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With blizzard conditions hitting several states and snow turning national parks into winter wonderlands, the cold season is in full force. For many, that means staying indoors a lot more than usual — and that means making sure you have necessary reinforcements in the form of entertainment, self-care, snacks, and more.
We put together a list of products that will make your next snow day an epic success, whether you stick to the comfort of home or venture into the great, white outdoors. You’ll find everything from hot chocolate on a stick and bubble bath to a cordless electric snow shovel. And as a bonus, here’s a peaceful playlist for peak coziness.
RELATED: Try These 19 Indoor Activities to Stave Off Boredom When It’s Cold Outside
Calling all Wordle players: Hasbro and The New York Times teamed up to create an analog, party version of the popular game, and it’s perfect for cozy indoor days. Take turns coming up with the secret word, write it on the dry erase board, and compete to see who can solve it in under six tries.
Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate (see below for one of our favorites) and this nature-themed coloring book to while away the day in peaceful repose. Created specifically for adults, it contains 101 intricate designs to provide hours upon hours of meditative activity. Grab these colored pencils to go with it.
The Honest Company Bubble Bath
Cold days call for hot baths. Though tons of products claim to create tubs full of suds, many of them don’t actually deliver. This writer can tell you from personal experience, however, that The Honest Company’s offering is a rare exception: a few capfuls under warm, running water and you’ll be up to your ears in bubbles. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and comes in four formulations.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Winter often serves as a metaphor for the dark seasons of life. In this bestseller by Katherine May, she recommends embracing the opportunities those periods can offer, namely the “transformative power of rest and retreat.” It’s excellent reading material for a snow day.
Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Obviously, hot chocolate was going to show up on this list: Say hello to all-natural chocolate-y goodness on a stick. This package contains two dark chocolate, two milk chocolate, and two white chocolate, and each flavor is kosher and gluten-free. Don’t forget the marshmallows.
Speaking of marshmallows — snow days are perfect for making s’mores, which don’t require a campfire. Standing over your kitchen stove with a stick is one option, but another is Kusini’s adorable tabletop s’mores maker. It’s electric, so no open flames, and it comes with four roasting forks and storage for your chocolate and graham crackers.
A comforting bowl of soup is another snow day staple, and while the homemade variety is typically the most nourishing, having some tasty, high quality mixes on hand to help with the process is A-OK too. Each pack includes 8-10 servings of dry soup mix and lists the ingredients you’ll need to complete the recipe, like broth, shredded chicken, and tomato puree.
Lasko Oscillating Tower Heater
No fireplace? No problem. Opt for a space heater instead. With electricity bills skyrocketing these days, many of us are resisting blasting our central heating systems as much as possible. Lasko’s remote-controlled ceramic tower heats rooms quietly and efficiently, and it comes with built-in safety features to protect it from overheating.
UGG’s cozy Aarti robe is the ideal companion for crisp mornings, chilly evenings, and all the moments in between. Made with a super soft sherpa material, it’s machine-washable and comes with a removable belt, fluffy hood, and deep pockets. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes, up to 3X.
Another great way to stay warm when the weather is cold, this electric blanket by Bedsure comes in a wide array of colors, and has six heating levels and four time settings. It includes a three-hour automatic shut-off for peace of mind.
The North Face Men’s Insulated Jacket
Who says you have to stay inside during a snow day? If you are planning to venture out, though, you’ll want to bundle up. North Face is known for its quality outerwear, and this stylish hooded men’s jacket is a great example of why. It’s water-repellent and features 70%-recycled polyester insulation throughout. Check out the brand’s options for women as well.
It’s an old wives’ tale that we lose 50% of our body heat through our heads, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your noggin unprotected from the cold. This beanie from The North Face does the trick. It’s lined with jersey, so it’s extra soft and cozy, and it comes in a huge selection of colors. We also love the Rhodina style for a little extra flare.
You aren’t going to get far from the house if your sidewalk is full of snow. Instead of waiting for the neighborhood kids to come around peddling their snow-shoveling services, tackle the task with this cordless electric tool. A mix between shovel and blower, it’s lightweight (a little over 11 pounds) yet powerful enough to move up to 350 pounds of snow per minute.
Some dogs love snow, but if your pup is confined to the house and can’t let off steam, you’re going to need something to keep them busy indoors. Enter: The Pupsicle, a refillable treat-holding toy that will entertain them for hours. For a non-food-focused activity, consider this adorable hide-and-seek plush puzzle.
It wouldn’t be a snow day without a (mild) snowball fight, and nothing beats the perfect rounded ammunition. This neat tool packs snow into spheres, so you and the fun seekers in your life can create a whole arsenal in minutes. More interested in making a snowman? Check out these fun props.
Yaktrax Pro Traction Snow Cleats
Keep safe on the ice and snow with these attachable cleats, available in four sizes. The heavy duty rubber frame straps securely to your shoes and high-strength stainless steel coils provide 360-degree traction on slippery surfaces.
Staying warm is all about layering, whether you’re going outside or kicking it on the couch. We love Kühl’s long underwear options for women. The brand uses its trademarked Kaskade Bottom fabric, a blend of merino wool and modal, to offer breathable, naturally odor-resistant insulation.
If you have to venture out by car, the last thing you’re going to want to do is spend extra time standing outside scraping ice and snow off your windshield. Save yourself the trouble by popping on this waterproof windshield cover, which will protect your vehicle from frost, sleet, hail, and other winter weather — it’s also effective against and leaves and heat from the sun.
Levoit Smart Cool Mist Humidifier
Keep dry winter air (and dry winter skin) at bay by investing in a humidifier to up the moisture levels. Once you determine and set your ideal humidity level, this device uses a smart sensor to detect changes and adjust automatically. Pro tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the 3-liter tank for a relaxing touch.