Gadgets to get through a cold winter
We hoarded flour for baking. We bought guitars. We tried everything to get through the cold, early days of the pandemic. But how are we going to make it through winter, trapped at home and cut off from so much of the world? If you’re fortunate enough to have extra money lying around in this lean economy, here are some gadgets that will keep you warm and vaguely chipper.
Wearable heaters
If we need to confine our socializing to the outdoors, perhaps it’s time to make peace with that ever-hyped clothing category: wearable tech. Apparel company Ororo, for example, offers battery-operated heated vests ($169.99), hoodies ($189.99), gloves ($179.99) and socks ($99.99) that will keep you toasty for those frigid nights when no amount of layering is enough.
Fireside socials
Blessed with outdoor space? Buy an Energ+ patio heater ($178.99) or, for added rusticity, a smokeless Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit ($259.99). (Note: Fire pits are illegal in New York City, but that hasn’t stopped some Brooklynites). Throw in a few REI camp chairs ($59.95 each) and an Mpowerd inflatable solar lantern ($24.95), too.
Sun followers
To boost mood and combat depression, you’ll want to soak up as much sun as possible during these short winter days. A wearable Qsun UV Exposure Tracker ($149) can monitor your vitamin D levels and tell you when you need to reapply sunscreen.
Light boxes
For those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a light-therapy lamp that mimics sunshine can alleviate the winter blues. There’s the Carex DayLight Classic Plus Therapy Lamp ($149.99) or a geometric wooden one ($159.99) by Sunrise Sensations, which can also brighten your décor.
Private planetarium
Feeling trapped? Combat winter claustrophobia with a laser Galaxy projector ($89.99) that turns any darkened room into a planetarium-like light show. Consider it a chemical-free psychedelic trip that seems to transform your walls and ceilings into outer space. Great for the little ones!
Garden therapy
Craving sunny open spaces during lockdown? Turns out that a trip to Joshua Tree National Park is at least metaphorically possible with a Cactus and Succulent Grow Kit ($34.99) from Homegrown. Gardening can help combat anxiety and depression, too.
Plastic friends
The quarantine pods that kept us sane over the summer may not be sustainable in the cold months ahead. If you’re looking for dependable companionship and are willing to pay for it, social robots like Buddy from Blue Frog Robotics (from $2,400) can serve as a personal assistant, nanny, watchdog and even a friend around the house.