21 Winter Essentials You Absolutely Need This Year

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I’ve already planned to write a whole other post about avoiding overconsumption — why it’s not great for your mental health, your wallet, or the environment. 

But I do think every season comes with items that are genuinely useful.

Here in Nigeria, where I live, we don’t have winter as most countries do. 

But we do have a time of year when it gets cooler, windier, and rainy — usually towards the end of the year and into the beginning of the next. 

During this period, there are certain items I always rely on to stay cozy, healthy, and comfortable. 

The goal is to avoid getting sick, address the weather properly, and just feel comfortable throughout the season.

In this post, I’ve listed some winter essentials that I think everyone should have when the cooler season rolls around. 

No matter what kind of person you are, I’m sure you’ll find something here that’s useful and I promise these little items can make a big difference in keeping your home and your life cozy and comfortable.

A Super Cozy Blanket (Or Two!)

Nothing says winter reading like wrapping yourself in a warm, soft blanket. 

My go-to is the Bedsure Fleece Blanket Throw, because it’s ridiculously soft, lightweight yet warm, and perfect for snuggling on your couch or reading chair.

This blankie is perfect because it’s 

1. Made from plush microfiber fleece that feels like a gentle hug.
2. Available in tons of colors to match your room’s vibe.
3. Machine washable and durable for everyday use.

You can keep two blankets handy — one for your lap and one to throw over your shoulders if you get really cold. 

The Chanasya Faux Fur Throw Blanket adds a bit of luxury and extra warmth, and it looks gorgeous draped over your reading nook.

A Weighted Blanket

Talking about blankets, if you haven’t tried a weighted blanket, winter is the perfect time. 

The gentle pressure can reduce anxiety and help you focus deeply on your reading. 

My go-to is the YnM Weighted Blanket, which is breathable and comes in different weights and sizes.

It’s perfect for wrapping up when the temperature dips and your mind needs extra calm to concentrate on dense novels or study material.

A Smart E-Reader With Warm Light

I love physical books, but when winter means less daylight, my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a lifesaver. 

It’s waterproof, has adjustable warm light, and the battery lasts for weeks.

The warm light option reduces blue light, so your eyes don’t get tired even if you read well into the night.

And, the lightweight design makes it easy to hold for long sessions.

The Perfect Reading Light

Winter means early nights, so a good reading light is a must. 

I’ve tried a lot, but my absolute favorite is the Vekkia/LuminoLite Rechargeable Clip On Reading Light.

It has:

1. 3 adjustable brightness levels to suit any time of day.
2. Warm white light setting that’s gentle on your eyes.
3. Compact and rechargeable, so no annoying batteries.
4. And, the easy clip attaches right to your book, e-reader, or even your pillow.

If you prefer a floor lamp, the Brightech Litespan LED Reading Floor Lamp has an adjustable arm and a warm light that fills your whole nook with cozy vibes.

A Comfy Reading Pillow or Cushion

Reading on the couch or bed? You’ll want a pillow that supports your back and neck without making you feel stiff. 

My personal favorite is the Milliard Reading Pillow. It’s like a little throne for your back. 

You’ll enjoy this because it’s 

1. Firm enough to give great support but still super comfy.
2. Comes with armrests for extra coziness.
3. Removable, washable cover (huge plus!).

For smaller spaces or floor reading, the Bonmedico Memory Foam Seat Cushion provides support without bulk.

Blue Light Filtering Screen Protector for Tablets

If you’re like me and also enjoy reading on tablets, but worry about eye strain from the harsh winter artificial lights, try a blue light filtering screen protector. 

The Moshi iVisor AG Anti-Glare Screen Protector fits most tablets and cuts down eye fatigue.

It reduces glare and protects your screen while making your winter reading much gentler on your eyes.

The Ultimate Hot Drink Setup

A warm drink is a reading essential for me because it keeps my hands warm and gives me little breaks between chapters. 

To elevate this, I recommend the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug. This mug keeps your tea or coffee hot for hours, no joke.

This mug is:

1. Vacuum insulated, so your drink stays hot (or cold) all day.
2. Leak-proof lid, so no spills if you’re moving around.
3. Sleek design fits in your hand comfortably.

To make your drinks special, get the Bodum 2-Piece Assam Glass Tea Set. It’s perfect for brewing and serving tea in style and the glass lets you admire the rich color of your brew, which feels fancy even on a cold winter afternoon.

A Book-Themed Puzzle or Game for Breaks

Reading marathons sometimes need breaks, right? 

I love having a book-themed puzzle nearby to give my brain a little rest without leaving the literary mood. 

The White Mountain Puzzles: Classic Book Covers is my favorite.

It’s relaxing, fun, and the artwork reminds me of all the beautiful covers I’ve loved over the years.

A Lap Desk

Winter reading isn’t always indoors. Sometimes I like to sit near a window or by the radiator. 

A lap desk lets you read or write comfortably wherever you like.

The Mind Reader Lap Desk with Cushion is perfect, because it’s lightweight, cushioned underneath, with a sturdy surface for books or tablets.

It’s great for propping up thick novels or even using your laptop for bookish research.

A Dedicated Book Holder or Stand

I often like to read cookbooks, study books, or just have my hands free when I’m multi-tasking. 

A book stand keeps the pages open without needing to hold the book, which is a total game-changer when your hands are cold or tired.

The Readaeer Adjustable Book Stand Holder is my personal favorite, because of the adjustable angles for the perfect reading position.

It also has a solid construction that holds even heavy hardcover books and is super portable and folds flat when not in use.

If you use an e-reader, consider the LEVO Deluxe Book Holder — it’s a bit pricier but offers incredible flexibility and durability.

A Smart Humidifier for Dry Winter Air

Winter heating can make the air so dry that your throat feels scratchy and your skin gets itchy, which is not ideal when you want to relax and read. 

A humidifier keeps your room comfortable and helps maintain the perfect reading environment.

The Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is the best I’ve found.

Features I love:

1. Adjustable mist levels (cool and warm mist).
2. Large water tank that lasts all night.
3. Quiet operation, so no annoying noise to interrupt your reading.
4. Built-in humidity sensor for automatic control.

Using this in my reading nook made such a difference. My skin stopped feeling dry, and I could read longer without irritation.

Cozy Wool Socks 

One of the easiest ways to stay warm is also the cheapest: great wool socks. 

I swear by the Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks. They’re thick, breathable, and last forever.

Wool socks keep your feet warm without overheating or sweating, which is perfect for those long hours curled up with your book.

A Stylish and Functional Book Tote Bag

Finally, if you like to read on the go or want to carry your winter reading essentials around, a durable tote bag designed for book lovers is a must-have. 

The Out of Print Literary Tote Bag is a personal favorite. It’s sturdy, roomy, and celebrates books with beautiful literary designs.

Why this tote is a great pick:

1. Big enough to fit several books, a tablet, your mug, and even a scarf.
2. Reinforced handles so it won’t tear under the weight.
3. Fun, bookish prints that fellow readers will love.

If you want something more minimal but ultra-functional, try the Baggu Standard Reusable Tote. It folds up small but opens big enough for your winter reading haul.

Electric Heated Slippers

Cold feet are the enemy of cozy reading. 

I used to huddle under normal blankets, but my toes still felt frozen until I discovered Inava Heated Slippers. 

These slippers have rechargeable heating pads built right in, warming your feet for hours.

Just imahine slipping these on while you settle in with your book on a frosty morning.

They come with adjustable heat settings, so you’re never too hot or too cold.

While those 7 essentials are my go-to, here are a few bonus things that make winter reading even sweeter:

1. Cozy slippers: I swear by UGG Scuffette II Slippers to keep my feet toasty.

2. Scented candles: The Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar sets the perfect forest-inspired winter mood.

3. Bookmarks: I keep a stack of cute bookmarks like the Menifend Magnetic Bookmarks so I never lose my page.

Winter is such a special time to slow down and really enjoy your books. 

Investing in these essentials has helped me turn my reading sessions into a comforting ritual that I look forward to every day. 

I hope these recommendations help you build your own cozy nook and keep you warm and inspired all winter long.