Gifts for the Cold-Weather Lover? Hater? Both!
Whether you count down the days until that first crisp breeze… or spend the winter months muttering “absolutely not,” we’ve got gifts that make cold weather a whole lot cozier. Today’s picks wrap warmth, craftsmanship, and sustainability into two beautiful pieces we’re proud to share.
The Intertwined Wool Momo Blanket
Handwoven warmth from the mountains of Momostenango, Guatemala
It’s been freezing here in North Carolina lately, and I’ve been surviving my evenings by wrapping up in my colorful striped Wool Momo Blanket (truly: it hasn’t left my sofa).
Two years ago, Chris and I visited Byron Ralac Arguetan, who leads a traditional weaving cooperative dedicated to keeping this ancestral craft alive. His family and the surrounding community transform raw wool—yes, from local sheep!—into the soft, vibrant blankets we love.
One of my favorite parts of the journey was seeing the volcanic hot springs that play a starring role in the felting process. Twice a week, artisans carry freshly woven blankets down to the steaming pools, where the hot mineral water shrinks, softens, and naturally felts the wool. We didn’t catch the felting in action (wrong day of the week!), but we wandered among the rising steam and imagined the blankets soaking in the same springs where local families also wash clothes and bathe. It’s a place full of life and connection.
Back at Byron’s workshop, we watched artisans dye the wool brilliant colors, weave it on towering wooden looms, and later brush the finished blankets with dried seed pods—a step often done by Byron’s mother. (Her biceps are legendary. Truly.) Each step is intentional, slow, and rooted in generations of knowledge.
Sadly, Guatemala’s woolen industry has declined in recent decades as mass-produced blankets flood the market. Byron and his cooperative are working tirelessly to protect this tradition and provide sustainable income for Momostenango’s families. When you curl up under a Momo blanket, you’re not just staying warm—you’re supporting that revival.
Perfect for:
Cold-weather lovers who want a blanket with depth, warmth, beauty, and a story that spans mountains and generations.
Sardine Clothing Company Cashmere Fingerless Gloves
Recycled cashmere, handmade with whimsy and purpose
If you prefer your winter warmth on the go, these recycled cashmere fingerless gloves from Sardine Clothing Company are exactly what your chilly hands ordered.
I met founder Maryanne Petrus-Gilbert at the Atlanta Gift Market, and instantly loved her creativity, humor, and mission. Since 2008, Sardine Clothing Company has been transforming thrifted cashmere, wool, and t-shirts into new pieces—starting as one woman with a sewing machine, and now one woman (plus friends!) and many sewing machines.
Maryanne describes herself as “a little fishy,” and honestly, it fits—in the best way. She dives into thrift stores like treasure troves, giving gently used textiles a second life. Every pair of cashmere fingerless gloves is made from 100% recycled, lightly felted sweaters. They’re soft, warm, over-the-wrist long, and leave your fingers free for texting, typing, sipping hot chocolate, or wrangling holiday decorations.
Choosing these gloves supports an artist committed to reducing textile waste and greenhouse gases—something our planet could use a little more of.
Perfect for:
Cold-weather haters who want warmth without sacrificing dexterity… and anyone who loves eco-friendly accessories with personality.
For the Cozy Enthusiast in Your Life
Whether you’re shopping for a winter worshipper or someone who wishes they could hibernate until April, these two gifts bring warmth with heart. One preserves a centuries-old craft in the Guatemalan highlands. The other transforms forgotten cashmere into something practical, playful, and planet-friendly.
Cold weather may be unavoidable—but with gifts like these, it becomes a whole lot more delightful.
