We’re entering peak cozy season. We’ve ditched our iced coffees for hot brews, fires are roaring in the hearth and we’re all collectively grabbing a fuzzy throw blanket as we hunker down (literally and proverbially) for the long winter.
Considering the pandemic continuing on, we’ve never had more reasons to stay at home than right now — which is exactly why it’s worth investing in the things that will upgrade your at-home hygge experience and, dare we say, spark joy.
From cozy sweaters and home decor to spa-like gadgets for pampering and culinary devices to churn out delicious meals all winter, these are the things that are going to make the next months (and beyond!) much more enjoyable in your home sweet home. Remember, guys: It’s #chillvibesonly from here on out.
Cozy fashion essentials
Ugg Classic Ultra Mini ($139.95; amazon.com or $140; ugg.com)
We’re all familiar with the greatness of an Ugg boot — nothing warms you up quite like ensconcing your feet into shearling bliss. But, if we’re being honest, sometimes those boots can overheat, especially when you’re just padding around the house. The solution? The new Ugg Ultra Mini.
Designed in the same classic style as the short and tall boots before it, the Ultra Mini has a cropped shaft height that keeps your legs cooler but your tootsies toasty warm.
Soma Essential Fleece Legging ($31.99, originally $69; soma.com)
Regular leggings are incredibly comfortable, but let’s face it: Their thin material can leave you chilly when the winter months set in. Not all fleece leggings are created equally, however, as many can be ultra thick and tough to move around in, while others leave you overheated in minutes. This editor-approved pair from Soma exceeds expectations. Slinky soft on the outside and ultra fleecy on the inside, the thin leggings are perfect for long days at home, and we promise that they don’t overheat. More to know: They don’t sag, either, a detail alone that makes them worthy of their price tag.
Baleaf Women’s Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings (starting at $21.99; amazon.com)
Looking to spend a bit less? Check out these Amazon bestsellers that come in 17 colors and cost less than 25 bucks.
The Comfy ($39.99, originally $44.99; amazon.com)
It’s easy to see why the Comfy was one of Amazon’s standout products last year — the wearable blanket is incredibly soft and ultra warm. More than 13,000 Amazon reviewers agree that whether you’re chilling out on the couch or are braving the temps outside by a fire pit, the Comfy is worth the investment. More to know: It’s available in 10 colors and patterns as well as kids’ sizes.
Naked Mila Cardigan ($150; nakedcashmere.com)
Cashmere and winter go hand in hand, and this oversize, chunky-knit cardigan from Naked is about to be your go-to choice on the chilliest of days. Ultra warm, the slouchy sweater is an investment piece that will be in your closet forever, and the sweater is stylish and cozy — the best combo ever.
Birkenstock Arizona Shearling ($150; zappos.com)
If any shoe is having a moment this fall, it’s Birkenstock’s shearling-lined classic Arizona sandal. Perfect for chilly trips to take out the garbage or get the mail, these shoes prove that we can, in fact, wear sandals all winter long.
Just Love Buffalo Plaid Adult Onesie ($49.99; amazon.com)
Onesies for adults? Yes, they exist. And yes, we’re on board with them. With more than 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this fan-favorite fleece plushie comes in eight patterns and sizes XS to XXL. Your movie night just got a whole lot comfier.
MWL Ribbed Funnelneck Sweatshirt ($79.50; madewell.com) & Sweatpants ($79.50; madewell.com)
Madewell recently launched an athleisure line dubbed “Make Weekends Longer” that’s perfectly tailored and cozy. Oozing with those boho-cool vibes the brand is known for, our favorite MWL pieces include this cream funnelneck sweatshirt and matching seamed sweatpants that have a bootcut crop. (Fear not: They look adorable with sneakers.) Perfect for lounging around, the set features a structured ribbed material on the outside with a buttery soft fleece interior.
TeeHee Leg Warmers, Set of 4 ($23.99, originally $30.52; amazon.com)
Not everything from the ‘80s was a fashion disaster — case in point: leg warmers. This cute set of four is perfect for layering over leggings or jeans, whether you’re headed into the blustery outdoors or just want to be extra cozy on your couch.
Birdies x Minted Velvet Flat ($165; birdies.com)
Cozy doesn’t always mean casual, and no brand proves this more than Birdies, known for its gorgeous, high fashion flats and slides (velvet! Satin! Tassels!) that are incredibly comfortable too. With seven layers of support in each shoe that includes the high-density memory foam, shock absorption and luxe quilted satin insole, the shoe is a showstopper on the outside but secretly a slipper on the inside. More to know: A no-slip rubber sole is perfect for slippery winter nights.
Halluci Cross Band Soft Plush Fleece Slippers ($25.99; amazon.com)
Ugg’s Fluff Yeah sandals definitely had a moment last year, as did these Amazon lookalikes for a fraction of the price. With more than 13,000 positive reviews, the plush house slippers come in nine colors and pair a memory foam insole with a waterproof, anti-slip sole, meaning you can wear them outside too! Looking for more patterns? Check out this similar pair, which is priced at $19.99 and comes in fun cheetah, leopard and tie-dye prints.
Everlane Oversized Stroopwafel Turtleneck in ReCashmere ($155; everlane.com)
One of our favorite minimalist fashion brands just launched a new line of cashmere pieces made from 100% recycled cashmere yarn — and the goods don’t disappoint. This oversized turtleneck has a relaxed fit and ultra-cozy waffle-knit texture that makes it the perfect choice for reading a good book on a chilly day. Looking for something more fitted? Try the brand’s sleek henley, which is ultra soft and subtly sexy all at once.
Riley Hooded Waffle Robe ($109; rileyhome.com)
Spa days aren’t complete without a cozy robe to ensconce yourself in, and this one from Riley will do the trick. Complete with an oversize hood, the robe has a chic waffle fabric on the outside and a softer-than-soft (not to mention ultra absorbent) terry cloth on the inside. Our favorite detail, however, is the chic navy piping lining the robe’s perimeter.
Cozy home essentials
Twinkle Star Curtain ($17.99; amazon.com)
Turn a humdrum room into a cozy sleeping spot, a magical playroom or a romantic dining area with these dreamy curtains that are lined with LED lights. According to nearly 30,000 Amazon reviewers, they’re worth clicking “Add to cart” for.
Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set (starting at $185; bollandbranch.com)
If you want to make your bed as cozy as humanly possible, flannel sheets are the answer. And while there are many options out there, we are die-hard devotees of this luxe Boll and Branch set. Ethically made and sourced, the breathable sheets get softer with each wash, and they don’t overheat users. Instead, they create a comfy haven to slip into each and every night.
Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Boucle Throw Blanket ($40; target.com)
Everyone in the design world is discussing Shea McGee right now — her Target home decor line dropped this fall; her Netflix show, “Dream Home Makeover,” debuted earlier this month; and her book, “Make Life Beautiful,” dropped this week.
While most of us can’t afford to hire McGee for a full home redo, we can access the designer’s aesthetic via her Target Threshold line, which is full of beautiful must-haves for home like this super-duper cozy boucle blanket, which is reversible and comes in two colors: cream and beige.
Pottery Barn Teen Cozy Recycled Sherpa Pillow Cover ($19.50; pbteen.com)
If you’re looking to zhuzh up a living area or a bedroom, a quick and affordable way to do so is via new throw pillows. And these cuties from Pottery Barn Teen ooze coziness, thanks to their ultra-soft Sherpa material. Sustainably sourced, the pillows come in five hues (from pink and two grays to white and navy) and can be monogrammed.
Honeywell UberHeat Ceramic Heater (starting at $34.99; amazon.com)
If you’ve got a drafty space in your home, nip that problem in the bud with this handy heater. Cool to the touch on the outside, the ceramic heater churns out 1500 watts of heat, has nonslip rubber feet and overheating shutoff protection. Among the more than 1,500 positive reviews is one that describes it as such: “I have it in my bedroom (about 12 feet by 17 feet) and it keeps it nice and toasty.” Done and done.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7 ($59.99, originally $79.95; amazon.com)
Long, chilly nights call for comfort food, and nothing churns out yummy meals more quickly (and easily!) than the Instant Pot. Throw a few ingredients in the pot — even at the last minute — and voila! You’ll have a hearty, delicious meal ready in a jiff. With more than 112,000 positive reviews, this is definitely one of Amazon’s must-haves this winter.
Always Pan ($145; fromourplace.com)
If you plan to be in the kitchen now through…well, eternity, then we’re here to say you need the Always Pan. Replacing eight traditional pieces of cookware (it’s perfect for smaller kitchens with less storage), the Always is a fry pan, a saute pan, a steamer, a skillet, a saucier, a saucepan, a nonstick pan, a spatula and a spoon rest…all in one.
Perfect for multitasking your way through holiday meals, the Always Pan has sold out multiple times and has a 4.8-star rating and nearly 750 positive reviews (and we even reviewed it ourselves). Did we mention it comes in a lovely purple hue, plus other fun muted colors like sage green and a dusty blue?
Aucma 6.5-Quart Stand Mixer ($139.99, originally $150; amazon.com)
In our opinion, blustery days are for baking, and this affordable stand mixer with a boatload of positive reviews is worth the investment. In addition to looking super cute on your countertop (it comes in seven retro hues), the mixer can easily handle all your baking needs, from cakes and breads to pastries, muffins, waffles and more. More to know: It’s a fraction of the price of the more popular KitchenAid mixer!
Minted Family Aprons (starting at $30; minted.com)
With all the cozy cooking time happening in the heart of your home this year, let’s amp up the cute factor with these matching family aprons (in kid and adult sizes) from Minted. Benefiting Every Mother Counts, the aprons come in three earthy patterns, in three sizes (kids’ small, kids’ large and adult), and they each come with a sweet leather tag that can be customized.
Gorilla Grip Original Spa Bath Pillow ($26.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)
Elevate your bath experience with this beloved bath tub pillow that currently has more than 7,400 positive Amazon reviews. Ultra soft and waterproof (obviously, lol), the padded foam pillow is also incredibly supportive of your neck and back. Want to upgrade your bath even more? Get you some Dr. Teal’s for a bubbling, Epsom salt- and essential oils-infused experience.
Sleep Master Sleep Mask ($25.90; amazon.com)
If the Lunya sleep mask is a bit out of your budget, consider this Amazon lookalike that rings in at half the price. Lightweight and fully adjustable, the mask is also oversized, blocking out any and all light — and ensuring you have the best nap ever, even if it’s during broad daylight hours. More than 3,500 Amazon reviewers say it’s worth the purchase.
Hathaspace Marble Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser ($34.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)
Diffusers are having a moment, and we’re into this chic, marble-patterned version from Hathaspace. A top seller on Amazon — it has more than 2,500 positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating — the ultra-quiet device works as both an essential oil diffuser and a humidifier for small rooms. More to know: This one includes seven ambient light color options and adjustable brightness, and it can emit mist for 24 hours.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Pillow ($54.95, originally $59.95; amazon.com)
There’s a lot to be stressed out about these days — combat that tension and anxiety with this beloved massager that aims to relieve sore muscles in your neck, upper and lower back, calves and more. With more than 20,000 positive reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the compact massager also has heating functionality that pretty much guarantees you’re going to be relaxed afterward. Want a cordless option? Check out Homedic’s similar version.