❄️ StrongWithDana's 2025 WARMTH Gift Guide
For the coldest people you know.
🔥 Community First
December 6: The Queerkindlemarket is a book sale and queer artist market at Gerber/Hart. Consider getting gifts there!
December 7 is Curvy Con, a makers market for Chicago's curvy artists! Drop by the Empty Bottle from 12-4. My friend Naomi will be there, too.
December 7 is also the Ravenswood Elementary Makers Market. It's from 12-3, with a hot cocoa bar and free kids' crafts along with a great opportunity to buy locally made gifts too.
🎉 Happy Friday, Friends!
Last week, I shared my first gift guide, focused on cold weather gifts that you can buy locally. This week, I’m sharing a new gift guide specifically to give you an idea of how to help folx in your life feel a little cozier and warmer as we deal with these freezing temps. Even if no one is exercising out there, these can make a morning commute or errand run much more comfortable.
The right gear can change your experience so much in cold weather. I’ve organized these by layers and accessories. I hope it helps you gift some practical gifts this winter that fight the SADs! So if you get stumped on what to buy, search up these items while you’re gift shopping this month.
🧣 Upper Body Layers
1. Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking Tops)
Wool and synthetic fabrics are the best foundation for any winter movement outfit. They wick moisture away instead of trapping it like cotton. Look for lightweight, wool or wool-blend, long-sleeved tops and synthetic thermals. Searching for “wool base layer” will bring these up.
2. Mid-Layer Warmth
A cozy mid-layer keeps warmth in but lets the body breathe. Quarter-zips are great because they vent heat fast. Good options include fleece pullovers, grid fleece layers, warm vests, or lightweight insulated tops. Fleece is the type of knit, and can be made from any material, so take a look at the fabric composition of an item before purchasing. A little wool or cashmere in a middle layer can add a lot to insulation. Perfect for folx who heat up when walking or hiking.
3. Outer Layers (Windproof + Waterproof Jackets)
If you’re going big, a weatherproof outer shell is the gold standard. These jackets block wind, repel snow, and make outdoor movement much more enjoyable. Look for soft-shell or hard-shell jackets, ideally with a hood. These gifts last for years and work for walkers, dog parents, hikers, and anyone who loves winter exploring.
🥶 Lower Body Gifts
4. Thermal Leggings and Base Layer Bottoms
Wool or synthetic base layer bottoms are useful for basically everyone. They’re ideal for walking, commuting, or staying warm during errands. A simple, reliable winter go-to. Search for “base layer leggings” and “base layer tights.” There are tons of options on the market at every price point.
5. Fleece-Lined Leggings and Waterproof Pants
For the friend who’s always cold—or anyone who spends a lot of time outside—fleece-lined leggings or insulated, wind-blocking pants make a huge difference. Layering them over a thinner base layer keeps extra heat in and wicks moisture out, even on bitter days.
🧤 Hands, Feet and Extremity Gifts
6. Wool or Synthetic Socks
Warm, breathable socks are the underrated hero of winter movement. They’re practical, affordable, and great as stocking stuffers. You can also get socks that have a large percentage of wool in the composition instead of socks made just of wool.
7. Winter Shoes or Boots
If you want to give a higher-ticket item, winter-specific shoes or boots are incredibly helpful. Look for waterproof materials or coatings, warm lining (many natural fibers are great here too, don’t sleep on wool linings!), and easy closures so gloves don’t need to come off to re-tie laces. Think zipper closures or Velcro. Gore-Tex is a great brand for warmth and dryness.
8. Hand and Foot Warmers
These make excellent small gifts. Disposable or rechargeable warmers can help anyone who struggles with cold fingers and toes enjoy their time outside. They can even be layered on thighs or the upper back for extra heat. Last week, I mentioned Hot Hands, so check those out! Especially if you know someone who spends a lot of time outside with kids or pets.
🥸 “Know Their Body” Type Gifts
Think back to what people have mentioned about their bigger winter annoyances. That might br the key to choosing a gift!
For people who heat up quickly:
- Ear-warmer headbands
- Adjustable neck warmers
- Lightweight but insulating scarves for layering, like silk, that can be worn under or over a coat and loosened to vent
For people who run cold:
- Balaclavas
- Insulated mittens of gloves
- Heated insoles or hand warmers
- Extra warm, extra tall socks or boot liners
✨ Small but Mighty Accessories for Freezing Temps
9. Soft-Thumb Gloves
Gloves with a soft patch on the thumb are perfect for wiping away a runny nose or sweat without irritation. Great for dog owners, hot girl walkers, and winter commuters.
10. Lip Balm and Winter Skin Care
Cold air dries everything out. (Side note, have you lowered the temperature on your fridge since the snowstorm? Your food might be drying out more than usual in there!) Lip balms, moisturizing sticks, or tiny skincare kits are easy gifts that make outdoor movement much more pleasant.
11. Insulated Thermos or Hot Beverage Bottle
These are loved by everyone. Modern insulated bottles keep drinks hot for hours. Perfect for post-walk cocoa, warm tea on the trail, sitting on the deck, or a cozier commute.
❤️ Before You Start Wrapping…
The best winter movement gifts are the ones that help someone feel warm, safe, and confident outside. There’s no moral obligation to love the cold, but the right layers can make winter movement surprisingly enjoyable. And if someone still hates being outside? They’ll still be extremely warm on their way to the car, post office, or out with the dog!
With you as we try not to freeze,
Dana