10 gadgets to keep you warm and comfy this winter

[nextpage title=”Next”]

Temperatures have dropped below freezing in England for the first time this winter, and don’t we know it!

Luckily for us, it’s not entirely necessary to bulk out in layers any more – tech, of course, extends to a whole host of weird and wonderful gadgets designed to keep us warm and cosy.

So whether you’re someone who struggles with perpetually icy toes or you’re looking to buy for that friend who does, the week is only set to get icier, so arm yourself with our favourite toasty gadgets to brace against the cold …

1. Warm winter mouse pad, £11.50, Cmyk

With so many of us working at computers these days, this little dolphin (shark?) is perfect for keeping your mouse-hand toasty. All it requires is a USB connection – and we’re pretty sure everyone’s got one or two of those in the office!

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

 

2. Touchscreen gloves, £24.99, Firebox

It can become quite difficult – not to mention fiddly – to make your screen work with freezing fingertips, so Mujjo’s touchscreen gloves, which come in four different colours, are a must for any smartphone user this winter.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

3. Firestick, £12, notonthehighstreet

For the hardcore campers among us, this ingenious device allows a fire to be made in the direst of circumstances (although we’d recommend you don’t try this at home). Simply strike the blade down the Firestick and a shower of sparks will start your camp fire. Pass us the marshmallows.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

4. Hat helmet, £85, begbicycles

Fear a numb noggin no more with this sleek helmet and cosy chapka which fits over the top. The chapka is made from jet black faux fur on the inside and a waterproof cotton outer, while the helmet is sturdy and functional; as the website says:

‘Unlike many other helmets that simply have a polystyrene inner and a bit of padding, these helmets are fully lined like a motorcycle helmet for greater comfort.’

Safe AND snug? I think I want one. Say goodbye to cold ears, cyclists!

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

5. Heated throw, £39.99, Lakeland

This super-soft heated throw blanket could be your best bet for snuggling on the sofa this winter.

It works like any electric blanket – by being plugged into the wall and controlled with an LED controller. It promises to heat up in minutes, and even shuts itself off after three hours for peace of mind.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

6. Reusable handwarmers, £4.99, GoOutdoors

This two-pack of cheap and cheerful reusable handwarmers by Higear is sure to come in ‘handy’.

No microwaves needed here – all that’s required is a quick snap of the small metal disc inside. This triggers a chemical reaction (it’s safe, don’t worry) which heats up the contents, which can stay hot for up to three hours. Then, before they can be reused, they need to be dropped into boiling water again for a few minutes. Simples!

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

7. USB cup warmer, £9.99, Iwantoneofthose

This clever device may be shaped like a biscuit, but don’t be fooled – it’s an inedible but awesome way to extend the lifetime of your steaming hot mug of cocoa/tea/coffee.

Like some of the other gadgets in this list, all that’s required is a USB port to heat up, and it’ll keep your drink at a nicely drinkable 50°C.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

8. Neck hot water bottle, £22, John Lewis

This neck-shaped hot water bottle is designed to ease the shoulder pain and tension which is all too familiar for many of us. It’s made of an amazing fluffy material, too.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

9. Thermal USB blanket, £16.43, Cablematic

If, like Holly and me, you’re the one always freezing to death in the corner of the office, then your saviour may have arrived in the form of this USB thermal blanket from Cablematic.

Just plug it into your computer, wrap around your shoulders and voilà – you’ll be toasty in no time.

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”Next”]

 

10. Radiator booster, £26.75, Ethical Superstore

This smart gadget takes warm air emitted from the radiator – which is usually wasted – and circulates it around the room.

It’s simple to use and only requires a power socket to function. Internal fans then draw the air from behind the radiator and circulate it, reducing the temperature by up to 3°C, which can make a big difference in a cold room – the human body can detect temperature in the tiniest of increments, after all.

Main image: Nick Webb at Flickr Creative Commons

[/nextpage]