For the sake of this post, I’m using self-care as a loose term - it’s basically anything that brings me joy and comforts me in the winter. The idea for this article came to me as I was writing about how I like to embrace winter in our monthly GPS post. I kept thinking of products I love that make an appearance in my life every year. To be clear, these aren’t products I just started using. I’ve used them for years, and keep returning to them again and again. They’re my old friends. All of these would make great holiday gifts as well.

1. Sawdust Fire Starters

If you have a wood burning fireplace in your home, these will change your life. We make wood fires several times a week in the winter, and these are the only starters that really work. You just prop one under a few logs and light. Suddenly you have a blazing fire. They always work quickly and on the first try. Could be great for outdoor bonfires too.

2. Origins Moisture Mask

I have super dry, combination skin. I actually use this mask every other day in the summer, alternating with an oil-free moisturizer. In the winter, I use as much as needed, which is usually a lot. This mask smells amazing, and has never made me break out. I typically use at night, and my skin couldn’t feel any softer the next day. I do find it works best on an as-needed basis, versus every day. For me I need to get that perfect balance between dry and oily skin, and alternating moisturizers helps me achieve that.

3. Dreamtime Heating Pad

This is one of my favorite ways to unwind in the winter, especially since we live in an older home that can get drafty. We actually own several of these in different colors and sizes. Ryan loves using them too. Just pop in the microwave for 3 minutes and enjoy. But be careful not to overheat. If your microwave is powerful, you may need to play around with heat times. This pad retains heat really well, especially when placed under a blanket. It also smells divine, like lavender and spices. I’ll put on my head after a long day of work, or on my neck or back when sore. If I can’t seem to get warm, it feels best on my feet. These heating pads make great Christmas gifts too. My whole family uses them and loves them.

4. Pottery Barn Faux Fur Blanket

We actually own four of these blankets. We love them so much, because they’re super heavy and soft. My favorite size is the larger one, because it can easily cover two people (and my husband is very tall). We always get compliments from guests on how great they are. Just be careful washing. Our old washer/dryer melted the fur a bit on one of ours because it got too hot. We don’t have a problem with our new dryer. This would also make a great Christmas gift. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy.

5. Electric Tea Kettle

I bought this on Amazon a few years ago, not expecting much. I wanted a kettle where only stainless steel touches the hot water, something surprisingly difficult to find. For the price, this thing has held up for years and works amazing. I have boiling water every day in about a minute. As an avid tea drinker, I couldn’t live without this thing. It sits on our kitchen counter at all times. I’ve since tried more expensive name brand options, and this one still wins.

6. Lululemon Wunder Puff Long Jacket

I’m not proud to admit I spent so much on a winter coat, but boy has it been worth it. I bought a version of this coat a few years ago as a splurge after going through many winter coats and never truly feeling warm. This coat changed my life. We’re always out walking in the winter, whether at the dog park or in our neighborhood, and this coat allows me to stay active and warm. The fact that it goes below the knee is amazing. It has high quality fabric and a really heavy down fill. I researched coats for weeks and decided this Lululemon takes the cake. The one I bought was an ochre color, so I’m hoping they release more colors this year. However, I think the blue they offer now is cute too.

7. Electric Hand Warmers

Ryan surprised me with these chargeable electric hand warmers one year, and it was maybe the best present he’s ever given me. I had been using disposable hand warmers until then. I had no idea a product like this existed, especially at such a good price. It’s amazing how warm hands keep your whole body warm. I just put them in my gloves when outside in the winter. The charge is really good, so you don’t have to charge that often. Would make a great gift for the holidays too.

8. Aquafor

I actually use lighter products in the summer, but nothing beats this one for super chapped lips, which is me every winter. When things get really bad, this is the only product that seems to work. I also use it on any red, dry patches of skin - usually around my nose and eyes. I’m sure most of you know about this product, but it’s easy to forget how amazing it is since it’s been around for so long. I like these travel-sized packs, since I can keep one on my nightstand and one in my purse.

9. North Face Thermoball Lace-up Waterproof Boots

Another winter splurge that has more than paid off. I hate how clunky and heavy winter boots can be, especially since I still walk a lot in the winter. After going through many other brands, I discovered these beauties. These are light as a feather, and have kept my feet warm and dry for several winters now. They’ve held up really well but whenever they do fall apart, I will definitely buy another pair. I can’t imagine ever using another brand of winter boots again. The style is a huge bonus, because I love the way they look too.

10. Pure Epsom Salt

There’s nothing better in the winter than a bath. My baths always include a cup of epsom salt. Magnesium works wonders for muscle relaxation and this product is no exception. I looked on Amazon, and I’ve purchased this giant bag 10 TIMES. That’s how into it I am. I actually prefer unscented salts like this, since I can be sensitive to smells.