Winter Essential Snow Gear for Kids

If you live in the North you never know when the first snow will hit. With winter fast approaching, quality winter gear for kids is essential for safety and to make playing in the snow enjoyable. We spend hours outside playing during Michigan winters, so I’ve compiled a list of the cold weather gear we are using and our thoughts on each item. With four children we have spent a lot of money purchasing winter gear, so we opt for gender neutral, durable items that can be passed down from sibling to sibling.

I know that finding outdoor gear for your family can be a huge expense, so purchasing quality piece that last are important. If money is tight, I recommend always checking second hand stores, Facebook marketplace and bulk discount stores like B & G Discount Store to see if you can snag any quality pieces. Sometimes you can find great deals.

To be honest, most of the time I’m that mom who is ill prepared for the first snow and I’m digging through bins resorting to mismatched gloves and snow pants that are too short. If you need essential snow gear ASAP, then here are our recommendations with helpful links attached.

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to help offset the cost of my blog.

Bog Boots

Unisex Bog Boots

We haven’t found any boots that work better for snow and wetness than bog boots. Although they are pricey, we have found that we can hand them down because they are built to last, which cuts down on the cost. We live on a farm with woods, a pond and creek so my children use their boots all year long for snow, rain, and muddy conditions. We love the fun designs of Bog Boots that can be gender neutral!

Socks

Crucial for staying warm, don’t skip the warm WOOL socks. Frostbite is serious. Avoiding cotton socks and choose wool socks or wool blends that fit properly. My all time favorite socks are Darn Tough, they are more expensive, but have a lifetime guarantee and are worth every single penny for warmth and support. It’s what I wear on my own feet.

Another great option we recommend is the Merino Wool Socks (set of 3 pairs) that are all identical, so if you lose one you still have replacements. Plus, they are tall so they don’t slip down and won’t let snow in over top of the boots. Make sure to air dry these socks.

Turtle Fur Fleece Neck Warmer

Fleece neck warmer helps to keep sensitive cheeks protected.

An exposed neck and chin can wreck havoc on sensitive cheeks. One item that makes a huge difference for keeping baby cheeks from getting chapped is a fleece neck warmer. While scarves always come undone, these neck warmers stay on and can be pulled up over your nose, especially helpful when my kids go sledding or get pulled behind our four wheeler.

Hat

I think we all know how important hats are to keep children warm, especially when 10 % of body heat is lost through our heads. For my babies, I always opt for a fleece hat with ear flaps to protect their faces. We’ve tried the combined winter hat neck warmers, but my children prefer two separate items for sensory issues and when they get hot. My older children love the thick Carhart knit beanie hats.

Coats

Probably the item we deliberate the longest about is coats, especially since it’s the priciest item. With four children, through the years we’ve tried a variety of coats and different brands.

The last two years we have bought the Eddie Bauer Classic Down Hooded Jacket, which is currently on sale. My sons love it because of the soft fleece on the wrist and soft interior, plus 650 down insulation for warmth.

Eddie Bauer Coat

For babies we love the full Columbia body suit with easy zipper access and soft down that keeps them snuggly and warm.

Waterproof Gloves/ Mittens

Glove seem to be the ban of my existence. My children are forever losing gloves. I try to find one good pair that fits and then I purchase doubles. Every time I don’t, the kids end up losing a glove, but I’ve preemptively bought a backup for when they’re still cold and wet from outdoor play.

Snow Stoppers Mittens

The last couple years we’ve been pleased with Snow Stoppers Mittens for little ones. The extended extra long cuff is ideal for young children, plus they are fully waterproof and insulated. My older children prefer Snow Stoppers Gloves over mittens. Remember it’s okay to have mittens that are a little bit big for circulation purposes, just make sure they aren’t too tight.

Snow Pants/bibs

Snow bibs, instead of snow pants, are a must in our family to keep bodies warm and snow from slipping down underneath coats. My kids are rough on snow bibs since they spend so much time outdoors and in the woods. These Land’ End Kids Squall Waterproof Iron Knee Snow Bibs are waterproof, insulated and have adjustable suspenders. Bonus, they also have reinforced knees for those kids that are extremely active and rough on clothing.

Boot and Glove Dryers

Green Glove Dryer for Vents

Land’s End Squall Waterproof Iron Knee Snow Bibs

Drying gloves and hats quickly is essential in the winter. I love that this dryer simply fits over your air vents and dries the interior of the boots and the very tips of gloves.

Maxx Dry XL

This is the best dryer for boots and gloves to get the interior quickly warm and toasty. Living on a farm these are a staple for my husband’s large size 12 boots, as well as my kids. It’s currently unavailable, but here is a similar boot dryer.

Snow Sleds and Tubes

This is a decent sized 2 person Toboggan sled that can hold multiple children, plus it has a rope attached for pulling.

Snow days aren’t complete until you have a quality Snow Tube with reinforced plastic bottom for snow tubing or pulling behind a four wheeler.

Well friends, that wraps up our list of essential snow gear items. Make the most of winter days by being prepared with the coziest items to keep your kiddos dry and happy.

Looking for more outdoor activities to embrace snowy winter days, join our Discovering Anew Facebook group. Follow along for more Michigan family adventures all year long.