A curated list of upcycled christmas gift ideas to buy from small shops.
This post is a little different from 99% of my blog! I normally highlight things to make or patterns and kits to buy that let you make something but I’ve heard from a few readers that they wanted suggestions of where to BUY when they didn’t want to DIY. All of these small shops are working with upcycled materials in some part, I had *so* much fun researching this list and even bought a few things for myself.
One of the shops I contacted about including them, asking permission to use their photos, turned me down because my blog was “for makers” and not for lifestyle and influencers or what have you. Which is totally their prerogative and part of why I ask! But it really got me to thinking, I feel like it is an unnecessary tension between makers and small businesses. I buy stuff alll the time that I could make – whether it is a handsewn product, restaurant food, or a PDF form. I’m buying it because I’d rather pay them and save the time, or maybe they have a unique print or feature I love, or buying all the materials for something would be cost prohibitive, I’d rather just buy it premade.
Anyway, all of that to say of course don’t be rude and look at someone’s product and ask them how they made it, blatantly copy it and sell it, or talk about how you could make it (that applies mostly to in person shows of course). Some things on this list are things I have made, or already have tutorials for or even tutorials planned for in the future – but of course I’m not going to start selling a pattern for a sweater bluejay ornament. I actually found something made FROM two of my patterns at a local handmade market this morning so it can really be a circle.
SO I hope you have fun shopping! Most of all, I think people who are makers appreciate and understand the pricing and work that goes into something handmade. I love shopping small almost as much as I love making things (and sometimes more, depending on the project, ha!).
If you’re not keen on upcycled gifts, Etsy also has a personalized gift section of suggestions that has great ideas!
Pin this list of 20+ upcycled gift ideas to buy- shop small! with this collage image or link – do NOT pin individual images from this post, click through to their listing and pin from there so no one gets lost in transit 🙂
While you’re here, you might be interested in these other posts too!
- 25+ upcycle sewing tutorials that make great gifts
- 10+ unique sewing specialty kits to gift
- 11+ fun adult craft kits to make or gift
- 15+ fabric wrapping paper alternatives
20+ upcycled gift ideas to buy- shop small!
Ok how gorgeous is this sweater bird!! She has a whole flock of different species and I love them all, these would be such a great gift.
This design made me laugh, this would be a great way to wrap a gift too!
My daughter ooh-ed and aah-ed over my shoulder at these luxurious bookmarks made from velvet and upcycled vintage jewelry, a perfect add-on with a bookstore gift card or your favorite read.
I ordered a pair of these for myself when making this list! Slipper like these are my favorite to protect my wool socks in winter, I can't wait to wear them.
My teen nieces love fingerless gloves like this, they look so cozy, I bet they'd be nice while typing.
Dog toys! Perfect puppy stocking stuffer.
I love upcycled wool everything and this looks so cozy!
These are so popular right now - upcycled quilt Christmas stockings!
I think this is gorgeous, what a great hostess gift.
What a great way to use vintage scarves, beautiful headbands!
Probably the most common upcycled gift item and for good reason - sweater mittens! They look so cozy!
Another beautiful quilt upcycle, a cozy neck warmer for when you can't drag your whole quilt with you to stay warm.
These look so handy, and what a fun stocking stuffer!
I love love love the quilt coat trend and browsing them is so much fun, what a beautiful gift.
The best gift maybe ever for someone who has a stack of tshirts they've been meaning to learn how to sew for - the gift of time!
How clever are these, made from old soda cans! Lots of fun designs.
This is so festive and cheery, I want it all over my tree!
You have to click and see the inside, this is so beautiful. My tween nieces were in love with something similar to this at a local market, great gift idea for girls into fantasy and cottagecore!
Not pictured
- I don't know anything about skateboards but love the designs of this upcycled jewelry shop!
- Cute wool sweater scraps turned into festive holiday trees.
- I've made one of these as longtime readers may remember, they are a lot of work and SO cozy, upcycled sweater blanket!
- Upcycled nylon backpack that looks perfect for adventures.
Sharon
Friday 2nd of December 2022
Thanks so much Stephanie for reminding makers not to copy other makers' creations. It's important to respect one another.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Friday 2nd of December 2022
Definitely!