Well, boys and girls both naughty and nice, it’s that time of year again: the internal struggle about how early is too early to listen to Christmas music. You’d think I’d have figured it out by now, but I still haven’t landed on the perfect time to start carolling. Last year, I definitely felt like I started too early; I was well sick of Michael Buble by December 25th. The year before that it was way too late. Of course, if you’re a normal person, you’re probably also thinking about stuff like how to stay warm and what might you want to have on hand to prepare you for a safe winter. Some essentials you’ll definitely want are candles (a great, handmade set below) in case of power outages, rechargeable hand warmers (go rechargeable to save Planet Earth!) and some touch-receptive gloves that will make driving and other activities in the cold more bearable (cuz you can tweet about how terrible the weather is without losing any fingers to frostbite). After you’ve got the basics, go ahead and browse through some goodies for yourself and your loved ones. I’d recommend the super soft, super luxe throw with matching cushion covers, as well as a S.A.D. lamp and a stylish onesie with a bum-flap. Above all else, make sure you don’t forget the self-heating pet bed for your FBFF (fuzzy best friend forever).
Memory Foam Pillows for the Best Night’s Sleep
I love a good pillow and memory foam is one of my favourite cushioning materials. This one uses Kool-Flow technology to keep you cool at night, which is very necessary for me as I run super hot when I sleep. I also love that it’s filled with shredded memory foam, so there’s no real flattening of the pillow (you simply re-fluff it if you find it’s not as poofy as you like).
Illume Luxury Winter White Candles Have the Perfect Scent
These elegant, pillar candles are handmade in Europe and feature a smokeless wick and extended burn time. I love the natural aromas that come, undoubtedly, from different essential oils. I find that these can go for a long time, are great for dinner parties and emergencies alike, and work well as a party favour or gift addition. And if that weren’t enough, proceeds from every sale go to support orphans and foster families in Europe.
Make Hot Lunches On-the-Go With This Portable Crock-Pot
‘Tis the season for stews and soups and warm, spicy … moose? Okay, maybe not moose (they are a national treasure), but you can definitely use this portable crock-pot to bring leftovers for lunch. Alternatively, you can employ it as a mini slow cooker, if so desired. It’s corded and small, so really good for tiny spaces, and is easily carried around by the handle.
Three-Piece Rushed Faux Fur Set Brings Instant Plushness
Just looking at this picture is enough for me to imagine how lush and richly soft this blanket and cushion set is. It looks so cozy and inviting and almost definitely will get completely and utterly commandeered by my two dogs. Buyers have touted the softness as “unreal” and the quality “amazing”. Maybe Santa will bring it to me this Christmas?
Get Heavy Duty Protection With This Waterproof Futon Protector
We probably all have a mattress protector on our beds, but you may not have thought to put one on your futon, as well. The truth is, those things collect a lot of dust, mites, and allergens as well. Something like this Ultraplush protector will keep all of those pesky things off of your futon. Even if you just use it to lounge on or for the occasional guest, it’ll give you peace of mind knowing that it isn’t collecting mildew and other icky things.
Compression Gloves Give Instant Relief to Painful Hands and Fingers
Compression gloves give instant relieve those stabbing pains and uncomfortable tingling in your hands. They’ve made a huge difference in my quality of life. I like how it keeps my hands warm while I type, as well, without hindering my ability to accurately hit the keys.
Stylish All-Season Goose Down Comforter That’s Also Reversible
I like to keep a couple extra comforters around the house, just in case we need them for guests or a storm or something. This down alternative one is really nice as it’s reversible and resistant to fading and stains. Plus, not having goose down means no animals were harmed in the making of me as a human burrito.
Yoga, Pilates and Barre These Grippy Socks Have Got You Covered
Grippy socks are something that seems to have popped into existence in, like, the 80s, no one questioned them, and now they’re just around forever. They are pretty good for those of you who don’t like to wear slippers. You can keep your feet warm around the house without worrying about slipping on any non-carpeted floors. Plus, the little bits on the sole are pretty fun to play with.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers Are the Ultimate Winter Companions
I’m gonna say it: hand warmers are underrated. Hot take, I know (pun only mildly intended). The only thing I don’t like is that they’re mostly one-time-use. This isn’t great for the environment or the sustainable lifestyle you’re trying to live. That’s when you spring for one of these rechargeable hand warmers. You simply plug it in via USB-C and it heats right up. The battery holds for a while, too, and is powerful enough to charge your phone on the fly. Tell me you don’t want in on that?
Full Coverage Warmth With This Fleece Hood Balaclava
A head-and-scarf combination that protects your ears, nose and mouth from frostbite but also stylish so that it doesn’t make you look like a bank robber? Sign me up, I’ll take one in every colour. Seriously, though, the faux-fur detailing and fleecy fabric make this balaclava actually look fashionable. I especially like the drawstring on either side to easily tighten or loosen the scarf based on how cold it is.
No More Miserable Winter Commutes With This Heated Car Blanket
I always dreaded going to work in the mornings come winter time (you know, more than I usually did), because of the cold. I never remember to heat up the car early, either, so I end up driving most of the way shivering like a madman. I’ve treated myself to one of these electric car blankets. It’s a plush flannel that’s already warm on its own. But when you plug it in, you’ll discover (maybe for the first time in your adult life) that winter mornings might not be all that bad, after all. It’s all very Christmas Story, I know.
Jump Into a Cozy, Warm Bed With This Heated Mattress Pad
Heated blankets have been a thing for ages, but have you heard of heated mattress pads? Yeah, they exist and they’re amazing. This one has ten heat settings plus a 10-hour auto shutoff for safety. There’s an LCD display so you can easily adjust the temperature in the dark and comes with two controllers. I’ve been loving it for the soothing of my aching back. My only concern now is how to get up in the mornings.
Instant Headache Relief With This Hot-n-Cold Face Mask
I love those eye masks that you can toss in the freezer or pop into the microwave for a quick pick-me-up. So, I was really excited to find out they made them for your whole freakin’ face. This is especially important when you suffer from frequent migraines, like I do. I find this is a great product to use at the onset of one, or even just for the average headache. I’ll even use it for knots in my back and shoulders, as well as on my hands after long days at the keyboard.
Soft-Fiber Microfibre Sheets Are Next Level Luxury For Sleeping
Winter means snow and snow means slush and slush means muddy pawprints on my bed again. So I have to have multiple sets of sheets on standby. I have to tell you that these fitted sheets are next level luxury. Apart from being the softest sheets I’ve ever slept on they are also hypoallergenic, which is awesome, and have so far proven to be very hardy against wrinkles and fading.
Battle Dry Skin With This Handy Compact Humidifier
I don’t know about you guys, but my dry, dry skin with its many eczema-related woes does not do well in the winter time. In fact, it gets way worse – whoa, right? I’m thankful, therefore, for this compact humidifier that saves me from otherwise becoming a human Grand Canyon. It features a handy dial, auto shut off, and is whisper-quiet. It even comes with an essential oils tray, for when you want to add a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ to your nice, moist air.
Tea is Just Better When You Make It With A Stovetop Kettle
A kettle that works and is nice to look at? Yeah, I’m hooked. This one is made of five layers of different metals, allowing it to heat up super quick so you don’t have to wait for your cocoa fix. It whistles when it’s done (no, it won’t do Kanye) and it even comes with a stainless steel infuser so you can enjoy tea without hurting the environment. I really like the heat-resistant handle and the spring-loaded lever is super convenient.
Say Goodbye to Pain With This Heating Pad On Stand-By
Get yourself one of these heating pads and then say goodbye to sore muscles. No need to risk getting sick at the spa when you can get instant relief at home from this electric heating-pad. It’s quiet so you can keep it on during Zoom meetings, if needed. There’s also an auto shut-off feature for safety, as well as a convenient remote that lets you change between the three available settings easily. So soothing and my pain and stress are drastically reduced.
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D With This Light Therapy Lamp
I recently discovered how important it is to get your circadian rhythm in sync. As I work shifts I’m doubly glad I have one of these incredible pieces of technology available to me. Last winter, I picked up this SAD lamp and it’s helped so much with transitioning seasons. I even used it in the summer on rainy or cloudy days. The UV-Free, full spectrum light mimics natural sunlight and makes for very effective light therapy. I’ve noticed an improvement in my sleep, mood, and focus. Winter is coming and if you’re one of the unfortunate individuals afflicted by seasonal affect disorder, then you’ll definitely want to pick up one of these lamps.
Plaid Onesie Pajamas Are So Cute and Cozy
These perfectly plaid one-piece pajamas, for instance, will satisfy your romping needs while being perfect for snuggle season. They’re made of 100% cotton and feature the coveted drop-seat panel so you don’t need to freeze your butt off just to use the restroom. And did I mention it’s plaid?
Heat Up A Space Quickly With This Oscillating Heater
I was really excited to come across this oscillating space heater that heats any room quickly. It’s the vertical kind with two quiet heat settings and an auto-shutoff safety feature that detects overheating. Best of all, it comes pre-assembled, so all you need to do to warm up is plug it in and wait.
Treat a Furry Friend to This Self-Heating Pet Bed
I spoil my dogs, no doubt, but for a very good reason: they’re good dogs, Bront. For example, now that that cold front looks like it’s planning on sticking around for a while, I decided to get them this self-heating mat. It works to radiate their own body heat back to them, which is a whole heck of a lot safer than corded variations. My pooches have the most content expressions when they nap on this and I think they also enjoy how soft it is.
Fight the Cold and Look Cute Doing It in This Animal Onesie
I remember when I was in my first year of university, there was a school-wide event run by students where everyone dressed up in a onesie. It was one of those moments that felt truly surreal. Now, every time I see an animal onesie like this one, I think about that night. Anyway, these onesies are a blend of comfort and fun and has a zip-up enclosure. Best thing to bring to a casual party or sleepovers!
Affordable and Highly Rated Comforter and Sham Set
I’ve been loving this comforter set as its a modern, baffle box-stitching design and it’s reversible so each week my room feels like it’s had fresh decor. The best thing about it is how warm and soft it is while staying lightweight. The set comes with a comforter and matching pillowcases.
Screen Your Visitors With This Wireless Doorbell
I live in the lower unit of a large house and there’s no doorbell for any of the units. In fact, there’s no doorbell even for the front. With cold weather blowing in from the north, I wanted a way for food and package delivery people to let me know they were there so no one would have to wait in the cold for too long. This wireless doorbell has been awesome for that. It hooks up very easily and even has different rings for you to choose from. With an operating range of over 500 feet, I had no problem getting signal for it within my one-bedroom.
Eco-Friendly 100% Bamboo Sheet Sets Are Super Soft and Pure Luxury
These sheets have over 18k reviews at almost five stars and for a good reason: they’re amazing. One buyer was so over the moon and even said their wife wanted to buy sets for every single bed in their house. And I can totally see what they mean. The bamboo fabric is so soft and cool and seem actually pill-resistant even after several washes.
Top Rated Silicone Oven Mitts Will Ensure That You Won’t Slip
I needed a new pair of oven mitts after I (literally) burned through my last pair. The leaves are changing colour, which is basically my cue to bake all day everyday. Besides the gorgeous colour, I really like the silicone striping on these ones. They not only add an element of chic, but also provide non-slip grip. This combination of cotton and silicone means that the gloves are more flexible than all-silicone ones, while gripping better than the standard cotton gloves.
Rubber Sole Memory Foam House Slippers That Are Soft and Warm
I wear around the house. These memory foam slippers, chic and supportive knitted booties. They have a plush interior, non-slip rubber soles (huge for letting the dogs out on icy/wet days) and look a lot more grown-up than my old pair of unicorn slips.
No More Frozen Toes Now That You’ve Discovered Heated Socks
These thermal socks are a real life saver come those days where you suddenly find yourself knee deep in your snowy driveway, wondering why you thought (again) that ankle boots would suffice this year. The socks are especially thick with insulation and compression qualities. They’re also super soft and, very importantly, don’t slip around inside my shoes.
Lil’ Space Heater is a Tiny Companion That Packs a Punch
Those of you who have never had a personal space heater before, you’re missing out and you shouldn’t be. This little heater is perfect as an intro product, especially for the smallest of spaces. You can keep it right on top of your desk even, if your hands are the unlucky appendages that suffer the most from the cold.
Chic and Warm Waffle-Knit Thermal Blanket For Sofa Days
I love waffle knit things so much and this blanket is no exception. It’s like the pumpkin spice latte of knitted styles for me. Besides the contemporary design that makes it look fresh without trying too hard, it simply feels really good. The puckered cotton weave is cool enough that I don’t feel suffocated when it’s warm, and warm enough that you can easily burrito under it with your favourite person/pets. Plus, it makes a fine throw to layer atop your couch or duvet.
Get Some Therapy and Luxury With This Weighted Blanket Cover
Plush, pleasant, and designed with temperature control in mind, this weighted blanket cover is a delightful way to change things up. I’d had a plain, microfiber cover previously, and this one is definitely an upgrade. I like that it’s reversible colours, as well, and that there are ties inside to keep the blanket in place.
Touchscreen Gloves Make Winter More Bearable
It’s 2021 and gone are the days where you have to either freeze your fingertips off so as to access your phone, or just not use your phone until you get to wherever you’re going. Canadian winters are so brutal, and even a few seconds of exposure to the elements make my appendages shrink away in fear. These touch-receptive gloves solve that problem with ease. Even driving is easy because they aren’t too bulky, and I can access the GPS without taking them off.
As Seen On Shark Tank… The Comfy Sherpa Wearable Blanket
If you like soft blankets as much as I do, then you’ll also fall in love with this amazing giant Sherpa hoodie. It’s made of premium microfibre fleece on the outside and lined with faux Sherpa on the inside. It also washes well with minor pilling and comes out of the dryer as big and soft as it went in. As one buyer raved, “this is one yummy, soft, cozy, cuddly fantastic over-sized hoodie! … There are no cons and a lot of pros.”
Help Your Child Sleep Better With This Cute Weighted Blanket
I wish I’d had one of these weighted blankets when I was a kid. I was always really nervous and shy and as I went through school, those feelings intensified. Something like this 100% cotton one would have been perfect. It’s made of a breathable material and in various patterns that children would love. The glass beads are also safe and nontoxic, so you won’t have to worry about night-time choking hazards.
Fight Achy Muscles and Warm Up With This Microwavable Compress
I get so many aches and pains throughout the year that it’s a wonder I can move at all these days. Those pains get way worse in the wintertime so I like to keep one of these compresses on hand. You simply wet it and toss it in the microwave for a couple minutes and you’ll have yourself slightly less-sore muscles in no time.
Keep Your Dog Cute But Also Warm With These Thermal Jammies
Maybe I’m biased, but dog pajamas literally make me the happiest when I see them on my babies (dog babies, if that wasn’t obvious). One of my favourite brands on Amazon is Fitwarm. They make dog onesies in both cotton and microfibre. I really like the attention-to-detail they pay to the clothing, from the clean seams to the back “pocket” on this one that has a little pleather piece with their logo on it. Pretty much Levi’s but for your dogs. Plus, everyone deserves to be as warm and cozy as possible this holiday season.
Bluetooth Earmuffs Let the Hottest Tracks Warm You Up and Out
I’ve been loving these bluetooth earmuffs now that the weather has cooled down. It makes early-morning walks with the dogs and driving in the cold way way more enjoyable. You simply charge it up and connect it to your phone, just like a regular pair of bluetooth ‘buds. I’ve even been wearing it around the house when my ears get inexplicably colder than the rest of my body.