long way in defining one’s unique signature style not to mention adding an elegant layer to day-to-night ensembles.
OEUF SQUEEZE ME MITTENS – $58
Not to be left behind, Oeuf’s Squeeze Me Mittens with built in pockets for your little one’s hands. How cute and clever is this design? A perfect solution for family gift giving and a great way to insure that your little one does not stray far from your side. Produced in Bolivia by fair-trade artisans and knit out of 100% alpaca, Squeeze Me Mittens come in black, brown, and pink.
$58 from the Inhabitat Shop
FLOW SCARF by HIROKO KURIHARA DESIGNS – $128
This luxurious handmade striped scarf from Hiroko Kurihara Designs in Oakland and Berkeley, CA, is made from 100% Italian virgin wool that is EU ecologically certified. Measuring 62″ long x 8″ – 10″ wide, each scarf that the designer sells results in a donation of a recycled polar fleece scarf to a local organization that serves those who are homeless or in transition. Guaranteed crafts(wo)manship with a commitment to local, sweatshop-free manufacturing.
$128 from Branch – Available in ‘brick’ or ‘lichen’
NIT POCKET SCARF – $85
This ingenious pocket scarf design combines useful hand-warming, gadget-toting pockets with the cuddliness of a wool scarf. Be the first on your block with a unique and clever pocket scarf. Designer Gail Travis of NIT custom-knits each scarf to order,and you can choose from a wide range of colors in either Merino Wool or a lighter-weight cotton/bamboo blend.
$85 from the Inhabitat Shop
FLIRTY VICTORIANA RUFFLED SCARFLETTE – $76
One cannot hunt for cool green knitwear gifts without checking in with Etsy indie crafters and their one-of-a-kind creations. I was thrilled to come across this super-cute, ruffled ‘scarflette’ handknit by Tinkled Pink Knits out of wool and silky bamboo. Available in an assortment of 14 colors, including the pictured ivory and crimson above – one size fits all.
$76 from Tickled Pink Knits/Etsy
PURE ORGANIC COTTON KNIT WRIST CUFF – $29
Another crafty knit accessory from Tinkled Pink Knits is this cute hand-knitted 100% certified organic and fair trade Peruvian cotton wrist cuff. The oatmeal beige geometric textured pattern looks great paired with other winter knits or organic cotton tees. The cuff fastens with a pair of unique buttons (bits of dry grass are sealed under a clear coating). It’s crunchy, crafty bling at it’s best.
$29 from Tickled Pink Knits/Etsy
PATAGONIA BEANIE HAT – $28
Patagonia’s Beanie Hat is a super versatile, easy-to pack piece of knitwear for climbers, hikers, and hipster urbanites. Made from 50% fine-gauge merino and 50% acrylic, this fitted cap is a perfect gift for those outdoor enthusiasts who seem to have all their gear totally figured out. Though not an accessory that is included in Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program, the 1% For The Planet sales donation makes it a pretty sweet addition to green kits everywhere.
EAIRTH’s IBOLAI KNIT HAT – $165
If you have been looking high and low for a one-of-a-kind, artisanal piece for the gift giving season, consider this chunky, hand-crocheted bonnet of organic cotton from Eairth. Naturally dyed and handmade in the Philippines, there really has to be nothing cuter and warmer than headgear with earflaps. Eairth’s designer, Melissa Dizon, uses only natural fibers and dyes her garments with ‘eairthy’ materials like tree bark and turmeric or cardamom.
NIT NECK WARMER – $55
Why go for a hum-drum scarf when you can sport this chic, versatile neck-warmer instead? Show your favorite green girl how much you care with this glamorous knit piece from NIT. Made from 100% soft merino wool, the stylish neckwarmer has three snaps, and for added eco-chic versatility – can also double as a belt.
$55 from the Inhabitat Shop
LARA MILLER CHERYL WRAP – $147
Equally earthy and dreamy is this feminine and delicate wrap by Chicago-based eco fashion designer, Lara Miller. A truly versatile, trans-seasonal piece made locally in Chicago from 100% bamboo, you can tie back the front panels and wear it as a caplet, or wrap it around your front. Lara Miller is a hot designer to watch, so owning one of her pieces is definitely a great endorsement of sustainable style and fashion innovation.
On sale for $147 from Pivot Boutique Chicago
LARA MILLER ‘Mindy Mock Sweater’ and STEWART + BROWN ‘Mongolian Cashmere Hoody’
More sustainable style fashion collectibles abound at two of our favorite eco-boutiques, Camilla Boutique in Brooklyn and Eco Citizen in San Francisco. Lara Miller’s luxurious 100% bamboo ‘Mindy Mock Sweater’ is delicately draped and sumptuous in color. It is an investment for sure but a wise one at that. Stewart + Brown’s fine Mongolian cashmere hoody is the perfect, hip holiday sweater, though lightweight enough to wear all year long. Made of 100% cashmere and fair-trade knit, it’s a great addition to any eco chic wardrobe.
