At our Labor Day potluck, my friends were bemoaning the end of summer, the shortness of fall, and the coming winter. It’s dark and wet and cold and there’s snow. As a winter sports lover for my entire life, I have a hard time coming around to this point of view. I like the dark and the cold and especially the snow! Even wet can be managed.
As I attempted to point out the high points of winter to my friends, one said something that struck me. “Well, you have all the right gear,” she said, laughing at my enthusiasm. And that, my friends, is what we here at Tales of a Mountain Mama are here to help you with; the right gear to help you enjoy all the winter fun you can handle!
Looking for other types of gear? Check out all this season’s gift guides! The TMM team wrote A LOT of different gift guides this season, including guides for moms, dads, teens, and toddlers. And we didn’t forget summer either, with guides for water sports and hiking.
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Aurora Heat
I can’t count the number of times I’ve dug around the bottom of my bag to unearth a crumpled-up package of handwarmers, only to shake them up and find duds. And I never liked throwing them away! Enter Aurora Heat, a company that makes reusable hand and feet warmers from ethically-sourced pelts in the Indigenous community of Thebacha. By wearing them fur side against your skin, the pelts absorb your own body heat and reflect it back to you, keeping you toasty warm. See our full Aurora Heat review here.
Aurora Heat Kids Handwarmers
Keeping kids’ hands warm is one of the best ways to keep kids happily playing in the cold. And these handwarmers do the trick! Kids love how soft and cuddly they are, and they really do keep small hands a lot warmer.
Aurora Heat Ankle Warmers
These are one of my new favorite warmers from Aurora Heat! While they’re not great during adventures proper – too bulky to put in ski or snow boots – they make the trip to and from the snow super cozy and comfy.
Aurora Heat Breast Warmers
I’ll admit, my eyebrows shot up when I saw this new addition to the Aurora Heat line-up. But after I thought about it for a second, I definitely wished I’d had these when I was nursing and the ski hill or pumping on backcountry ski tours! Extra warmth means better milk flow, which will make both mama and baby happy even on the coldest days. We’ve got plenty more ideas for nursing and pumping on the go too!
Reima Kids Outerwear
Outerwear has three jobs: keep you dry, windproof, and insulated. Bonus points for breathability, good mobility, and fun colors! Reima is our go-to for awesome kids outerwear. The quality is outstanding – that means hand-me-downs! The sizing is flexible and there are tons of fun color options, making it fun and comfortable for kids to wear. While it’s hard to go wrong with any Reima product, here’s a rundown of our top favorites.
Reima Mighty Soft Shell Pants
Not every winter day requires expedition level gear! And especially for newer walkers, a lighter-weight layer balances warmth and mobility. The Mighty soft shell pants have a regular leg opening, zipper and button fly, and they’re fleece-lined for added warmth. I also like that the waist has an inner adjustment so they fit perfectly no matter what layers they have under them.
Reima Koski Fleece-Lined Waterproof Jacket
Jackets are critical for keeping your trunk warm, and a warm trunk means a much warmer rest of you! The Koski Jacket balances warmth, waterproofing, and mobility all together. It’s easy to throw another layer underneath if the temperature really drops, but I’ve found that given the amount of running my kids do, a lighter layer usually does the trick! These jackets do run approximately one size larger than normal, so do check the size guide before ordering.
Reima Stavanger Snowsuit
The Stavanger snowsuit is an award winner, and with good reason. It’s beautifully warm (rated to -5 degrees F), waterproof to 12,000mm (which essentially means you’re good sitting in a puddle of water), and very high quality. The faux fur around the hood is removable, and the hood is adjustable to really keep the heat in.
Gear for Grown Ups
We can only support our children in the outdoors if we ourselves are taken care of! I know, easy to say, much harder to do. Here are some ideas to pass along as you’re thinking about what you want this winter!
Helly Hansen Men’s Kvitfjell Race Puffy Ski Jacket
Want to feel like a ski racer on the hill this winter? This puffy jacket was constructed form the Norwegian ski teams and is designed for extra mobility in the arms, pockets in the exact right places, and RECCO reflectors for search-ability. The hood is helmet compatible and it has an adjustable powder skirt for the really deep days.
Helly Hansen Women’s Banff Soft Shell
It took me a long time to stop automatically grabbing my heavy duty insulated coat every time I went outside in the snow, but learning to layer under a soft shell changed my winter game! Now I can add a layer when I’m standing still watching my kids build snow forts and strip a layer or three off when it’s time to chase them. I’ve never been disappointed in a Helly Hansen shell, and the Banff does not disappoint. It’s waterproof and windproof, breathable, and easy to layer under.
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
I know, I know, Patagonia is EXPENSIVE. But I promise, this down vest is worth it! It’s light, it packs small, it’s super warm, and it layers well. I use it on the coldest days to add a good amount of warmth without tons of bulk under everything else and by itself on warmer fall or spring days. If I’m not wearing it, it lives almost constantly in my backpack or car. I got mine as a Christmas gift over a decade ago and it might be one of my most- worn and my longest lasting layers!
Layers For Kids
Layering is the best way to manage warmth in any weather but especially when it’s cold. We have a whole post on how to layer in the winter and the Best Kids Base Layers, but here are some of our top gifts to help kids layer up this season.
Chasing Windmills Merino Pullover Hoodie
Merino wool is one of my absolute go-to’s for layering in the winter, and this new hoodie from Chasing Windmills has joined the list. It has an extra long torso to stay in place during all the wiggling and thumb holes to both make layering over it easier and to just plain increase coziness. And it comes in so many fun colors!
REI Trailsmith Fleece Jacket
This jacket is great as a mid layer since it is cozy, has zippered hand pockets, and a substantial hood. It has a brushed outer too for easier layering, always a bonus with wiggly kids! The branding is also reflective, which is super important during after-dark winter play time.
REI Trailsmith Kids Fleece Pants
More zippered pockets for whatever your kid picks up that you don’t want to carry! These are our favorite thick fleece pants for kids. They breathe well and keep kids safe if damp, as opposed to down, which loses its insulation once it’s wet, or cotton, which actually cools you down if you get wet. These are pants your kids can wear on their own or underneath snow or rain pants for the extra warmth.
Hands and Feet
Keeping little hands and feet warm is super important to keeping kids safe, comfortable, and happy while they’re out in their winter wonderlands. Here are some of our favorite products to make that happen!
SnowStoppers Original Mittens and Ski and Snowboard Mittens
Kids mittens are HARD. It’s absolutely essential to have good ones, because cold wet hands means sad kids. On the other hand, it’s really tough to shell out buckets of money on one of the easiest-to-lose winter items. SnowStoppers mittens meet in the middle! The extra long cuff is designed to fit underneath jacket sleeves, keeping snow out, and the price doesn’t break the bank. Sizes range from extra small (6-18 mo, no thumbs) to extra large (age 7-12).
The SnowStoppers Original Winter Mittens are good for everyday use and the SnowStoppers Winter Sports Mittens are best for more demanding occasions.
Stonz Trek Snow Boots
TMM Founder Amelia has tested A LOT of snow boots with her kids. In her opinion, these are some of the best snow boots for cold days. And they come in both kid and toddler sizes! They are warm, lightweight and hold up fairly well. In seven years of using them, she hasn’t ever had a kid with cold feet. She does notice that the tread seems to break down quicker than other boots we have used. Note: Amelia is currently testing the updated version and will report in our Best Snow Boots for Kids post ASAP!
Darn Tough Kids Midweight Ski Socks
Darn Tough socks are hands down our favorite socks for the active kid. They don’t get holes in them, and if they actually do, Darn Tough has an excellent warranty. These ski and snowboard socks are midweight, meaning they have light padding to help ski and snowboard boots stay comfortable for as long as the kids want to be in them. I particularly like the polar bear print, but there are tons of other cute ones!
Toys for Playing in the Snow
Now that everyone is bundled and will stay warm, it’s play time! Snow is absolutely crazy cool stuff and I find it just as fascinating today as I did when I was little. This is where the winter fun really starts.
For Small Hands Kids Snow Shovel
Last winter gave Utah (and many other places!) the most snow ever recorded; while my delight in the snow was high, I also had the best shoulder strength of my life from all the shoveling! Luckily my toddler also loved to shovel (snow into) the driveway. We dug holes and made hills to slide down and generally used his tiny sand shovel almost every day. I just wish I’d had this miniature shovel; it’s the right size for toddlers and preschoolers. And it’s a “real” snow shovel, which (hopefully) means he’ll stop trying to steal my nice avalanche shovel!
Carson Optics LumiLoupe Plus
Snow is one of the coolest and weirdest substances on the planets, and people have always been fascinated by the beauty of snowflakes. The Carson LumiLoupe Plus allows you and your kids to explore the classic hexagonal flakes as they fall, as well as watch how snow crystals change over time as temperatures fluctuate.
Outdoor Learning School Waterproof Sit Pad
A wet bum is not a good way to have much winter fun. This sit pad from The Outdoor Learning School is both waterproof and insulated, allowing kids (or adults!) to take a snack break without getting soaked. It’s also made from recycled materials!
Moving in the Snow
Snow can be a giant pain to move through, especially since it comes up that much higher on little people! Having the right tools to stay on top of the snow (especially if there’s sliding involved) can turn a slog into a trip to be remembered.
L.L. Bean Kids’ Winter Walker Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is the simplest and most accessible way to move easily through the snow. (Read more about beginning snowshoeing for the whole family!) These kids snowshoes are an excellent choice because they’re slightly shorter and narrower than adult snowshoes, which makes them lighter for smaller legs, but they’re still made of the same high-quality materials as the adult snowshoes. They also come in six different fun colors!
Burley Encore X Double Trailer with the Ski Attachment Kit
Ok, this is not a cheap item…and in fact, it’s two not-cheap items. But it’s possibly one of my favorite ways to get outside with my son in the winter. The ski attachment kit allows me to put skis on my bike trailer and pull it on snow all winter long! The Burley trailers are really a stroller for all seasons.
I can have the trailer fully assembled in just about five minutes; it takes longer than that to get my kids all bundled up! My two-year old loves riding in the back and it’s easy to bundle him in super well to keep him warm. While I usually use my backcountry skis on groomed cross country tracks, you could also pull it while snowshoeing, fat biking, or for the really ambitious, while actually skate skiing.
Elan Maxx Blue Skis + Shift EL 4.5 GW Bindings
It is HARD to find good skis for little people, especially tiny people! These Elan skis come in the smallest size I’ve ever found a ski in, 70 cm, and range all the way up to 120 cm. This means they’re good for kid ranging from approximately two and a half feet tall to just over four feet tall, depending on how aggressive your little skier is. They are incredibly flexible, have real metal edges (a must for skiing at an actual resort) and come with bindings (though you’ll need to get them mounted by a ski tech when they arrive).
Lights for Winter Play
One major obstacle to playing outside in the winter is the lack of sunlight! Here are some fun winter gifts to shed some light on this challenge (oh yes, pun intended). Playing with light in the darkness can even increase the winter fun you can have with your kids.
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp
This headlamp is a good choice for older kids and teenagers. It is simple, easy to use, and won’t break the bank while still being a quality lamp with good light power. This helps get everyone into the outdoors a little more affordably (and makes the inevitable lost headlamp a little less painful).
Black Diamond Whiz Headlamp
This headlamp from Black Diamond is a great choice for younger children because the battery compartment can only be opened with a screwdriver. This can be mildly annoying for adults, as you do need to have the right sized screwdriver handy. However, it makes it much safer for curious kids who want to play with everything!
MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern: Outdoor 2.0
TMM families loves this solar powered lantern. Leave it on the dash of your vehicle or out on the picnic table, and you will have plenty of charge for an evening. And kids are fascinated by the charging process! These lanterns provide great, soft illumination in the tent, good for story time, or at the dinner table.
Winter Snacks and Treats
All good outdoors adventures need good snacks, and this is especially true in the winter when being cold burns more energy. And who doesn’t love a good cozy treat when it’s cold out?
Hydroflask 20 oz Food Jar
The day I got an insulated food jar rather than trying to drink soup out the side of my travel mug was a very, very good day, and one I can recommend! This Hydroflask food jar keeps food warm for hours and you can eat right out of it (just remember your spoon and fork). I use mine for soups, stews, noodles, curries…the list is endless.
Purist Mover Vacuum Water Bottle
Having a belly full of a hot drink when your nose and cheeks are frosty is a very satisfying, cozy feeling! This Purist water bottle keeps drinks warm for up to twelve hours and can up your winter fun game, whether you’re carrying hot chocolate, tea, cider, or other spiced juices.
Rolla Roaster Roasting Forks
Campfires are not just for the summer! Roasting marshmallows is the classic example, but it is amazing how creative kids can be when it comes to finding things to hold over a fire. You don’t need a full campfire either; I’ve even toasted marshmallows over tea light candles in a pinch. Just make sure to check the fire restrictions in your area and put your fire source out completely before leaving it!
If It’s Not Below Freezing
Not everyone experiences snow during the winter; Florida’s average January temperature is still 76oF! But that doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy a little winter fun.
LL Bean Flatpack Grill and Firepit
Having a fire can make any night feel cozy, regardless of the temperature. This packable grill and firepit is awesome for actual grilling, or combine it with the roasting sticks above for all kinds of toasting adventures! Just make sure to check the fire restrictions in your area before lighting it up.
National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Night Sky of North America
Unless you’re really close to the equator, winter does mean at least a little more darkness. Take advantage of this with National Geographic’s Night Sky Guide and check out the stars! The constellations are in different places in different seasons, so it can be fun to try to find new ones you don’t get to see during the summer.
REI Rainier Jacket
Just because it’s not cold doesn’t mean that the skies are always clear; sometimes winter means a lot of rain. (Check out all our rain gear recommendations!) The Rainier Jacket is a family favorite for its quality, packability and the fact that it is available in a wide range of sizes. Made of ripstop nylon, it’s fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
Winter Fun is Extra Special
Being outside is a wonderful way to generate amazing experiences and great memories with your family. But there’s something extra-special about outdoor adventures in the winter; the low-angle light is beautiful, the whole world looks different without leaves and potentially under a layer of snow and ice, and the opportunities for unique play are everywhere. I especially love the feeling of being cozy warm while you know it’s cold outside because it’s just very satisfying! We hope these gift ideas help you experience all the winter fun there is to be had this year!
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
Related Articles
- Layering Kids Up For Cold Weather
- Beginning Snowshoeing for the Whole Family
- 9 Tips for Enjoying a Winter with No Snow
- 11 Tips for Winter Hiking for Beginners
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