Top Ten Gadgets for Winter

Winter is upon us and for many of us that means a lot of time indoors not being able to feel our toes when the heating breaks down. In the event of this kind of emergency, we’ve come up with the top ten gadgets to help you survive the extreme cold.

Hot Bear

This teddy will not only keep you warm by giving you something to cuddle up to, he’s also fully microwavable to make him extra toasty. His belly is full of wheat making him the perfect companion for your icy toes. You’ve got to admit he’s quite a bit cuter than your average electric blanket.

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Hand Warmer

Just because you’re out and about on the town, doesn’t mean you have to freeze off your extremities. The portable Hand Warmer is the perfect thing to keep in your handbag or pocket ready to whip out when you step out into the cold abyss. This heart-shaped warmer is filled with gel. Simply press a metal button to cause a chemical reaction that causes the warmer to heat up in seconds and stay warm for 30 minutes. The beauty of this product is that it can be used over and over again and is inexpensive, so you can afford one for each hand.

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Speaker Beanie Hat

Part of the perils of Winter is being able to wear your headphones with all of your layers of clothing- one wrong move and some part of your coat has snagged on the wire again, pulling your earphones out of your ears. This Speaker Beanie Hat does away with that problem as it comes with with integral speakers, so you can listen to your tunes uninterrupted whilst staying nice and warm. Simply plug the beanie into your mp3 player and you’re ready to hit the town.

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Hot Sox

These feet warmers are the ultimate in luxury footwear. No they may not look like something you’d pull out of a Manolo Blahnik box but they definitely feel and smell better than anything you’ve ever slipped your feet into. These Hot Sox come with a blend of aromas such as white rose, neroli and lavender to sooth your feet after a day at work. They are also microwavable (hence the “Hot” in their name) so will keep your toes warm long after you’ve stepped out of the shower.

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Smoking Mittens

As the name suggests, these mittens have been specially designed for those with a taste for nicotine. With smoking bans coming into effect in a few countries, smokers now have to leave the warm confines of a pub to stand outside in the freezing cold for a cigarette. These Smoking Mittens have been designed with a strategically placed hole to accomodate for your cigarette while your hands stay warm. In case you’re wondering, the mittens are also made of non-flammable materials.

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USB Cup Warmer and Stainless Steel Mug

Most office environments just don’t have comfort levels right. The thermostat is either too high or, as is generally the case, way too low. If you have to suffer through an office that would give Antartica a run for its money, this USB Cup Warmer will keep you filled up with hot drinks to stop you from turning into an ice cube at your desk. To use, simply plug the Mug Warmer into your computer’s USB port, make your hot beverage in the Stainless Steel Mug, and place it on your Mug Warmer. Your tea will stay nice and warm for 30-60 minutes longer than usual.

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Sun Jar

Winter isn’t just about unbearably cold temperatures, it also means quite a lot of darkness with the sun rising at 8am and setting at 4pm. That means the majority of us are stuck indoors at work for the meagre hours of sunlight bestowed upon us. The Sun Jar is a gadget that captures sunlight energy so that it will be on display at home at any time of the day or night. When the jar is placed in sunlight the solar cell creates an electrical current that charges a battery which will then power three LED lamps inside the jar keeping your home bright and cheery through the drab Winter months.

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Sno-Baller

If you’re in an area lucky (or unlucky) enough to get heaps of snow, this gadget will give you the inspiration to get out there and have a bit of a frolick. The Sno-Baller is a snowball maker and will mould the perfectly shaped and sized snowball for your next snow war. The long handles of the Sno-Baller means that even without gloves, you can take part in making your weapons of ice-destruction.

Priced at £8.95 from kit2fit

The Slanket

Heating bills are the bane of every Winter. In an effect to keep your money away from the bill collectors, the Slanket will keep you warm on the couch without the radiators eating up your eletricity. This huge fleece blanket is soft and light and will keep you warm as you watch QI. It’s made from polyester microfibres and comes with large, loose sleeves so you can keep your entire body covered, and still read a book or magazine or use the remote.

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Noodle Cup

What is the main thing Winter is synonymous with? Pot noodle! But the problem with the pot is that they’re often made from non-recyclable materials and leak noodle juice onto your hands when you pierce through the styrofoam with your fork. This retro-style Noodle Cup will allow you to heat your noodle and eat it too, all with minimal impact on landfill. It’s made from ceramic, ensuring that you avoid burning your hands as you enjoy the delicacies of chicken broth.

Priced at £10.00 from Red5

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