14 Must-Haves for the Ultimate Winter Staycation

Winter often feels like a never-ending season of cold, gloom, and dwindling daylight. By January, the craving for an escape becomes almost unbearable. While traveling offers a refreshing break, staying home due to work, family, or pandemic constraints is perfectly fine. You can still enjoy a relaxing retreat without leaving your couch—just embrace the concept of a staycation.

Turning your home into a picture-perfect vacation spot is easier than you think. With the right items—like puzzles, bath bombs, and captivating books—you can effortlessly pass the time during harsh weather and discover your inner peace. Here are 14 top-notch products to elevate your winter staycation experience.

1. Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle; $19

Your peaceful staycation is about to take an exciting turn—there’s been a murder! Don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun with this 500-piece puzzle. Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and dive into solving this fictional crime. Each 4.7-star-rated kit includes a captivating story, whether it’s uncovering a clairvoyant’s secrets or locating a missing will, guiding you as you piece together the mystery.

2. Fred Purr Tea Cat Tea Infuser; $13

Why settle for ordinary tea bags when you can elevate your staycation with a delightful loose-leaf tea experience? This charming kitty-shaped infuser, boasting a 4-star rating on Sur La Table, makes brewing tea a joy. Simply fill the silicone cat with tea leaves, place it in a mug of hot water, and let its paws cling securely to the rim. The brand also offers other whimsical infusers, including designs inspired by a llama and a manatee.

3. Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket; From $69

The Sophie faux-fur blanket, available in seven hues, is irresistibly soft and quickly becomes a winter must-have. Perfect for draping over your bed or sofa, it’s crafted from Oeko-Tex certified materials, ensuring eco-friendliness. Its plush texture, combined with a velvet-like lining beneath the faux fur, offers a luxurious and indulgent feel.

4. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan; From $49

Winter staycations are all about comfort, and this chic cardigan from Barefoot Dreams delivers. Whether you’re lounging in pajamas or dressing up in “hard pants” for errands, this versatile piece is perfect. Offered in eight colors and sizes up to extra-large, it’s lightweight yet incredibly cozy. With nearly 4000 Nordstrom shoppers awarding it a 4.7-star rating, it’s a crowd favorite.

5. The Curious Reader Journal for Book Lovers by Erin McCarthy and the Team at Mytour; $20

While you might love a particular phrase or passage, marking up your cherished books isn’t ideal. This interactive journal, a companion to The Curious Reader: A Literary Miscellany of Novels & Novelists (created by Mytour staff), is perfect for your winter staycation. Packed with book-related prompts, trivia, and activities, it enhances your reading journey without defacing your beloved paperbacks or hardcovers.

6. Cake Socks; $16

While wool socks are undeniably cozy, these playful, fuzzy socks with a 4.3-star Amazon rating add a touch of fun to your staycation. Packaged like adorable cupcakes and featuring vibrant color-blocked designs, they’re a delightful addition to your sock collection. Made from moisture- and odor-resistant fabric, they’ll keep your feet dry, even if you step on snow accidentally brought indoors.

7. Portable Projector And Accessories; From $22

For movie enthusiasts who prefer staying home, the AuKing portable projector is an excellent alternative. With a 4.3-star Amazon rating, it delivers 1080p resolution for sharp visuals, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and an LED lamp life of up to 55,000 hours. Capable of projecting images up to 170 inches, its compact design allows for easy mounting or relocation, perfect for changing up your viewing space.

Enhance your home theater setup with a projection screen designed for 16:9 formats and a digital AV adapter. This adapter lets you stream video content from your laptop or other devices to the projector, offering greater versatility.

8. TURBRO Suburbs TS17 Compact Electric Fireplace Stove; $90

Even as winter winds howl outside, this electric fireplace ensures you stay warm and cozy indoors. Ideal for homes without a traditional hearth, this 4.4-star-rated stove delivers up to 4777 BTUs of heat, complete with overheat protection. It mimics the ambiance of a real crackling fire without the mess of smoke or soot. Whether you’re cuddling up for warmth or setting the mood for a Netflix marathon, this user-friendly appliance is a must-have.

9. Patchwork Board Game; $25

This two-person game brings the joy of quilt-making without the need for needles or precision. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, allowing you and a loved one to collaborate on fabric choices and use buttons to assemble a beautiful patchwork design.

10. Bath Tray And Accessories; From $18

Staycations are the perfect time to indulge in simple joys often overlooked during a busy workweek. If a long, warm bath sounds like bliss, a bath tray is a must-have for your next break.

This fully adjustable tray provides ample space for candles, tablets, or books, enhancing your bath experience. For an extra touch of luxury, add a bath bomb to your soak. If a bathtub isn’t an option, Cleverfy’s aromatherapy steamers offer a shower-friendly alternative, infusing your space with calming essential oils for a spa-like retreat at home.

11. Vibes Hi-Fidelity Ear Plugs; $24

Elevate your staycation with a pair of high-quality ear plugs. These reusable, silicone-tipped plugs come with a compact carrying case and reduce noise by up to 22 decibels. Whether it’s barking dogs, noisy neighbors, or even family chatter, these 4.3-star-rated plugs can transform disruptive sounds into a soft hum, offering you the peace you deserve.

12. What to Watch Streaming Decider Dice; $18

Struggling to pick a show or movie while cozied up at home? This dice set is your solution. With 216 possible combinations, it helps you find your next binge-worthy series or film, whether you’re craving a gripping drama or an epic sci-fi adventure. Say goodbye to endless scrolling and hello to quality entertainment for the whole family.

13. Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine; From $18

Experience the calming sounds of ocean waves without leaving your home. This 4.6-star-rated sound machine, backed by 56,000 Amazon reviews, lets you select from soothing options like a babbling brook, thunderstorm, or summer night. Simply adjust the dial, close your eyes, and let the gentle tones lull you into a peaceful sleep. It’s the most affordable way to enjoy a serene escape from the comfort of your home.

14. RENPHO Eye Massager with Heat; From $52

Elevate your staycation with the RENPHO eye massager, featuring a built-in heating function for ultimate relaxation. Adjustable and capable of reaching up to 107° F, this Amazon favorite boasts a 4.4-star rating and includes Bluetooth-enabled speakers for playing your favorite music. Once you experience its soothing effects, you’ll find it hard to return to the daily grind.

A version of this article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated for 2023.