Wow! We woke up to some 35 degree mornings this past week, which kicked my winter weather shopping into high gear. Micro has been wearing this cozy Patagonia fleece and Hunter boots (seen above) most days, but the boots are not insulated, and the fleece does not have a hood, so I finally bought micro one of these Helly Hensen puffers (on sale in a few colors but selling fast). Historically, I have purchased my children the Patagonia Hi-Lofts which are incredibly well-made and designed, but I’ve heard such good things about HH, and it was on sale! For mini, I am torn because they only have the same green color I bought micro in the HH coat left in her size and I’d prefer they not match (?). This Maison Me patterned puffer is in my cart — SO fun. I’m not sure how it will stack up quality-wise to Patagonia or HH, but then again, we live in D.C. and it’s much more temperate than Chicago and NYC here. I’ve applied the same reasoning to snow boots this year. I have usually invested in Sperry Saltwaters for them, but it feels wasteful given that we have only a little bit of snow each year in the D.C. area. (Note: I find the Sperry Saltwaters run TINY at least for the toddler/little kids sizes — size up a full size or two.) I bought them instead the Gap ones (for him, for her), which were around $40 each with codes TREAT and GAPDEAL. I am hoping to make their snow bibs from Polarn O. Pyret from last year stretch one more year and then, next year, I think micro can wear mini’s pair and I’ll just buy a bigger size for mini. These are excellent quality snowbibs from a great Scandi brand — so you know you can trust. I used to bundle mini in these on really cold school days — she had about 15 minutes of walk each morning and afternoon, and they used to have to line up outside! If you are looking for a ski snowsuit for your little one, check out Reima. This brand is also Scandi and also excellent and I’ve heard their snowsuits in particular are fantastic, and the coverall style is best-suited for children (keeps them very warm, no snow gets in, etc.). I did buy mini one of their parkas last year and it is exceptional.
Anyhow, below, some of my favorite finds for children staring down a cold winter.
01. HELLY HENSEN TWISTER JACKET — ON SALE! BOUGHT THIS FOR MICRO
02. SOREL SNOW BOOT
04. MITTENS SET — 3 PAIRS FOR $5!
07. GAP DUCK BOOTS
08. ZARA BEANIE
09. PATAGONIA FLEECE
13. EARMUFFS
15. MITTENS SET — 3 PAIRS FOR $5!
17. GAP DUCK BOOTS
19. REIMA WINTER PARKA — MINI HAS ONE OF THESE…SUPER HIGH QUALITY, PERFORMANCE BRAND
P.S. Very wise words.
P.P.S. Musings on the loneliness of early motherhood.
P.P.P.S. More recent children’s finds and more coats for little ones.
Do you recommend a full snow suit or just a coat for a one year old (not walking now, but may be walking by snow fall!) in Chicago? I’m so torn on which to get. We have the “Cozy Ganoosh” for her stroller so she’s bundled from the legs down if she’s in the stroller. Thank you!
Hi Natalie! I do recommend one. I think you’ll be happy to have on hand. After writing this post, I discovered a new small business that specializes in snow gear that I am now anxious to try —
https://www.northernclassics.com/products/copy-of-swiss-cross-bunting-in-red
A little less expensive than Polarn O Pyret.
xx