Give the Gift of Warmth this Holiday Season

Winter walloped us early and hard this year with record-breaking cold temperatures in November.  And with the lion’s share of winter still in front of us, why not give the gift of warmth this holiday season?

It’s All About the Base

Ask any winter sports enthusiast, and they’ll tell you to dress in layers and get the base right. It should be close-fitting and designed to wick away sweat from the body. Columbia’s Omni-Heat 3D™ Knit Crew Top  and Omni-Heat 3D™ Knit Tight patented thermal-reflective  lining goes a step further and retains heat that other garments would normally lose. I haven’t had the chance to hit the slopes this year, but I tried them walking the dog with a -10°C windchill and couldn’t believe that something so thin and lightweight could keep me so warm.

Warm Woolen Mittens

Jack and Mary’s Designs hand-crafted mittens were one of my favourite finds this holiday season.  Repurposed wool sweaters that would otherwise end up in landfills are reincarnated as stylish and practical winter accessories like bum warmer skirts, headbands, scarfs and the coziest mittens I’ve ever worn.

One especially heartwarming product is their memory mittens. This custom service had its start when someone asked Jack and Mary’s Designs to create something from a wool sweater worn by her late mother for her sister’s Olympic ski races. The customer was thrilled with the results, and now anyone can create very special mittens from sweaters that hold memories for them.

Hats to Hold on to

No need to sacrifice style for warmth with these fun hats from Sunday Afternoons. The Lodgepole Beanie is made with a wool blend and insulating fleece liner, and the braided tassels and decorative pom poms add a whimsical touch to the design. The Mountain Time Radar cap is made from Melton wool and has plaid quilted flannel ear flaps, which can be worn up or down. The internal, adjustable sizing will ensure a cozy fit, keeping ears warm, perfect for urban winter adventures.

These Feet are Made for Walking

This may not be the sexiest gift for your loved ones but they will thank you for the warm and practical Superfeet Merino Grey Insoles. The felted merino wool naturally thermal-regulates your feet; and the shape of the insole is designed to stabilize and support the foot. This helps reduce stress on feet, ankles and knees and is ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time standing.

Coffee First…Then the World

The Hydro Flask 12 oz. Coffee Mug keeps your coffee hot for much longer than you’d expect because of its double-walled vacuum technology and insulated press-in lid. It’s the best portable cup I’ve used –just the right size and has a soft feel with a lid that doesn’t drip. The pro-grade stainless steel construction means it doesn’t transfer any flavours, and you can switch to different beverages easily.   Why not try hot chocolate, for instance?

Hot Chocolate Weather

Coming in from the cold to a steaming cup of hot chocolate brings back some of the best winter memories of my childhood.  The taste of Second Cup Classic Hot Chocolate transports me right back to those moments. Perfect for stocking stuffers, it comes in a specially designed holiday canister and is available in three flavours: Classic Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate and limited edition Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate. Also warming is knowing that it’s an all-Canadian company, and there are no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Christmas Spirit

A grown-up addition to the hot chocolate or just on its own is Mint Smoothie Liqueur from Junction 56 Distillery in Stratford. The vodka, chocolate and mint blend is smooth and luscious, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Created in partnership with Rheo Thompson Candies, a local confectionary, this product has garnered something of a cult following (which I’m now a member of) since it’s introduction. Available at the LCBO.

Wishing you all the warmest of holidays!