Gift guide · 12 ideas
Gifts for someone who’s always cold
Warm them up without turning up the heating: heated throws, thermal layers and cosy treats.
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Everyone knows someone who’s always cold: fingers like ice, jumper on in July, eyeing up the thermostat. With heating bills still high, gifts that warm the person rather than the whole house are useful and genuinely appreciated.
An electric heated throw uses far less energy than central heating, so it’s a cheaper way to stay warm on the sofa.
A heated throw
The one who sits under a blanket while everyone else is in T-shirts gets a warm spot of their own on the sofa.
Mia&Coco Heated Throw (120 × 160cm)
£20–£30
- Warms up in 3 minutes
- Ten heat settings
- Long 263cm cord
Dual heating wires warm it in about three minutes and hold it at any of ten levels from about 25°C to 53°C, on a 263cm cord.
What owners say: Owners say it warms in five to ten minutes and stays warm for hours, and like that it’s soft, fleecy and big enough to wrap round you or share.
A closer look: The controller shows the heat level in red and the timer in green, with larger digits, so both can be read at a glance in a dim room. Its buttons sit slightly recessed, which stops a knee or elbow changing the setting while you’re wrapped up.
A wearable blanket hoodie
Blankets round the shoulders keep slipping off whenever they reach for a cup of tea; this one stays put all evening.
JOREAY Extra Long Blanket Hoodie
£20–£30
An oversized, one-size hoodie that runs 140cm from shoulder to hem, so it reaches well down the legs, with a soft, fluffy lining inside. A big front pocket keeps hands warm or holds the remote and a few snacks.
What owners say: Owners find it very warm, soft and cuddly, and like the full length and the look of it.
A closer look: Elasticated cuffs hold the big sleeves in place, so typing, reading or holding a mug of tea doesn’t mean wrestling with loose fabric. Because it’s so long, hitch it up a little on the stairs. Wash it on its own the first time and tumble dry on low to keep the lining soft and fluffy.
- 140cm shoulder to hem
- Soft, fluffy lining
- Big pouch pocket
A hot water bottle
Cold feet keep them awake long after the heating has gone off, and a bottle at the bottom of the bed sorts that out on the worst nights.
Revitale Luxury 2L Hot Water Bottle with Plush Cover
£11.99 RRP
- Wide mouth for easier filling
- Ribbed on one side
A thick natural-rubber 2-litre bottle in a soft faux-fur cover, made to BS1970:2012, with one ribbed side for gentler heat and a wide mouth for less splashy filling. It’s the standard size for warming a bed.
What owners say: Owners love the soft faux-fur cover and say the bottle stays warm for a long time on winter nights. The pom-poms are the weak spot, with several saying they came unstitched.
A closer look: Pop it under the duvet a while before bed and the sheets are warm when you get in, then move it to your feet or tummy. Between uses, empty it and store it flat out of direct sunlight, which is kinder to natural rubber than a hot windowsill.
A microwavable wheat bag
Draped round the neck in a chilly armchair, it warms the shoulders that are always first to feel a draught.
Zhu-Zhu Lavender Wheat Bag
£10–£20
A 48 × 14cm purple fleece wrap filled with wheat and lavender that warms in the microwave, with a stitched seam down the middle to keep the filling spread evenly. It works as a cold pack too, after a spell in the freezer.
What owners say: Owners find it soothing for a tense neck or a sore back, though they’re split on whether it’s long enough, how long it stays warm, the lavender scent and the value.
A closer look: The 90-second heating time assumes a 1000W microwave, so check the wattage of yours and cut it down if it’s more powerful. A mug of water in the microwave alongside helps stop the wheat drying out. Long and floppy, it lies along the lower back as easily as across the shoulders.
- 48 × 14cm fleece wrap
- Wheat and lavender filling
- Freezes as a cold pack
Thermal socks
Five thick pairs means a warm pair to pull on every morning, whether they’re heading out or staying in by the fire.
Niofind Thick Thermal Socks (5 pairs)
£10–£20
Five pairs of thick, 80% cotton crew socks with full terry loops inside to hold warmth and a cushioned sole. The heels and toes are reinforced, the toe seams are flat and firm cuffs keep them from slipping down, all useful for long days in work boots.
What owners say: Owners find them very thick, soft and comfortable, say they fit well and look good, and think them good value.
A closer look: They come in UK sizes 6–8, 9–11 and 12–15, so check the shoe size before ordering. Being this thick, they fill out roomy boots and wellies nicely but can make snug shoes feel tight. A normal machine wash is all they need, so they’re easy to keep in rotation through the winter.
- Five pairs, 80% cotton
- UK sizes 6 to 15
- Reinforced heels and toes
Rechargeable hand warmers
Waiting at the bus stop or walking to the shops, they’ll have warm hands instead of numb ones.
KQPZ Rechargeable Hand Warmers (2-pack, 6000mAh)
£10–£20
- Four heat levels, 40–55°C
- Shows battery and temperature
- One cable charges both
A magnetic pair with a small LED display showing the temperature and the battery left, and four heat steps from 40°C to 55°C rather than the usual three. Split them between two coat pockets, or clip them together and hold both in one hand.
What owners say: Owners find they heat up and cool down quickly, recharge fast and last well between charges, and say the heat settings are simple to use and the build feels durable.
A closer look: One two-way cable in the box charges both warmers at once in about four hours, or one on its own in three, so a single USB plug by the bed does the job overnight. The aluminium and ABS body is smooth and curved to sit in the hand rather than dig into it.
A heated gilet
Warmth they can wear round the house or the garden, so they’re not stuck by the radiator to keep warm.
DR.PREPARE Unisex Heated Gilet
£30–£50
A lightweight quilted gilet with ten heating zones across the belly, back, waist, neck and shoulders, and three heat levels. Two buttons run the front and back separately, so it can warm just one or both.
What owners say: Owners find it very warm, with heating zones that work well and easy settings, though some say it runs big and the battery life falls short of the claims.
A closer look: Plug a power bank into the cable in the pocket and it warms up quickly; the bigger the power bank, the longer the heat lasts. The two side zips pull it in closer, which helps it feel warmer over a thin layer. Before washing, unplug the power bank, zip the cable into its pocket, use a laundry bag and let it air dry.
- 10 heating zones, 3 levels
- Powered by a power bank
- Separate front and back controls
Heads up: The power bank isn’t in the box: it needs one, plugged into the USB cable in the pocket.
or compare other optionsA thermal base layer
Grandads who still potter in the shed or walk the dog in all weathers stay warm under a jumper without piling on bulk.
Mountain Warehouse Talus Men’s IsoTherm Base Layer Top
£10–£20
A long-sleeved, round-neck top in light polyester that moves sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, so it stays warm on a walk without turning clammy. It weighs about 190g and comes in a regular fit.
What owners say: Owners find it warm, comfortable and light, say it washes well and dries quickly, and think it good value.
A closer look: Base layers work best close to the skin, so stick with the usual size rather than going up. Wash it inside out at 40°C with similar colours and skip the fabric softener, which can clog the fibres and stop them wicking. It can go in the tumble dryer on low, though it dries fast on a hanger too.
- Long sleeves, round neck
- Weighs about 190g
- Quick-dry polyester
An insulated travel mug
A hot drink in hand on a cold dog walk or at the side of a grandchild’s football match warms them through.
CS COSDDI Insulated Travel Mug (380ml)
£10–£20
- Screw lid stays shut
- Non-slip finish
- Fits car cup holders
- Hand wash only
Slim and powder-coated, this steel cup has a screw-on lid and silicone seal that stays shut in a bag. It keeps drinks hot or iced for up to six hours, and its non-slip finish stops it sliding about on a desk or a car seat.
What owners say: It holds the heat, carries easily and suits a working day, owners say; durability and sealing divide them, with some finding it sturdy and secure and others saying it breaks in time and the lid doesn’t seal well.
A closer look: Before each fill, check the silicone ring is sitting flat in its groove, as a ring pushed out of place can let a little through. Screw the lid on firmly but stop once it’s snug, and it will come off again easily with cold hands.
A door draught excluder
Their favourite chair is often the one in the draught from the hall door, and sealing the gap underneath makes the room feel warmer.
Vellure Door Draught Excluder Strip
£10–£20
A self-adhesive silicone strip that sticks along the bottom of a door and seals gaps of up to 1.5in, keeping out cold air and dust. It works on inside and outside doors, and comes off without damaging the door if needed.
What owners say: Owners find it quick to fit, good at blocking draughts and neat enough to look like part of the door, though for some it doesn’t stick along the whole length or wears out sooner than hoped.
A closer look: The strip is 100cm long, so measure the door and trim off any excess with scissors once it’s fitted. Before pressing it on, hold it in place and open and close the door to check it will brush the floor without snagging on a carpet or threshold. It also softens noise from the hallway, a small bonus on a bedroom door.
- 100 × 5cm silicone strip
- Fills gaps up to 1.5in
- Trims to fit with scissors
Heads up: Clean and dry the door bottom first so the adhesive sticks along the whole length.
or compare other optionsLuxury drinking chocolate
A rich mug last thing at night warms them up before bed, and a sachet at a time feels like a treat all winter.
Hotel Chocolat Milky 50% Hot Chocolate (20 sachets)
£20–£30
Twenty sachets of real milk chocolate flakes with 50% cocoa solids, for a rich cup that isn’t too sugary. They’re made to go straight into the Velvetiser hot chocolate maker, though a pan and a whisk do the job too.
What owners say: Owners find it delicious and not too sweet, though some found the sachets had set hard and value divides them.
A closer look: Each sachet is one measured cup, so there’s no guessing at scoops, and 220ml of dairy or plant milk is the amount to pour. Heat it gently and never let it boil. The recipe contains milk and soya, which is worth checking for anyone with allergies.
- 20 single-serve sachets
- Milk chocolate, 50% cocoa
- Vegetarian
Heads up: Without a Velvetiser, whisk it well into the warming milk for the smoothest cup.
or compare other optionsGrippy slipper socks
Kitchen tiles and bathroom floors are icy first thing on a winter morning, and these go on with the dressing gown before the kettle.
Niorasen Fluffy Non-Slip Slipper Socks
Under £10
Thick, fluffy slipper socks with a fleece lining and rubber grip dots underneath, warm enough to wear around the house all day. A stretchy V-shaped cuff makes them easy to pull on and off.
What owners say: Owners find them warm, comfortable and good quality, though the grip divides them and several say they run big for the 4–9 range.
A closer look: One size stretches across UK 4–9, so anyone with bigger feet will need a different pair. They’re quiet on hard floors, handy for early risers who don’t want to wake the house. Rolled up, they take up little room in a drawer or an overnight bag.
- Fleece-lined and fluffy
- One size, UK 4–9
- Rubber grip dots
Tips for cosy gifts
- For electric heated products, look for a UK plug, overheat protection and an auto shut-off.
- Layers beat bulk: a thin thermal layer often does more than a thicker jumper.
- Pair a bigger gift like a heated throw with a small treat like hot chocolate.
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