13 Random-but-Useful Finds to Help You Survive Winter's Worst

stay cozy no matter what the forecast predicts

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editor-tested finds for staying warm in winter, like kizik boots and hand warmers
kizik/amazon/qvc

That romantic vision of curling up on a nubby bouclé sofa, swathed in a cashmere blanket and sipping cocoa by a roaring fire as snow gently patters on the window turns frosty real fast. As in, the second you step into sludgy ice water, soaking through your boots as you race to your commute, shoveling snow off your car with gnarled fingers that seem to be swelling through your gloves. It’s enough to make anyone dream of a trip to Cancun—or anywhere less frigid.

That's where these random-but-useful finds come in: They will help you stay warm, maintain your dewy complexion and boost the cozy factor to your days.

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hand warmer
Amazon

This cute little cube is so much more than a keychain—in roughly two minutes, it can heat up to 107 degrees F, providing instant warmth to frozen fingers. Plus, it has a built-in LED light, so you can easily find that glove that’s trapped in the abyss of your tote. It's surprisingly effective at warming up your hands quickly, and right now, it's 50 percent off on Amazon.

thermal shirt
uniqlo

This lightweight crew neck is beloved on multiple fronts: Its snug-yet-not-constrictive fit, its ability to provide warmth without bulk and its moisture-wicking abilities, should you layer up a tad too much on your day out. And at $20, how can you beat the price?

There’s no luxury quite like a warm seat on a chilly day—or when PMS cramps are in full force. These heated seat covers fit securely, offering two heat settings and four vibration modes targeting three different parts of your body (upper back, lower back, thighs). After 30 minutes, it will shut off automatically, according to the brand, and reviewers say it's not just soothing; it's a "lifesaver" for a home office. (But, TBH, I'd be tempted to set it up in an actual office too. Even if it elicits some stares from coworkers.)

Chicago's snowstorms were no match for Kizik's London boots. Not only are they waterproof and well-insulated, they're also very supportive and comfortable, says former PureWow executive editor Dara Katz. She especially loves their traction—she's traversed rainy, icy and sludgy ground without slipping. (They're also remarkably easy to put on and take off.) Some reviewers say they run small though, so consider sizing up.

Meghan Markle's makeup artist tipped us off to this lip mask, and honestly, bless him for doing so. This overnight mask helps soothe and restore chapped lips, though you could also use it as an everyday balm, especially during these drier months.

Behold, the warmth of UGGs without having to wear UGGs all the time. These sheepskin insoles slip right into your shoes or boots, providing added insulation (and coziness) while wicking away moisture.

electornic foot warming pad
Amazon

Is it just me, or are your feet always cold too? This slim mat solves that problem, with eight heat settings—ranging from 80 degrees to a whopping 150 (uh, who needs it that hot?!). A rubber bottom keeps heat from transferring downward and damaging your floors, and the whole thing automatically shuts off after three hours.

sauna blanket
higher dose

Multiple editors raved about the Higher Dose sauna blanket, lauding it for its warming ability and just how relaxing a 30-minute stint in it is. In case you're unfamiliar, it's essentially like slipping into a weighted sleeping bag that warms up to one of eight temperature levels (the brand recommends starting at a four or five, then working your way up).

At $699, it's no impulse buy, but it's certainly a more space-saving and affordable alternative to building a full-blown sauna in your home. (But one can dream, right?)

You’ve heard of heated blankets, sure, but what about a full-blown heated mattress pad? With more than 428 reviews giving it a 4.6-star rating, I had to know more. Bedsure’s pad features an 8-hour timer (with automatic shut-off) and ten heat settings, with deep pockets that can fit queen size mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

You need a heavy-duty lotion to protect your skin against winter's worst, which is why editors have been buzzing about Jenni Kayne's latest body butter. This stuff is as thick as room temperature butter, yet it melts into skin quickly—even super dry skin. It features the same soothing lavender-meets-cedarwood scent that the brand's Dew body oil is known for. And, after trying it for a few days in a row, I'm pleased to report my skin looks less crepey and overall more radiant—despite the fact that it's been about 20 degrees and windy for the past ten days.

Quince has become a PureWow editor (and reader) go-to for affordable, high-quality cashmere, and these socks are no exception. Available in five colors, they're comparable to pairs that cost upwards of $80 and are designed to be slouched, instantly giving your outfit that cozy, sexy, cool vibe.

ember heated travel mug
ember

Your Stanley Tumbler just met its match. At 16 ounces, this is Ember’s largest temperature-controlled mug yet—and while it’s still a much smaller capacity than Stanley’s 40 ounces—it makes up for it with its to-the-degree warming precision. It can keep your drink at exactly the temp you like it all day, when it’s on its charging coaster, or for three hours on its own. Beyond that, the stainless steel insulation takes over, keeping it warm (if not at precisely the 121 degrees you prefer).

solo stove works as an outdoor fire pit for staying warm
solo stove

13. Solo Stove 2.0

solo stove

As sleek as this portable fire pit is, that’s far from its only appeal. It uses 360-degree airflow technology to reduce smoke, weighs less than 20 pounds and features a removable ash pan for easy cleanup. So really, you have no excuse not to roast s’mores and sip hot toddies all winter long. (Just one thing to note: While we appreciate a less-smoky fire, we kind of miss the bonfire scent lingering on our clothes afterward.)


candace davison bio

VP of editorial content

  • Oversees home, food and commerce articles
  • Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
  • Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.