Snow Day Survival Guide: 25 Essentials to Best Any Blizzard

Every snowman knows that layering is the way to go, and our wintery wardrobe pick is a classic Aran sweater. If these cable-knit wool sweaters have been good enough for generations of Irish workmen, they're good enough for your average snow day!

Blue collar workers know a thing or two about staying warm in the winter, and many of them prefer these Carhartt beanies for their snug, cozy fit. Whether you're bald as the day is long or have hair all the way down to there, these Carhartt beanies will keep your ears and head toasty for years to come.

Many people in our network swear by Isotoner gloves, and this fur-cuffed pair is one of their cutest styles yet. If you want to feel runway-ready while shoveling snow, sledding down a hill, or checking on your well, these luxe winter gloves are where it's at.

Cold hands can turn an exciting snow day into a never-ending misery. Your tepid breath has got nothing on these rechargeable hand warmers, which do all the hard work for you. They're compact, long-lasting, and more environmentally friendly than single-use alternatives.

Some of us are plagued with dry, cracked hands that only get worse when the weather takes a wintery-mix turn. Nothing nourishes them back to health quite like O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. Unlike fussy fragranced hand creams, this one does exactly what it says on the tin, making it one of our most frequently used favorite winter essentials.

Snow days are all fun and games until your front steps turn into an icy Slip 'N Slide. A grippy pair of boots — like these waterproof Duck Boots — is ideal for frolicking through snow drifts and stomping on frozen lakes. They're sturdy, relatively stylish, and will lower your chances of an unexpected hospital visit by a wide margin.

We can't make a Snow Day Survival Guide without including a snow-proof winter coat, and this long Columbia puffer is a stellar pick. Unlike most winter coats, its stitching and design provide a slimmer silhouette, so you're giving less Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and more Swiss ski slopes lodger.

There's something about a snowy day that just unlocks a deep need for cozy things. Whether you're a blanket, hoodie, or Snuggy kind of person, this wearable blanket has all of your cozy-related needs covered. It's sherpa-lined and comes in a variety of colors, so you and the whole family can stay warm and toasty wherever the day takes you.

While we've covered cozy, one thing we haven't touched on is atmosphere. Creating an atmosphere that tickles each of your senses will take your snooze day into a winter wonderland. Our gateway to the perfect snow day atmosphere? These simmer pot potpourri packs. Simply, simmer a sachet on the stovetop for a few hours, and your house will transform before your very eyes...or nose.

We'd be remiss if our Snow Day Survival Guide were missing a hot cup of tea. It warms your belly, heats your hands, and provides the perfect excuse for taking a breather from the blustery outside activities. While any hot tea will do, we think this holiday-flavored assortment adds a delicious seasonal touch.

Take things back a few generations and spice your snow day up with some ancestor-approved mulled spice bags. Pop one of these into a steaming cup, and you'll have a non-alcoholic toddy worth sipping on.

It's hard to keep your coffees, teas, and toddys warm on a regular weekday, let alone one with a frigid wintery mix. Keep your hot drinks from turning ice-cold with a mug warmer. It's the kind of gadget you'll use year-round, but especially appreciate during the snowiest season.

Your hot drinks don't need a taste of your snow day fun, and the original Thermos tumbler does it best. This vacuum-insulated tumbler keeps your beverages blisteringly hot, whether you're spending hours in the snow or not.

Our top craving when we're snowed in? A heaping bowl of beef stew. Whether your piping hot preference is chili, vegetable soup, or chicken noodle, this mini slow cooker has just enough space to make a bowl or two.

Listen, you don't have to pretend with us. We know that snow days can get a little boring, especially if you have to settle in for several back-to-back. Chances are, you have a lot of time on your hands, and one mindless way to eat up some of that time is with a pretty winter puzzle. If you want to stay in the snowy spirit, but keep your fingers frost-free, a jigsaw puzzle is a must-have.

Fiber artists thrive on snow days, so it's worth taking a page from their book. If you don't have your own WIPs to work on, why not give this beginner's knitting kit a try? It comes with everything you need, including a few patterns so you can pivot when inspiration strikes.

Time goes by slowly on snow days, so you need a variety of activities to pass the day away. If you're in the mood for something slow that you can savor, a strategic game like chess is a befitting option.

However, if you're trying to keep the kids occupied when Jack Frost's bitter cold proves too much for them, turn to a more dynamic and fast-paced game like Yahtzee. It's remarkably easy to play (especially if you know your poker hands), and can entertain even the younger kids with a wee bit of help.

If your ideal snow day is spent in one spot, we love you for it! Make sure that spot remains welcoming throughout the day with an adjustable heated blanket. That extra touch of warmth can knock the chill off without racking up your power bill.

Eventually, every snow day comes to a close, and the last thing you want is a bed that feels ice-cold to the touch. Our favorite solution? This heated mattress pad that comes with 12 settings, including an auto shut-off feature.

A crackling fire in the fireplace adds a rustic ambiance to any snow day that turns what could be a plan-wrecker into an adventure. If you're a suburbanite without a clue for how to get your fire going, we have just the thing — this easy fire starter log. Let human innovation do all the hard work for you!

Not every snow day comes with serious accumulation, but for the regions that see feet of snow on the regular, you need a quality snow shovel. A two-handled snow shovel provides a sturdier grip so you can put an extra oomph into each scoop. It's all about working smarter, not harder, on the snowiest winter days.

If you come from black ice country, as many of us do, then you know the dangers that snow days bring. Thankfully, pet-friendly ice melt is easier to find than ever. This stuff keeps year-round, so you can tuck it out of sight until the first flurries fall.

Whether you're building a snowman, having a snowball fight, or taking family photos in Mother Nature's winter wonderland, your clothes are bound to be soaked by the end of the afternoon. Instead of forcing yourself to strip to your nithers in your unheated garage, toss your wet winterwear into one of these waterproof laundry bags. Now, you can relax for the rest of the evening instead of throwing on a load of laundry straight away.

Thankfully, most snow days are fun-filled and accident-free. However, emergencies like power outages can happen, and a hand-crank flashlight can make a huge difference in the moment. Surviving a snow day means being ready to face the ugly side of Mother Nature's fluff, and that starts with never being left in the dark.