Nothing hits quite like tie-dye. Call us biased (where the Dead Heads at?), but what other practice can be traced from ancient Asia to the stages of Woodstock and every single matching set of 2020’s sweatsuits? There’s just no motif that straddles such a wide breadth of kaleidoscopic energy — which is exactly what makes it such a cool way to elevate gift-giving this holiday season. Think about it: a pillow sham, face mask, and hoodie are all pretty boring UNTIL you slap some swirlies on it.
It’s a classic move and one that has been on the ever-rising rebound in recent years. Why? Culturally and politically, we’re at a boiling point with so many parallels to the 1960s and 1970s (aka eras in which tie-dye was the unofficial dissent craft). These days, it’s been the star of high-fashion runways and our quarantine shopping carts (bless you, Amazon goddesses) alike. In 2020, it feels like there’s a tie-dye mood for everyone: for the trendy babes with tiny sunglasses; for the chic shibori minimalists; for the skate-park kids; for the pastel lovers; for the hippies at heart. Whether you’re seeking home goods, accessories, DIY tie-dye kits, scrunchies, athleisure, or a vibey basketball (what, have you still not watched The Last Dance?!), we’ve got you covered with 15 dyed treasures that would make Jerry proud.
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Haight Tie-Dye Dish Towel
Because you can never have enough dish towels you actually want to look at. This is the best kind of gift: a present, and an invitation to clean!
Anthropologie Haight Tie-Dye Dish Towel, $, available at Anthropologie
High Waist Sports Leggings
We love that these dusty pink leggings feel feminine, but not too girly. They also come with a concealed key pocket in the waistband.
H&M High Waist Sports Leggings, $, available at H&M
Spalding UO Exclusive Custom Tie-Dye Basketball
Because someone in your life needs this. (If not you.)
Spalding Spalding UO Exclusive Custom Tie-Dye Basketball, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Yin Yang Tie-Dye Crew Sock
Yin Yang signs (which are also trending in 2020) and tie-dye? A true ’90s feast.
Urban Outfitters Repeat Yin Yang Tie-Dye Crew Sock, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Orange and Pink Pillow Case
Gift a splash of color with a tie-dye sham. The perfect way to dip a loved one’s toes into the trend.
Love100Fires Orange and Pink Pillow Case, $, available at Etsy
Zebra Tie Dye Kurta Hoodie
We couldn’t talk tie-dye without bringing up the brand Abacaxi, which is the sartorial child of South Asian-American designer Sheena Sood. Like this Kurta hoodie, the designer’s pieces are incredibly versatile and ethically made.
Abacaxi Zebra Tye Die Kurta Hoodie, $, available at Abacaxi
Indigo Dye Kit
From the cool kids at the NY-based tie-dye brand, Upstate, comes the ultimate indigo dye kit. “Each kit comes with a dye mixture we have concocted in our Brooklyn studio,” says the site, “a silk hankie, string, and shibori tutorial (in case you want to take it a few steps further). You can dye your hankie in this can or use a stockpot to dye up to 10 yards of fabric or 18 t-shirts.”
Upstate Indigo Dye Kit, $, available at Upstate
Silipint Swirl Bowl Set
If there’s one thing we did this summer, it was cute socially-distanced picnics. They’re likely not going anywhere anytime soon, so why not opt for a groovy set of “unbreakable,” insulated, microwave-safe bowls?
Silipint Silipint Silicone Bowl Set, $, available at Amazon
Hand-Dyed Face Mask
When in doubt, gift a face mask. Go for a gender-neutral blue face mask, like this hand-died find on Amazon.
Stones and Studs Hand-Dyed Face Mask, $, available at Amazon
Tie-Dye Comforter
Proof that not all tie-dye is headache-inducing. This lightweight comforter comes in a variety of sizes, and with a relaxing take on the motif.
Caroline McKendrick Tie Dye Comforter, $, available at Society6
Tie-Dye Bucket Hat
Now all you need is the JUULpod. (JK. Kind of.) This little bucket hat will brighten up every fall and winter look.
TieDyeTemple Tie Dye Bucket Hat, $, available at Etsy
Tie Dye Ornament
The classy, understated-groovy holiday gift.
CB2 Tie Dye Ornament, $, available at CB2
Sports Milano Scrunchie
Again, try opting for tie dye-accented presents to jazz up the gift-giving season — like these scrunchies.
FP Movement Sports Milano Scrunchie, $, available at Free People
Tie-Dyed Cropped Sweatshirt
This cropped sweatshirt proves that even tie-dye can dabble in grungier, moodier aesthetics.
Pam & Gela Tie Dyed Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Women’s Tie-Dye Low Liner Socks
For a more lowkey tie-dye flex, we suggest this pair of four low liner workout socks.
Peds Women’s Tie-Dye Low Liner Socks, $, available at Target
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Take Tie-Dye Into Fall With These 13 Sweaters
