Do you know what my favorite day of the year is? The day that Daylight Saving Time ends. (I’m not even kidding.) There’s something about shorter days, cool breezes, and cozy nights in front of the television that just makes me happy. (That extra hour of sleep isn’t too bad, either.) Ultimately, it sets the stage for winter, a time I excel as the hermit I truly am at heart.
When I say “hermit,” I mean full-fledged stay-home-all-day, maybe-stay-in-pajamas, read-all-the-books-and-binge-watch-all-the-television hermit-ness. I am — legitimately — a homebody in the complete sense of the word — and I’m O.K. with it. Somewhere, I read a joke that goes something like this: “How do people stay in the house all day?” “Because all my stuff is there and I don’t like people.” And, I’ve never identified with anything more than that. Peep my list of hibernation must-haves below.
A Grown-Up Night Light
Honestly, I could read all day long and not just at night but this neck reading light lets you keep the good times rolling long after everyone else has gone to bed. It has myriad other uses, too, such as for crafting, doing repairs, or even camping. This light has three colors and six brightness modes as well as bendable arms to get the focus just right.
Heat Things Up
The older I get, the more I love my heating pad. Even if you’re not treating some part of your body that hurts, a heating pad is hugely comforting and can warm you up on chilly nights. This one works with both moist and dry heat options, is covered with soft microfiber, and has an auto shut-off feature. You’ll love the large 12-inch by 24-inch size, too.
Live In Leggings
If you’re going to hibernate all winter, you’re going to want some comfy clothes. These high-waisted leggings will get the job done whether you’re lounging on the couch or lounging in the bed (you’re going to be doing a lot of lounging, just FYI). These have tons of options including color choice, sizes, and lengths like full-length and capri.
Sleep In Satin
Everyone knows (or should know by now) that sleeping on silk offers great benefits for your hair and skin. These softer-than-silk scrunchies are a riff on a silk pillowcase and can be used to prevent hair breakage and preserve your style while you’re in bed. These satin scrunchies work on all hair types and come in a five-pack of the same color.
The Real Fire Starter
Let’s be serious: You can’t plan to hibernate all winter without anticipating having a fire or two (preferably in a fireplace or fire pit). These fire starters make quick work of getting the flames going safely and easily whether you’re a traditionalist with a chimney or you’re braving the elements to hit the BBQ grill. These fire starters are water-resistant, with no kindling required.
Water You Resting Your Head On?
Long, hot baths are my all-time favorite indulgence and not just in the winter. I’ve been looking for gear to make my bath even better and this full-body mat with cushion headrest is a definite game-changer. Powerful suction cups hold it in place and it features both a soft-breathable material and AirMesh technology so it dries fast and stays cool.
A Friendly Frother
If you’re hibernating indoors this winter season, you’re probably not going to be hitting the Starbucks drive-thru very much. But, you can still enjoy your favorite coffee creations with this two-speed milk frother. This electric whisk generates an abundance of foamy goodness in everything from a cappuccino to hot cocoa. It features an ergonomic handle and stainless steel whisk for durability.
Mask Attack
Nothing says “treat yo’ self” like a little self-care for your feet. These peppermint foot peel masks are great to throw on while you’re chilling on the couch, treating your dry, cracked heels and calluses. These come in other fragrances, too, like aloe vera and tea tree. Simply slip on the booties and wear them for an hour, then remove and rinse.
Pop It Like It’s Hot
Popcorn goes with hibernating like peas go with carrots. This silicone microwave popcorn maker is collapsible and dishwasher-safe but best of all, it can make up to 15 cups of popcorn in a matter of minutes. The manufacturer says this maker requires no oil or butter (ha!) and pops every kernel without burning any. This is a great purchase for yourself and maybe a cute gift idea for your fellow hibernators.
All Mixed Up
If you’re going to stay indoors this winter, it might be time to brush up on your mixology skills with this bartender kit. It includes all the hardware you’ll need: Shaker, jigger, strainer, bar mixer spoon, tongs, bottle opener, and a slew of “cocktail cards” to get you started. When you’re self-imposed hibernation is over, your friends will be impressed with your newfound bartending skills.
It’s Berry Bare
A few weeks (months?) indoors is a great time to get your beauty routine solidified. This brightening glycolic mask with the sweet “Berry Bare” name is an excellent resurfacing treatment complete with vitamins C and E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. The result? Brighter and smoother skin, even if your diet consists of plenty of macaroni and cheese and Pop-Tarts.
Mop The Floor With It
You’ll really have no excuse for not having a sparkling clean house if you’re hanging out indoors a lot. This turbo mop set with four reusable pads at least makes it somewhat fun, cleaning surfaces from hardwood and bamboo to stone and laminate. A 360-degree spin and long, extendable handle make cleaning even hard-to-reach areas easier than ever. Toss the pads in the laundry when you’re finished.
Help A Door Dasher Out
I added a wireless doorbell much like this one at my apartment because how am I supposed to hear all my DoorDashers if I’m in the back of the apartment working and they’re knocking on the door. This set features one ringer and one plug-in receiver that requires zero installation … with the exception of snapping it into an outlet.
Lay Your Head On A New Pillow
New pillows can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. This set of two Fern and Willow pillows is perfect for back, side, and stomach sleepers, retaining its shape and keeping you cool with the plush gel side. Grab them in standard, queen, and king sizes, and then adjust the fill through the zippered compartment to your liking.
On A Roller
If you’re over the age of 30, you’ve probably already woken up a time or two and thought, “What did I do to my [insert body part here]?” This muscle roller will work out the kinks and sore spots with its unique bar design and free workout guide. Recommended by trainers and physical therapists, this tool can help increase blood circulation, restore motion and reduce stiffness and pain in your muscles.
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub
Add some scrub to your beauty routine with this Himalayan salt option from Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals. Scrubs are great for deep cleaning and exfoliating so that your other beauty products apply more smoothly. This version has Himalayan salt, which is known for its great nutrients like calcium and magnesium, along with other great ingredients like collagen and sweet almond oil.
Your New Bath BFF
I’ve already mentioned that hot baths are my favorite indulgence so imagine how much better they could be with this bamboo bathtub tray. I always have a million things with me when I’m getting ready including a bath bomb, my phone, my Kindle, and usually a drink and a fan. This offers a great place to put everything without having to worry about them falling in the water.
Make It A Great Bi-det
If you’re going to be holed up in the house, you’re going to need a, ahem, bathroom option that doesn’t require a lot of toilet paper hoarding. This bidet attachment goes on your existing toilet to deliver a refreshing experience with adjustable water pressure and a retractable water spray nozzle. For less than $22, you can live like a wealthy European … emphasis on “pean.”
Fiddle With A Fidget Toy
Hibernating all winter doesn’t mean you won’t have moments that stress you out. I love these fidget magnets, which are great for occupying your hands while you’re on hold on the phone or while someone boring is talking on a Zoom meeting. (I’m not speaking from personal experience, of course.) These are perfectly weighted and both smooth and cooling to the touch.
Mirror, Mirror, On The Shower Wall
A lot of time spent indoors means finding new ways to go about your daily business, including streamlining your shower routine. This fogless shower mirror is a great way to brush your teeth, apply masks or shave, making you an exceptional multitasker. This one won’t fog up and features a shelf with hooks for your loofah or razor. You can also rotate it 360 degrees for just the right position.
Band Together
You knew it was coming: The idea of adding some workouts into your hibernation routine. After all, you don’t want to re-emerge in the spring with extra pounds to get rid of. These Booty Bands are a great, portable exercise option with varying degrees of resistance to work out your glutes, thighs, and hips. This purchase comes with training videos with more than 80 exercises.
Tea Time
Coffee not your thing? Tea is a worthwhile alternative, especially if you have a gorgeous glass teapot like this one with a built-in diffuser. This works by adding your water, removing the stainless steel lid and infuser, and then popping it in the microwave. Make up to 40 ounces of tea in one pot — enough for you if you’re a heavy tea drinker or a small group of friends.
Everything’s On The Table
There’s no chance you’re going into hibernation mode and won’t be eating meals in front of the television … probably one a day, at least. This portable TV tray table is great for your plate or a laptop so you can stay parked on the couch. It even has a built-in cup holder. When in use, it can accommodate up to 40 pounds and it folds away neatly when not in use.
The Air In There
Removes allergens, smoke, dust, pet dander, and odors from your space, which is going to be pretty important if you’re staying inside, with this air purifier. This one works on a space up to 325 square feet and uses activated charcoal HEPA filters to capture even the smallest microns of dust. Transform it from a tower purifier to a tabletop version by simply removing the base.
Kitty Carrier
If you thought you and your furry friend couldn’t be much closer, you clearly haven’t conceived of this sling carrier. Designed to hold your favorite feline or man’s best friend, these carriers are reversible and come with a security strap to keep them safely contained. The material is breathable and can also be thrown into the washing machine for easy clean-up.
In (Virtual) Reality
While you’re abstaining from the reality of the world outside, you might as well head into virtual reality with this VR headset. This is compatible with smartphones with a gyro sensor (which is most of them these days) and was designed with comfort in mind for extended wear. The 4-inch to 6.3-inch screen will bring you a totally immersive visual experience.
The Outside Succs
The outside sucks but the inside can “succ,” too, with this indoor garden grow kit that includes seeds for both succulents and cacti. This set is complete with soil disks, jute bags, and plant markers as well as a mixture of seeds and pruning shears. Work on your personal growth and the growth of these little cuties while you’re contemplating life on the inside.
Shower Power
You’re going to have to continue to shower, O.K.? I don’t care if the only person you see is the guy from Uber Eats; he deserves better. This shower gadget isn’t for you, though; this one is for your pets, who still need regular grooming. An all-in-one sprayer and scrubber attachment, it hooks right onto your shower spigot, making shower time easy and convenient.
Sub Out Your Sheets
New sheets make everything better. This four-piece Italian luxury sheet set is wrinkle- and fade-resistant and has super-deep pockets (16 inches!) and sturdy elastic to keep everything in place. Available to fit both queen and king beds, there are multiple gray-and-white designs to choose from. At less than $30 for the set, this is a real steal that one reviewer called her “favorite sheets of all time.”
Baby Got Back Scrubber
Speaking of showers, this back and body scrubber is meant just for you (not Fido). With this silicone doodad, you can clean hard-to-reach places like your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and even your feet. (Hey, some people have more trouble reaching certain spots than others.) This scrubber features dual-sided textures and an ergonomic design with a handle for an easy-to-grip experience.
Get Lit
You’re going to need a Vitamin D supplement if you’re hanging out indoors all winter … or, you can buy one of these light therapy lamps that address the winter blues while regulating sleep, improving focus, boosting your energy, and just feeling happier overall. The LED natural light lamp produces uniform, dot-free light that has the same quality as the noonday sun.
That’s So Sketch
You’re going to have a lot of time to think when you’re hibernating so grab this pack of sketchbooks to write down (or draw) your ideas. Each of these has a different colored cover so you can stay organized: Jot recipes in one, balance your budget in another, draw home designs in a third. Each pad includes 60 perforated sheets of heavyweight paper.
Cushion Comfort
You know what happens when you sit around a lot? Things start to hurt. This lumbar support pillow gives you a helping hand while sitting, with an ergonomic contour to help promote relief from lower back discomfort. Added bonus? It encourages better posture, which we could all do with more of. An adjustable strap means it’ll work with most of your seating options.
Potty Party
With all of the free time you’ll have on your hands, everything (literally, everything) in your house should be spic-and-span. This electric power scrubber at least makes cleaning decidedly more fun, thanks to its battery-powered operation and four different brush head attachments for various surfaces. Work smarter, not harder with this gadget that one reviewer said is “pretty powerful for how small it is.”
Oil Slick
Winter is the time of colds and flu so arm yourself ahead of time with an essential oil known for its cold and congestion-fighting properties. This eucalyptus oil is 100 percent pure and natural in a therapeutic-grade formula and is a great buy at $13 for a four-ounce bottle. Try other oils, too, like peppermint (great for upset stomachs and indigestion) or grapefruit, which is especially invigorating.
Put Your Metal To The Kettle
Take your caffeine game old-school with this pour-over coffee kettle that features a built-in thermometer. Become your own barista by pouring hot water over your favorite coffee grounds with a device that accentuates intense flavors for a bold cup of coffee every time. You can use this on any type of stovetop. The thermometer is great for removing any guessing from your brewing.
Bake It ‘Til You Make It
Whether you’re passionate about baking or cooking, you’ll enjoy both more with this set of non-stick silicone mats. With these mats, the use of any type of cooking spray, butter, grease, and oil is unnecessary, which reduces the number of calories in your meal. (Unless, of course, you’re baking cookies and then all bets are off.) A pack of three costs less than $9.