Have a Friend Who’s Always Freezing? These Gifts Are for Them

I used to think of an electric blanket as something my grandparents would rave about, but the PureRadiance heated blanket is an entirely different experience. I can’t get enough of this ultrasoft faux fur sherpa throw blanket, which lives on my bed. In addition to creating a full-on cozy moment, electric blankets can also help relieve muscle tension,” says Dr. Knöbel. 

The blanket features six heating levels so your friend can customize heat as needed. The long corded remote plugs into the blanket via an adapter, and it automatically shuts off after two hours. To clean, wash by hand or on a gentle cold cycle — just make sure to unplug the remote and power cord. My entire family snuggles under this each morning, so we now have to literally drag everyone out of bed.

Whether we’re reading or enjoying a movie night, the Bedsure GentleSoft faux fur throw officially lives on our family room couch and is our favorite snuggle blanket. Thanks to the nice weight, my son — who has sensory sensitivities — craves this calming blanket day and night. The velvet-like texture is so soft, and whenever the throw gets a bit tired, we just throw it in the washing machine on a delicate cold cycle and let it air dry. It fluffs right back up without compromising the quality. Your chilly friend will be cozy and happy wrapped up in this blanket all winter long.

A well-made wool blanket is a thoughtful (and warm) gift that can last for years. This plaid throw is made with 100 percent wool and is available in various styles. Fairbault Mills even offers the option to have a name or initials embroidered on this throw, transforming it into a long-lasting keepsake.

“If you're looking for a classic throw blanket that will look nice draped across your couch or armchair and still keep you warm, this is probably what you need,” said editorial director Simone Scully. “Wool is not a fabric for everyone — it can be scratchy — but it’s definitely warm and holds up well over time (and to pets).”

At-home infrared saunas are a “hot” topic these days, providing more than just warmth; they may also boost heart health, support muscle recovery, and ease chronic pain. This at-home device touts both heat and power; the temperature ranges from a mild 86 degrees Fahrenheit to a fiery 185 degrees Fahrenheit (one of the hottest on the market). It also has a convenient timer so you can stay in charge and relax for up to an hour. 

Writer Maria Cristina Lalonde can attest that this blanket gets very hot quickly, and said it’s “relaxing and reduces the aches and pain I feel in my legs and back” after workouts. She is also commonly cold and added that the blanket “warms me up in a deeper way that regular heated blankets fail to do!” Plus, it takes up less space and costs significantly less than a standard sauna.

There’s nothing quite like getting a high-quality cashmere sweater as a gift. Naadam’s original crewneck cashmere sweater is made of 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, a midweight sweater that’s soft enough to wear on its own without an undershirt and great for layering over your favorite button-down. I’ve had mine for over five years, and it’s still in great shape while being both classic and flattering. This sweater is available in plenty of classic neutrals, plus some fun pinks, reds, and purples, so you can pick and choose based on your friend’s color preferences.

Buying your friend pajamas may not be at the top of your list, but investing in a well-constructed, luxurious PJ set is actually a thoughtful (and useful) gift. While we know the Dagsmejan pajama set is a splurge, we think it’s worth it. The pajamas are crafted with comfort in mind. They’re made out of traceable merino wool plus lyocell and Lycra, they’re breathable, lightweight, and will keep your boo warm without overheating. The set is also tagless and has flat seams, so no itchy tags or bothersome seams. Ashley Ziegler, an editor who tested these pajamas, says they’re “high quality, lightweight, cozy, and flattering.”

For a special treat, the White & Warren travel wrap is truly a unicorn. At nearly $400, we know it’s a big investment, but I’ve had mine for over 10 years and it’s still a core component of my wardrobe all year long. This super soft wrap is made of 100 percent cashmere, and at nearly seven feet long, it’s sizable and versatile. I tend to style it as an oversized scarf in the chillier months or drape it over me as a blanket when flying. It’s breathable and lightweight enough to use during the warmer months as a wrap for a special occasion. It comes in six core neutral colors and 10-plus limited-edition colors that have a bit more punch. So if you’re looking for that special splurge gift that will last for years to come and make your bestie feel like cashmere royalty, this is it.

For that friend who appreciates sipping on fine brew while also supporting environmental issues, Thanksgiving Coffee is our buzzworthy pick. We’re partial to the Bee Bold medium roast, a fair-trade and organic blend from single-origin farms in Ethiopia and Central and South America.

Catherine Brown, who tested this coffee, noted aromas of ripened fruits and a sweet profile that was reminiscent of honey. The beans are available as whole beans, espresso, Turkish, French press, and auto drip grinds, and with subscription plans including deliveries every 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks. “I was genuinely impressed with the ethos of the company and was happy to support [the company’s] mission,” says Brown.

For each bag of coffee beans sold, the company donates part of the proceeds to support biodiversity and food security in local communities by creating pollinator gardens. The company has raised $28,516.00 for its mission.

What’s more disappointing than reaching for the coffee pot only to find the coffee’s cold? Enter the Luxe Brewer Thermal coffee maker by Breville, a versatile 12-cup drip coffee maker that features a dual-wall and stainless steel thermos that will keep coffee insulated and warm for up to four hours.

Our writer, Ysolt Usigan, was a fan. “Breville is a trusted brand that makes quality products,” and while there are other coffee makers out there for less money, “this one appears to be built to last.” Usigan liked the customizations for brewing, such as bloom volume, bloom time, brew temperature, and flow rate. “You can tweak how water interacts with the coffee grounds in a more nuanced way than with typical drip machines.” And if your chilly friend feels like “braving the cold,” there is also a cold brew function. “For that friend who wants a really special drip coffee maker, this is a great choice.”

If you have a friend who is partial to old-fashioned tea kettles, Scully thinks they will swoon for this one. With a beautiful design, the kettle is made of a durable stainless-steel interior and finished in a sophisticated matte black exterior with a tempered glass lid and a copper spout and handle. “It has a modern look, but classic shape, which I personally really like, and it can work on induction, gas, electric, halogen, and ceramic stove tops,” Scully says. The kettle comes with a useful sleeve for the handle, making it easier to safely hold. “I forgot how much I miss having a whistle after years of using electric kettles,” adds Scully.

When I wake up each morning, I look forward to a piping hot cup of coffee. And when space is tight (hello, apartment living), a stovetop espresso maker is an excellent option. So when Tori Martinet raved about her Bialetti Moka Express stovetop espresso maker, we knew it had to be on this list. She’s been using her 6-cup Bialetti for years and loves that you can make as much (or as little) espresso as you like, and it doesn't take up a ton of space in your cabinet. “It’s simple and easy to use as well as effective and small.” Plus, she loves the nostalgia factor because “this is what my Italian relatives used to make coffee every day!” 

The Bialetti comes in plenty of fun colors and different sizes, and now has a version that's compatible with induction cooktops. Bialetti has some playful brand collaborations with Dolce & Gabanna, Mackenzie Childs, and Bridgerton that could make for a fun, thoughtful gift.

When our writer Raki Swanson tested the Fellow Carter Move Mug, she described it as “making your world better and happier.” And I have to agree. I’ve had my mug for several years, and not only does it work well, but I also always receive compliments on the unique design. It’s a sleek, insulated mug with a thin lip that makes it easy to sip on hot beverages. It’s available in 12 or 16 ounces and can keep beverages warm or cold for up to 12 hours. Swanson likes the add-on options, such as a cold lid and straw, and even a carrying handle so you can use this for both hot and cold drinks on the go. She’s also a fan of the color options (I’m partial to Smoke Green and Hazy Blue) and loves that it’s compact enough to fit into a purse or backpack. With this mug, your bestie can sip on warm tea or coffee wherever they go!

Whether you’re a child or an adult, hot cocoa has a way of delighting the soul, and we keep refilling our mugs with the Cup of Coa No.1 Sinfully Classic Hot Chocolate. Editor Steven Rowe couldn’t get enough of this sweet concoction, calling it “very high-quality” and “superior to most hot chocolate mixes.” He also noted that the packets dissolved with zero clumps. The cocoa mix already contains milk, he explains, so the “final product is creamy without ever having to warm up milk.” Simply add hot water, stir, and enjoy a rich, frothy sipping beverage.

Cup of Coa offers four flavors: classic milk chocolate, mint, citrus, and dark chocolate, and it’s available in single-size servings or in a tin with eight servings. The single-serving packets are great for travel or can easily be stacked and stored at home, while the larger tin makes a thoughtful gift or is perfect for entertaining. If you find yourself craving hot chocolate, this is the one you should reach for. “It's one of the richest I've ever tried,” said Rowe, adding that it’s a “really nice treat.”

Cashmere socks can feel like the ultimate luxury purchase, but they can come at a cost. Fortunately, you can grab these Mongolian cashmere socks from Quince at just around $30.

My friend gave me a pair a few years ago as a holiday gift, and I still wear them three seasons out of the year when I want to feel warm and stylish. (Pro tip: If you get cold sleeping at night, putting a pair of socks on can help stabilize your body temperature, says Maria Knöbel, MBBS, a board-certified physician in lifestyle medicine in England.

They’re soft, well-made, and look cute with your house slippers or super comfy in boots. The socks are available in two sizes and five neutral colors. Trust us, every time your friend puts on a pair of these indulgent socks, their tootsies will thank you.

When it comes to Birkenstock’s shearling sandals, I can’t get enough. Three seasons of the year, I sport my Birks around town and can always count on getting a compliment. The Arizona Shearling Sandals have a suede exterior and a soft, fluffy shearling lining to keep your friend’s tootsies toasty. The sandals have Birkenstock’s signature cork bed and arches for cushioning and foot support, plus a raised toe bar to prevent toes from gripping, and a deep heel cup to cradle your heel and heel bone as you walk. These are the perfect stylish sandals to keep your friend’s feet extra spoiled and chic in the shoulder season.

Your sister or friend will love sliding their feet into these cushy shearling clogs with memory foam footbeds. They have a bold navy wool-felt upper with a contrasting orange stitching that really stands out. A plush footbed lining feels nice and warm against your skin, and you can replace it with other linings for a versatile, customized look.

“I love how soft the shearling footbed is, and that it comes in lots of colorways and patterns,” said editor Ally Hirschlag.

Quince’s hooded parka will help you stay warm in temperatures as low as -33 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to the waterproof and windproof material and faux fur on the hood. The best part is that it costs a fraction of the price of comparable outerwear. 

“It is very warm, has a nice weighty quality to it (without being too heavy so you feel weighed down),” shared Scully. “I almost forget it is cold outside. This rarely happens to me (I run cold).”  She found the sizing to be true to size and appreciated the thoughtful details, such as the soft knit storm cuffs, thumbholes (in case you forget gloves), functional zippers, several pockets, and the adjustable waistbands.

The parka is available in calming neutrals like carbon gray, black, storm blue, and faded cargo, and, as an added bonus, “it looks really nice on,” added Scully.

If you know a gal who’s always cold but likes to travel light, this heated vest is her dream come true. Heated vests can actually heat the body quickly and efficiently, in fact “surface temperature is increased by 2 to 3 degrees within a few minutes,” says Knöbel. And this lightweight vest is no exception; it has synthetic down and three heating zones to keep her core warm without the bulk.

The compact rechargeable battery stores away in a small pocket. “I like the vest option. It's tailored to give you some shape, despite the layers of insulation it has, and it has a little collar to help keep your neck warm,” says Scully. You can wear it over a sweater or under a thinner coat. One thing to note is that it does fit small, so make sure you know your loved one’s size. After reading the reviews, Scully recommends getting two sizes up just to be on the safe side.

For the active person looking to try a new style of leggings, we’re putting the Planet Nusa T1 Thermal Tights on your radar. These leggings are compression-like yet equally stretchy, adapting to your body for those morning runs. They also feature built-in thermal patches from the waistband down to the knees, along with a fleece-like interior for warmth. If you get a little too warm while exercising, no worries; the moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from the skin and dries quickly.

Brittany Vargas, a health journalist, wore the matching top on a run and found it to be comfortable without feeling bulky. “It's comfortable, stretchy, and seems to be well-constructed,” she said.

Living in Massachusetts, I need a pair of mittens that can stand up to frigid temps, and these Land’s End Expedition Mittens have been keeping me warm season after season. From snowshoeing to wintery walks, these are my go-to mittens that always keep my sensitive, cold hands warm. They feature warm fleece and insulation in the palm, a waterproof exterior, and a touchscreen-friendly index and thumb finger. They also have an adjustable wrap strap to help keep out snow or wind, plus external clips to keep your mittens attached when not in use — which I highly recommend — and reflective piping for evening visibility. For warm and happy digits, these mittens are New England approved.

When I don’t want to mess up my hair with a winter hat, I use this fleece headband to keep my ears warm when I'm outside. We’re fans of the Lupa headband and included this handy accessory in our Cold Weather Running Gear guide. It’s made of a breathable, triple-layer microfleece that’s wind-resistant and will keep your friend’s ears super warm. During testing, writer Brittany Vargas was impressed with the warmth factor and how well the headband stayed in place while keeping her forehead and ears covered on chilly morning runs. It also has a bit of stretch to it, so it’s easy to put on and take off without messing up your tresses. The headband comes in over 25 colors, and it’s machine-washable for low-maintenance care.

This long-sleeve shirt is the ultimate layer for your fitness-fanatic pal. The recycled polyester and carbon materials are warm and allow airflow through to prevent overheating. The shirt features an attractive mock turtleneck that’s not too restrictive, thumbholes for warm hands, and reflective details for night runs or outings. 

Hirschlag doesn’t usually gravitate towards turtlenecks and was pleasantly surprised with the mock design. She found it to be “super warm,” cute, and very slimming. The IBTLongsleeve is available in black or a light grey, but if your friend loves a colorful moment, there’s a poppy lime green that really makes a statement.

When you don’t want to don bulky ski pants, there’s another option: These Duluth Trading Co. Flexpedition pants. These pants are made for all of your outdoor expedition needs. They’re lightweight and feature a 200-gram polyester fleece lining to keep your legs extra warm, along with a water-resistant exterior to repel the elements. Other thoughtful details include a sewn-in gusset for easy bending at the waist, an articulated knee design that supports movement without feeling restrictive, six pockets, and a zippered storage area — ideal for keys, phone, and cards. 

Scully shared that these pants “definitely keep you warm without making you feel like you're wearing two layers.” She added they don't look like they're fleece-lined or snow pants either. Plus, they're comfy to wear and great for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the winter.

What’s better than combining a sweater and a fleece for the ultimate warmth? The sweater is both fashionable as it is functional. The silhouette is stylish with a cropped fit and mock neck. There’s a half front zipper with an oversized left breast pocket for storing things literally close to the chest. “[This is a] very cool, sporty-looking fleece pullover,” says writer Nicole Bonaccorso.

It’s made from recycled, quick-drying, mid-weight fleece, which Bonaccorso found to be great on a hike or for those chilly fall mornings. Whether your giftee is picking apples or hitting the slopes, this sweater is ideal for layering all fall and winter long.

Calling all skiers: stay warm and comfortable with this Icebreakers thermal top — the ultimate baselayer. The 100 percent merino wool and mesh are breathable yet warm, helping regulate body temperature during high-intensity activity. It has flat-lying seams, so no bulkiness, thumbholes, and comes in an attractive two-toned color of warming pinks or a teal and tan combo. 

Hirschlag loved sporting her thermal long sleeve. “It's super cute and cozy,” and “it's a perfect layering piece” for doing outdoor activities or a “winter ski trip."  She liked the cut and colors, and the “quality of the material is functional” as well as moisture-wicking.

This Icebreaker vest is the ideal layering accessory for active outdoor seekers. Whether you’re hiking or skiing, donning the Descender vest feels elevated and warm. The merino wool and lyocell fleece are lightweight but still provide warmth. There are also two zippered hand pockets and flat seams to help reduce friction. 

Hirschlag was a fan of the design and was impressed with the “breathability of this vest.” It also looks super cute with the thermal top it pairs with, she adds. The Icebreaker Descender vest comes in a classic black or a summit blush if you want to sport a soft pinkish hue.

I never thought I needed a hot water bottle heater until I was given one, and now I can’t live without it. For aches, pains, or menstrual cramps, I always reach for this hot water bottle with a fleece cover. Even my daughter is obsessed. During the winter evenings, we keep ours by our feet or near our bellies in bed, and when we wake up, the water bottle is still hot. The main pouch is made of a thick rubber that retains hot water, and the screw cap is easy to open and close. The accompanying outer fleece cover makes it an extra indulgent warm treat, and the water bottle is compact enough to stuff in your suitcase as a comforting travel accessory.

In our house, when the flannel sheets come out from the linen closet, we know it’s going to be a cozy night’s sleep. And the Laura Ashley flannel sheet set is no exception. Scully said her family was immediately smitten with the design and texture, and described these as super cute flannel sheets that are fun and whimsical (think holiday dogs wearing Santa hats and red bows). “My son loved them — and immediately wanted to put them on his twin bed,” says Scully. Her household loved the 100 percent cotton flannel fabric that’s warm, without being overly sweaty, and is perfect for someone who tends to sleep cold at night. While the pattern she tested may be more kid-appropriate, there are plenty of other designs that would speak to the whole household.

With a vintage midcentury design, this retro fan space heater is both effective and nice to look at. Simone Scully, editorial director, discovered the VHeat while searching for a space heater for her antique home. Despite being a little worried it wouldn't work because it was too pretty, she was immediately impressed: “I didn't even have to have it facing me to feel like I got warmer.” The VHeat has an adjustable thermostat and high and low heat settings, plus tip-over protection. It also automatically shuts off if it gets too hot. The VHeat comes in three colors: black, green, and off-white. It’ll look good in your friend's office, by the bed, or in any room that needs a bit more heat.

Whenever I’m feeling chilled, I love soaking in the tub with a fizzy bath bomb. So when we tried the Mom Bomb Seasonal Gift Set, we knew this would make a luxurious gift that would elevate bath time. The beautiful gift box includes four 7-ounce bath bombs made from epsom salt, coconut oil, and clay in cozy scents: Mistletoe Kisses, Peppermint Cocoa, Fireside Dreams, and Warm Apple. Scully liked how the bombs “dissolved nicely with strong scents that linger for a while so you can really slow down and relax in the bath.” The bonus? One hundred percent of the profits support the brand’s nonprofit, Mom Bomb Giving Organization, which helps moms in crisis get essential services.

Heat can do wonders for our muscles, and when our writer Katie Mannion tested this neck wrap, she knew it had to be included in this gift guide. This therapy neck pack can be used for both hot and cold therapy, so it's “good for soothing muscle aches and tension as well as for inflammation and swelling,” she says. The fabric is a linen-cotton blend that she found to be breathable and didn’t get too hot. Even after putting it in the microwave for 90 seconds (three intervals of 30 seconds), the exterior wasn't excessively hot. Mannion liked how the heat is evenly distributed and noted that it stays warm for a while. “I love that it has straps, which makes stretching my neck easier,” she says.

There's nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub with high-end bath products. Recommended by our writer, Julia Childs Heyl, this ultimate self-care gift is perfect for your boo who craves any excuse for a spa night at home. The set includes herbal lavender bathtub sachets, a hand crocheted washcloth, as well as artisanal soap, a lavender candle, and an indulgent hand cream.