18 cosy gifts that feel like a big hug in winter - to treat yourself or a loved one
If the colder months make you, or someone you know, want to hibernate until spring, check out these cosy gift ideas that will see you through in the toastiest of fashion
With winter well and truly here, it's no wonder we're all longing to hold on to that warm and snug feeling as long as we can. And whether you are looking you're looking for something for yourself or a gift for someone you love, then these cosy and mum-friendly buys are well worth a look. If you know someone who has just had a baby, then you can also take a gander at our gifts for new mums guide too.
With the shortest day of the year, almost upon us, here are our top buys to keep you and your loved ones roasty toasty. These are all products that we have either tried ourselves, or are so highly rated by other shoppers that we can't wait to add them to our lists.
18 cosy gifts that feel like a warm hug
Are you even cosy if you're not snuggling under a blanket? We don't think so, and there is nothing snugglier than this teddy fleece throw blanket. It's available in different sizes (I have both the double and the single) and a range of colours. In my experience, the single is the perfect size for kids to snuggle under, or if you just want something to cover your legs. But for optimum warmth, I'd say adults need the double. The throws are machine washable, and importantly, don't malt everywhere.
As any parent knows, pushing a pram or pushchair in winter means frozen fingers. Unless you have suitable pram-friendly gloves that is. Pram gloves are shaped in a way that they attach to the handle of the pram, ensuring a confident grip on your little one at all times. These clip on to the pushchair handle, have a cosy fleece lining, and are both waterproof and windproof, allowing you and your baby to get out and about, whatever the weather.
This is the nicest hot chocolate I've ever tried - it's smooth, velvety and really chocolatey. You make it with milk so it can take a little longer to make than instant alternatives, but it's definitely worth the wait. It's kid-friendly too as its easy to warm the milk to a suitable temperature, which means you don't have to worry about little scolded fingers or tongues. A real treat for the whole family to look forward to after a chilly winter walk.
Nothing says cosy like a candle on a cold day, especially if the scent itself evokes a warm and snug atmosphere. And they make a perfect gift for loved ones. This Jo Malone scented candle will not only look elegant in any home, but the mix of myrrh, almond and vanilla will envelop you like a warm hug. And with a 45-hour burn time, it'll see you through the darkest and coldest of days.
Wearable blankets have seen a huge popularity spike over recent years, and are a great way for the whole family to keep warm, not matter what they are doing. A super-oversize fit is essential for maximum cosy vibes, and this Silentnight option is reversible so it's great value for money. The plain grey shade of this wearable blanket means it suits everyone, and could be wearable for years to come. If you're looking to keep your energy bills as low as possible, get yourself a wearable blanket.
If the cold weather makes your ears ache, or your messy mum-bun isn't compatible with wearing a hat, then ear muffs are great alternative. This super-soft faux fur pair from Anthropologie scream winter chic, will keep your ears warm and allow you to avoid any awkward hat hair situations. They also make a great gift thanks to a price tag of less than £30. As well as the brown colourway pictured, these also come in icy blue and a bold orange shade too.
There's a reason Barbour has been in the outerwear business for more than 100 years - it's wax jackets are absolute classics, and it's extended range of accessories, including this cape scarf, epitomise the British countryside. Offering more coverage than a traditional scarf, you can wear this cape scarf under or over a coat for an extra layer of warmth, and its a great option for those who find a coat too bulky to drive in.
If you hate your slippers to feel like outdoor shoes, but want something more substantial than a slipper sock, then these moccasin-style bootie slippers are a good call as they hit a comfortable and cosy half-way point between the two. Customer reviews rave about their softness and how easy they are to get on, as well as their quality. For less than £40, they won't break the bank either.
This padded jacket is a mum-to-be or new mum's dream. Not only will it adapt as your bump grows, but you can also team it with a baby carrier once your little one arrives to protect them from inclement weather when you are out and about. Should it get a bit grubby, you can easily pop it in the washing machine. Winter walks with your little one have never been so cosy!
Stay snug, without relying on your central heating, with a super-cosy electric blanket that will keep you warm even on the coldest of days (and nights). Electric blankets are relatively cheap to run, but while they may be practical, they can also be stylish, as this super-soft mustard option, shows. It has six heat options and can be put in both the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Looking for something elegant as a special treat? Then you can't go wrong with a cashmere wrap. This one from John Lewis is super-soft and has a generous length meaning its a great way to stay warm and stylish when it's cold outside. We love this neutral grey colour that will go with any outfit and can be dressed up or down, but it also comes in a variety of other shades including navy and bright pink.
We couldn't possibly have a cosy gift guide without mentioning the cosiest of cosy drinks - the classic hot chocolate. If you're a fan of Lindt chocolates, then this sumptuously smooth and rich hot chocolate is well worth a try. As well as making a delicious hot drink that both kids and adults will love, you can also mix this one with cold milk for a milkshake alternative. It's also suitable for vegans, so everyone can enjoy an indulgent ho cho!
Whatever your cosy tipple of choice, enjoy it in style with one of these striking hand-painted mugs from Anthropologie. As the mugs are painted by hand, they'll have little variations, making this a great choice if you are looking for something unique. A perfect gift for anyone with wanderlust, these mugs are inspired by the travels of the eponymous designers.
Be safe and warm when you're doing the dash from the car to the school gates on a dark winter morning with this modern take on the trapper hat. As well as being super soft and snuggly thanks to its black faux fur trim and cosy thinsulate layer, it's also got a reflective outer layer to make sure you're seen on even the darkest of mornings.
With this hot water bottle, you not only get a decent capacity hot water bottle and cosy cover, but you also get a bottle belt, which means you can wear your hot water bottle as you move around, keeping your hands-free to get on with your day. The belt can also be especially handy to sooth aching muscles and menstrual cramps.
Keeping your feet warm is key to keeping your whole body warm, so warm and cosy socks are a must at this time of year. These have grip on the bottom - essential for anyone who has laminate flooring at home, especially if you are carrying a small infant around as cosy socks and laminate flooring can equal a dangerous slip risk. But with the additional grip, these slipper socks will keep you both warm and sturdy.
If you're a tea lover, or you know someone who is, then these tea-bags from Cartwright & Butler makes a lovely gift, especially when they come in such a beautiful tin. Lighter and fresher than English breakfast tea, this afternoon tea is designed to be sipped later in the day with an array of biscuits and cake. That definitely sounds like something to look forward to in the colder months!
If you are in charge of a child or a pet, you'll know that gloves can often hamper your ability to reach for that wet wipe, pop that straw in the drink carton or tie off that poop bag. But no more! I have these gloves that give you the benefit and dexterity of fingerless gloves, but the mitten cover keeps your fingers warm when you need. Better still, there is a separate mini mitten cover for your thumb, meaning you get use of all five digits when you need!
How to choose the perfect cosy gift for yourself or a loved one
When it comes to the perfect cosy gift, there are a couple of pointers to keep in mind. If you're buying for someone else, it's usually best to stick to classic colours or flavours, unless you know them very well. This will ensure your gift has the most versatility, or worst case scenario, the best regifting potential.
It's also a good idea to stick to things you know they would like - asking yourself what you have seen them wear, eat or drink can help keep you on track.
But when it comes to treating yourself to something cosy to see you through the winter months, then make sure you get the best value for money by choosing items in quality materials and those that will last you more than one winter.
If you've not found the perfect gift for your loved one on this list, check out our picks of the best gifts for new mums, the best Christmas hampers or the best personalised children's books to make sure your gift goes down a treat. Others might be wondering if it will snow near them this year, and whether we will have a white Christmas.
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Sarah is GoodtoKnow’s Consumer Writer & Money Editor and is passionate about helping mums save money wherever they can - whether that's spending wisely on toys and kidswear or keeping on top of the latest news around childcare costs, child benefit, the motherhood penalty. A writer, journalist and editor with more than 15 years' experience, Sarah is all about the latest toy trends and is always on the look out for toys for her nephew or Goddaughters so that she remains one of their favourite grown ups. When not writing about money or best buys, Sarah can be found hanging out with her rockstar dog Pepsi, getting opinionated about a movie or learning British Sign Language.
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