All Time Favorites: Kids Winter Gear

In preparation for our rapidly dropping temperatures, I made sure everyone had coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, and boots that fit. We use winter gear A LOT in Iowa as the kids continue to go outside for recess all winter long. We’ve tested it all, so I thought I would share some of our favorites.

Favorite light coats:

Claire’s coat, Max’s coat

Grace’s coat

These coats are their “fall” coats, or coats they use when we’re just going in and out of places. They are great for cooler weather and provide warmth, but not enough for the really cold weather or extended snow use. Which brings us to…

Favorite heavy coats:

Claire’s coat (similar), Max’s coat, Tessa’s coat, Grace’s coat

My favorite brand for heavy winter coats is Obermeyer. Claire and Max are both on season 3 with their coats and they still look like new. They have this threading in the sleeves that allows you to cut them and extend the sleeve length, resulting in longer use. The zippers never get stuck, and they come with a little attached compass that the kids love. Because you just never know when you might get lost in the backyard or at recess and will need a compass to help guide you home.

Tessa’s coat has been around the block a time or two:

: Claire

: Grace

: Tessa

For winter boots, our favorites are definitely Bogs. They are heavy, but they are the easiest boots to get on/off, and the kids feet never get cold or wet in them. They are amazing, and if you are in a cold climate like ours where your kiddos will wear them every day for several months, they are worth the money. I actually wait until they’re on Zulily or 6pm and get them for a much better price.

For snow pants, I just get the cheap pairs at Target. The kids each have two pairs of snow pants- one they keep at school and one they keep at home. The Target ones usually only last for a season or two, but that’s ok when I’m only paying $12 for them.

When it’s really cold out, I have the kids wear these balaclava masks to ensure maximum protection from the elements.

My sister thinks they look like scuba gear…and she’s right.

Are you ready for snow? I will be after Thursday, because that’s when I’m full on Christmas mode. 🎅🏻🎄☃️ Regardless of how you feel, if you live in the midwest or northeast, then you know snowfall is basically Tessa in this video: