Minnesota Must-Haves

My last post included some suggestions to keep you smilin’ all winter. Here are the things to buy to keep you warm all winter!

1. Hand and foot warmers

If you are going to be outside for more than 30 minutes, hand and foot warmers are amazing! You stick them in your gloves or boots and they keep you warm for hours.

2. Waterproof Boots made specifically for polar temps

I’ve had Croc snow boots for 5 years and they’ve been great…until I moved to Minnesota. The bitter cold soaked right in. I knew I needed to upgrade. I asked around and people recommend Sorel, Land’s End, or Columbia boots. I tried on 6 different types of Sorels, and they are WARM, but not comfortable on my feet. I purchased the Columbia boots pictured above because they are super warm AND comfortable.

3. Cozy cabin and/or Smart Wool socks

Good socks are vitally imporant! My two favorites are Cozy Cabin and Smart wool – both are soft and warm.

4. Moisture wicking Base Layer/Long underwear

Layers help keep me warm in frigid temps.

5. A fur-lined trapper hat

This hat was a game changer for me. Keeping my head warm makes winter bearable. The Yukon Tracks Alaskan Taslan Fur Hat is what my boys wear. Size Large fits me (pictured above) and my older boys. Size medium fits my 4 and 7 year old sons. They are less than $30 and worth every penny.

I can’t tell you how important it is to keep your head warm. It makes all the difference.

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6. A high quality coat

I’ve had this North Face coat for more than 5 years and I absolutely love it. I probably wear it nine months out of every year – and even a few nights in the summer. It’s super light-weight, soft and warm.

One of the best things about the coat is how I received it…

I got this coat on my HUSBAND’S BIRTHDAY…as a gift FROM him to ME! Ted knows about much I don’t like to be cold and wanted me to have a really good, really warm coat. He decided that instead of receiving any gifts for himself one year, he would get me this coat. Isn’t that amazing?

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7. Scarf/face mask

Beards are a must have for men in the winter, but since that’s not an option for me, I like this neck/face wrap! 

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8. Vitamin D multi-vitamin

The days are short and the nights are long…so you may benefit from a Vitamin D boost during the winter!

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9. Indoor games

I LOVE that my boys are old enough to play real games. I can still do simple games with Luke (like memory). But Paul, Clark and George can play so many more. We like Guess Who, Uno, Skipbo, Pie Face (Luke plays this one too), Rummikub, Monopoly, and Chess.

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10. Outdoor gear

Ice skates, sled, snowshoes – You’ve got to have some items to ENJOY the winter. It might be as simple as purchasing a $5 sled the next time your at the grocery store, or perhaps you invest in ice skates, skis or snowshoes. I found used skates for my boys on the Facebook marketplace and Play It Again Sports. I’d love to own some snow shoes — especially now that the snow is 2-3 feet high.

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11. Warm Gloves

You basically need every square inch of your skin covered if you are going to thrive in a Minnesota winter. It’s not easy, or cheap, but it’s worth it! Be sure to have WATER Proof gloves, bonus if they’re rated for 20 below!

Because winter is starting to wind down, now is the time to look for winter gear for next year! Everything you need should be on sale right now!

What do YOU consider a Minnesota Must have? Leave a comment!

If you are interested in reading about how I learned to NOT HATE WINTER, CLICK HERE!

Some of my suggestions are affiliate links.