Our Very Favorite Cozy and Versatile Pieces for Fun in the Snow!
Today I am sharing with you our fave picks for winter gear...versatile and cozy pieces that will be perfect for any time outdoors.
Every kid should have a snow day. Once a year. Heck, everyone should have a snow day. A day to bundle up and do nothing but build and slide, to laugh, and then to fight off the edge of chill with piping hot chocolate complete with marshmallow glaciers. It does something to you to jump in the snow, slide down, giggle. To feel the heat in your coat above the chill of the snow.
Winter and wonder are bffs.
Wonder is something we all need in our lives, right?
We live in Northern Indiana. A unicorn of weather phenomena, located south east of Lake Michigan, putting us in the prime location of receiving something called lake-effect snow. What is a lake effect snow you may wonder? Well, it's snow that has been made after the storms have gone over the lake, picking up tons of water to make super dense, wet, heavy snow. Snow that cars can’t drive through and weighs tons more than traditional snow.
Not only is the density different but also the amount. Waking up to see we’ve received a foot of snow is nothing new. There’s no novel to that in these parts.
All that to say that when it comes to snow gear, we know what we are talking about. We wear winter gear from October through April. Sometimes into May. We've become particular about the items we love.
Lands' End Coats
I have been buying Lands’ End Coats for 15 years now. I have loved them all. My current coat is a belted parka with a fur lined detachable hood. It's from 3 years ago and this one is the closest thing I can find for you so we can be twinsys. I love this coat because it is down filled but looks stylish wherever I wear it. This one is also adorable and looks super cozy.
We choose the option to get down filled coats and they keep us super warm. We always opt for the warmest options to ensure that the babies stay warm. I have also found that when I am wearing a down coat I stay significantly warmer.
The kids this year actually have the same coat, in the same size but different colors. I love how it looks different on each of them even though it's the same coat. Emma cinched her waist in with the adjustable cord hidden on the inside for a more feminine look.
Why Lands' End Coats are the best:
They have a lifetime warranty.
Did you read that? I did have a coat where I ripped the arm Pit-ish area. I called and they exchanged it no problem. Not only that but they sent my new coat to me before I could exchange mine to make sure that I would be warm. Hashtag Thoughtful! And do you know what a lifetime warranty means? It means their items are built to last!
They have a great customer service.
Our Emma had this adorable pink coat when she was 6. I accidentally forgot to take the fur off the hood before putting it in the dryer and it melted. I was devastated. I called their customer service department and explained. They told me that because Emma's coat was no longer sold they didn't have any hoods. However, over the course of the next few months I received no less than 4 pink fur trim pieces for hoods. Each time they found one that MIGHT work, they sent it to me. I was blown away by the thoughtfulness of this gesture.
They have always held up really well for us.
Adjustable waists and grow with me sleeves. These coats are made to be worn for as long as your kiddo can wear them. Or you! They are thoughtfully crafted with loads of pockets, amazing liners that attach and detach easily, sigh. So well made!
Sorel Boots
When it comes to boots, there really is no comparison. Our kids have Sorel boots. I have multiple pairs of Sorels. Here's what I can tell you about Sorel boots...they are made to last and constructed to last a lifetime.
The kids boots I always size up to make sure we get at least 2 winters out of them. The wool liner and the waterproof construction make them dependable and stable. I can tell you in the 13 years I've had kiddos in Sorels that I've never once had kids complaining of cold piggies. Not once! And that is really saying something, right? There is nothing worse than lugging a kiddo home because they fear their feet are falling off. And if you know, you know.
I love all of my Sorels. The number one thing I love about them is their fashionable nature. I can shovel the walk and then wear them with my outfit and they're cute! They're also super comfortable and warm. They keep me toasty throughout the day and they keep my feet dry.
If you are looking for winter boots that are going to hold up and make your winter experience enjoyable, I highly recommend Sorel. And if you are looking for a deal on Sorel's I highly recommend you keep your eyes open at Columbia Outlets. I've snagged a pair of Joan of Arc boots for myself and paid $7!
Toboggan
If you are going to go sledding, I highly recommend a plastic toboggan. They are long enough for parents to climb on with your kiddos, the kids can share, they can lay down, the options are endless! We've tried different things like the blow-up intertubes which can be fun but really depends on the kind you buy. Some glide wonderfully, some do not. Some are very durable, most are not.
Whatever you buy, the number one feature you want to look for is light weight and easy to carry back up the hill. Sliding down is fun, but then you have to go back up. The easier it is for the kids to carry it (or drag it) the easier it will be for you, mama!
Gloves
If you are looking for really warm snow-playing gloves for kids, we recommend the Lands' End Squall gloves. I enjoy that they match the kids coats and keep their sweet fingers toasty and warm.
If you are looking for light weight every day gloves, we've used the HEAD brand of gloves and those seem to work well.
I think it just depends on your kiddos. Emma doesn't mind wearing her snow gloves everywhere and appreciated that they keep her hands super warm. Cal likes more mobility in his hands and prefers to have light-weight gloves and then a pair of snow gloves.
I have this pair of leather gloves from Lands' End and I LOVE THEM! Nick bought them for me as a Christmas gift and they are such a luxury. Lined in cashmere they are warm and soft and make me feel special. I have the Cognac color and they are so rich and gorgeous...highly recommend!
Snow Pants
If you are new to snow then let me tell you, skiiing, playing in the snow, sledding, those are all going to require snow pants.
Snowpants are basically a coat for your legs but even more than keeping you warm, they keep you dry. Which if you are going to be spending any large amount of time out in the snow, is imperative. Your legs are large muscles of your body and if you get them wet and cold, it's hard for the rest of your body to keep up keeping you warm. Make sense? Along with being wet and cold in jeans or whatever pants you are in comes itching, chaffing, burning from the cold. Trust me when I tell you that Snowpants are a must.
If you can find them the bib snow pants are the way to go. They fit you like overalls and will make sure that when you are on your back snow won't be able to go up your coat. It's a very nice feature, especially for kids who love to roll around, make snow angels, and tunnel through the snow.
When it comes to snow pants, we always buy totally cheap. We've never had problems with buying from Target or Walmart, they get the job done and everyone ends up having fun. Now, Target or Walmart snow pants can still run upwards of $40 so be sure to look at the clearance section in the spring time to snag snow pants that will fit you or your kids next winter. After-winter clearance is always a great time to stock up for the next year while saving a ton of money.
Well, those are our top items to have fun in the snow! We hope these ideas can help make you warm and cozy this winter and of course have lots of fun making memories! *Hugs!*
Some of our sledding escapades...
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