Life

13 Winter Essentials to Get You Through the Coldest Months of the Year, Because Mother Nature Is Just Getting Started

Winter is coming. Actually, it's already here, and it's hitting us full force. With temperatures in the single digits, it's hard to see an end in sight. The holidays are behind us, and all we can do is look wistfully at sunny beach pictures and wish for summer — well, that and stock up on winter essentials to get us through the next few dreary months.

Believe it or not, there are some ways to beat the cold. From cozy blankets to heated slippers to the perfect hot chocolate mix out there, these must-have items will help you get through the next few months in one, warm, piece. Who knows? They might even help you enjoy the time you're stuck inside, making the cold that much easier to deal with. Hey, a girl can dream!

Image: Fotolia

by Amy Sachs

Cozy Socks

Cozy socks are pretty much a staple during the winter. They’re perfect for laying around in, or even wearing with boots when it’s freezing out and you have to leave the house.

Butter Slipper Socks, $7, Nordstrom

A Blanket Scarf

Keep your whole body warm with a giant blanket scarf, while also being prepared for any impromptu picnics that should arise.

Double Sided Scarf, $30, Zara

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

The best part of a snow day is hot chocolate. This is a proven fact of science, as far as I know. Step up the hot chocolate game with Archers Farms’ salted caramel hot chocolate, making winter better than ever.

Sea Salt Caramel Hot Chocolate, $5, Target

Bath Bombs

The best way to warm up and relax at the same time is a hot bubble bath. Add a book and some wine, and you’re ready for a great night in as the snow falls!

Twilight Bath Bomb, $6.25, Lush

Ice Scraper

There is nothing, I repeat nothing, worse than being without an ice scraper after a snow storm. Trying to swat the snow away with your gloves works at first, until they’re drenched. This is a far better alternative, and it looks like a Christmas sweater!

Reindeer Ice Scraper Mitt, $13, Bed Bath and Beyond

A Great Smelling Candle

Add this to your already relaxing bath, and feel the warm spearmint and rosemary scent wash away the cold and any stress the winter might bring.

Rosemary and Spearmint Soy Candle, $20, MSC Skin Care

Netflix

Let’s be real here, the cold is the best excuse we have to start another show. (Ahem, Friends.) Netflix is the best and worst thing to happen to our productivity, and you might as well embrace it this winter.

Netflix

Heated Slippers

These rechargeable slippers plug into any AC outlet, and can last up to 10 hours, making them perfect for all the Netflix watching we just mentioned! A match made in wintry heaven. These are pretty much guaranteed to be your new best friend this winter!

Heated Slippers, $149.99, Sharper Image

A Comfy Throw Blanket

Everyone needs a thick wintry blanket to wrap around them like a cape in the winter. You’re never too old for that! This Fair Isle printed throw is the perfect candidate.

Fair Isle Throw, $30, Target

A Game to Play While You're Stuck Inside

You need something to keep your spirits up through the cold, and a hilarious card game to make you laugh is the best way to get together with your friends without leaving the house.

Cards Against Humanity, $25, Amazon

E-Reader

Because there’s probably nothing better than staying curled up in bed with a great book as the snow falls around you.

Kindle 6”, $79.99, Best Buy

Texting Gloves

No one wants to have to take their gloves off to check their phone in 20 degree weather — or lower. And texting gloves don’t have to be ugly, either! Look no further than this leather pair, which will help you stay warm and check your phone, without looking like an eight year old.

Apt. 9 Leather Texting Gloves, $25, Kohl’s

A Hearty Winter Soup Recipe

Warm yourself up with a great recipe this winter. Something hot like these soups works perfectly on the coldest days!

Image: Good Life Eats

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