12 Essential Tech Treasures to Ignite Your Winter Warmth

Planet Earth just experienced its hottest winter ever documented, once more, and it may very well surpass that personal record yet again. Not exactly surprising at this stage. In terms of climate change, it serves as a glaring alarm for what lies ahead. However, one might argue that — as troubling as it is — it might just be the only positive aspect we derive from this dilemma. Nevertheless, this certainly doesn’t imply that the coldest months will become suitable for t-shirts and shorts. Hence, while you are bundling up, think about acquiring some winter gadgets to keep you toasty.

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To guide you in the right direction, we’ve assembled a compilation of 12 unique items that may prove useful whether you have a daily commute to the workplace, a remote job, or simply wish to warm yourself in a chilly residence. Some will revolutionize your experience, like a smart thermostat, while others may be a minor yet appreciated addition, such as a coffee mug heater. Every item on this list is available for purchase through Amazon and has received solid customer feedback to ensure peace of mind during your shopping. Let’s dive into it.

You heard it right. There are computer mice that can heat up, warming your hand just like a hand warmer pouch. ValueRays USB Optical Heated Computer Mouse makes for a fantastic selection in this specialized category. It includes all the basic features, like a DPI button and buttons for forward and back navigation. Furthermore, it boasts a heating function. Located on the underside of the mouse is an adjustment switch with three options: off, low, and high. ValueRays claims it can reach temperatures as high as 120°F or 48°C when set to high. It’s safe to operate and simply needs you to plug in its USB 2.0 wired cable.

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When in use, warmth radiates off the entire surface of the mouse, keeping both your palm and fingers comfortable. Cold settings can rapidly affect your dexterity, making this particularly advantageous for anyone facing deadlines in an office with a particularly chilly draft. If you are in search of a more ergonomic design or added functionality, check out our compilation of the top ergonomic mouse alternatives.

If the idea of a heated mouse doesn’t appeal to you, consider the Warm Desk Pad by Olidik, which can heat your keyboard, mouse, and whatever else is on your desk to a maximum of 122°F or 50°C at peak settings. Alternatively, warm up your hand without needing to purchase a heated mouse by acquiring the Wolvio USB Heated Mouse Pad.

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Single-use hand warmers are a winter essential, yet they are just that: single-use. It can seem somewhat extravagant to use and discard numerous ones throughout the winter season, even if they are affordable. Therefore, consider trying this next generation of hand warmth. The Hotdot Electric Hand Warmers feature a 6400 mAh rechargeable battery along with an LED display for temperature reading. According to Hotdot, you can expect 20 hours of warmth per charge, heating up in just a second after activation. Select from three temperature options, capable of reaching as high as 122°F, or 50°C. You will never find a pair of single-use hand warmers that lasts as long.

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You may be curious about the safety of having a device that reaches such temperatures with a lithium-ion battery inside — you know, the kind that can potentially explode. Hotdot assures that the hand warmers are FCC certified and utilize intelligent AI temperature control to mitigate overheating risks. However, winter conditions can be detrimental to lithium-ion batteries, making the heat beneficial in this scenario.

Reviews for the Hotdot warmers are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the warmth they provide, ease of use, and their compact size. They function like typical warmers, performing best when inserted into the designated slot of a pair of mittens. The best part is that these hand warmers are priced at only $29.99, ensuring they will serve you for many winters ahead.

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There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of coffee on a frosty winter morning; however, an early meeting might take you away, and by the time you return, your drink has cooled. Not anymore, thanks to this Coffee Mug Warmer from Oracer. It’s not merely a warming plate with an on button; it hosts a mug sensor that activates upon placing your cup on it and shuts off when your coffee is left untouched for over five minutes. Offering two temperature settings, it can reach up to 150°F or 65°C for those who enjoy their coffee scorching hot. For $23.99, we couldn’t ask for much more.

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For those with a significantly larger budget who need to take their coffee on the road, we suggest the Ember Travel Mug. Though priced at $199.95, its feature set may justify the expense. It operates seamlessly on your desk with its charging plate and keeps your drink at a piping hot 145°F (or 62°C) for up to three hours while on the move.

Utilizing the app, you can effortlessly adjust the temperature and locate your mug with the built-in Find My-compatible chip should it get misplaced. It purportedly offers a spill-proof “360° drinking experience.”

Feedback regarding the Ember Travel Mug is varied compared to other products listed here. Consumers express dissatisfaction with the construction quality and battery longevity, yet the Ember retains its status as a leading option in its segment.

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Music enthusiasts are all too acquainted with the challenge of savoring tunes while wearing cozy headgear — particularly a beanie. Your over-ear headphones will appear rather awkward if you try to compress them around your ears to fit under the beanie. So why not merge the headphones and beanie into one? ASIILOVI’s Bluetooth Beanie discreetly incorporates speakers and microphones into the sides, allowing it to look as inconspicuous as any ordinary beanie. Pair it just like any Bluetooth headphones and immerse yourself in your music. Not a bad offer for just $28.98.

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Let’s be perfectly clear: This won’t provide an audiophile-standard experience, irrespective of the producer’s assertions. Reflecting on personal experience, these headphones primarily exist for convenience — rather than sound quality or call clarity. It’s unrealistic to anticipate much more for $30. These are ideal if you’re not particular about audio quality, or simply wish to enjoy a podcast on the move. The finest Bluetooth headphones currently available will satisfy your craving for a high-fidelity listening experience, even if they don’t keep your head cozy.

If central heating isn’t available or there’s no nearby radiator, then a space heater serves as a suitable alternative. Simply position it in a small room or workspace to maintain a warm environment. The Vornado MVH Space Heater greatly surpasses expectations by employing vortex air circulation (effectively turning it into a miniature furnace) to warm the entire room rather than just a localized area.

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For those worried about energy costs, the Vornado enables you to adjust the heat output through three heat settings and a thermostat, before automatically shutting off to sustain the desired temperature. It also boasts several safety safeguards, such as tip-over protection. The cool surface during operation prevents accidental burns while repositioning it with a foot.

A heater of this magnitude priced at $59.99 might seem somewhat high, particularly if you don’t require that much warmth. If you have a small office or just wish to keep warm while working at your desk, consider the Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater for only $19.99. Standing at just six inches tall, this heater is suitable for an economical desktop or under-desk heating option. Additionally, it’s so compact and portable that you can easily relocate it around your home or to any location with a spare outlet.

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If central heating is installed in your home, you may not be fully utilizing its potential if you’re still operating with an outdated thermostat from when the house was constructed. Smart thermostats have existed for some time now, and they are essential for energy efficiency and modern conveniences, such as managing your home’s temperature through your smartphone. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat, released in 2015, may lean towards being outdated, but it still receives widespread acclaim with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across nearly 40,000 reviews. Definitely consider purchasing this when it goes on sale, as its retail price is $249 and it’s been known to dip to as low as $125 during rare sales.

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The key advantage of a smart thermostat like this is its ability to learn and adapt to your preferences. So, if you raise the temperature at night, it gradually understands and adjusts to your preferred warmth. When you’re away from home, it manages the temperature for optimal energy savings. If reducing energy costs is your priority, its built-in intelligence helps identify the ideal temperature for efficiency to aid in decreasing your energy expenses. It’s simple to install, works with the majority of homes, and presents a stylish appearance on the wall. If you’re looking for the latest model — and your budget permits it — then consider the newest 4th generation Nest Learning Thermostat.

If a space heater doesn’t pique your interest, then this throw blanket by Homemate is an excellent alternative. Take it along to stay warm in any indoor location, as long as there’s an outlet within reach of its 12.5-foot cord. The plush flannel and sherpa blend hides a network of heating wires, allowing the blanket to offer 10 distinct heat levels reaching up to 122°F, or 50°C. Control everything through the attached controller/plug setup, or detach it if you prefer to use the blanket on its own. To alleviate fire risk concerns, the Homemate blanket features integrated overheat protection and a programmable automatic shutoff that can sustain it for up to eight hours.

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As a throw blanket, it works well for an office, home workspace, bed, or reading chair. Reviews rate it a commendable 4.3 out of 5 stars, with the primary issue being that it’s not as thick as it seems. It retails at $36.99 and is available in seven colors. The smallest blanket measures 50 inches by 60 inches, while the largest measures up to 100 inches by 90 inches.

A morning commute is already quite a hassle, so it certainly doesn’t help when you enter a cold car and your body meets a seat as frigid as the Antarctic. While seeking accessories and enhancements to prepare your vehicle for winter, think about acquiring a heated seat cover like this one from Sunny Color. It is a straightforward black velour cover that connects to your 12v cigarette lighter — although it can also be utilized on any seat, not just in a car. Therefore, when you turn on your vehicle in the morning to warm it up, just plug this in as well, and you might find yourself hesitant to exit the car upon arrival.

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Sunny Color offers limited insights on the product information page, yet consumers rate it highly at 4.5 out of 5 stars. It features two heat levels, and the warmth is evenly spread throughout the cushion. Most users appreciate the dimensions, discovering that it accommodates various seats effectively. If you prefer not to have an unsightly wire visible in your vehicle, there’s sufficient cord length to tuck it away into crevices, rendering it less noticeable. Considering that integrated heated seats are a luxurious enhancement that can escalate the price of a new car by hundreds, Sunny Color provides a similar upgrade for merely $54.99.

Fellow citizens, let’s acknowledge it: Bidets represent the future as toilet paper, honestly, is inadequate. Without delving too deeply into specifics, a bidet cleans with such efficiency that you’ll never want to revert once you experience it. Among all the innovative bathroom devices available, a new toilet seat/bidet hybrid can transform your time spent in the restroom. However, while you’re contemplating which model to purchase, think about an extra beneficial winter feature: seat heating. If your sole aim is to enjoy heated seating and you’re not quite ready to try a bidet, then the Bemis Radiance is an excellent option.

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Besides keeping your rear warm, it includes a slow-close lid and a nightlight for those late-night, uh, deliveries. It’s designed to fit larger U.S.-sized toilets and is straightforward to set up. The only drawback is the need for a nearby electrical outlet, which might necessitate renovations or an extension cord based on your setup. That aside, you won’t have to put up with a freezing toilet seat in the winter again, and its three temperature settings enhance the comfort of those lengthy restroom sessions.

Now for the less favorable news: Heated toilets can be costly, with the Bemis Radiance priced at a staggering $238.80. If you’re prepared to invest that much, you might as well opt for a bidet and heated toilet seat set, like this choice from FVZ for $299.99. Consider it this way: The savings from reduced toilet paper usage could eventually offset the expense.

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Before we explore gadget enhancements for your bathroom, here’s one more suggestion: a towel warmer. Exiting the shower can be quite brisk, even on a typical summer day, so a towel warmer could prove beneficial year-round. We’re not referring to an expensive heating rack that requires professional installation; the FLYHIT Towel Warmer is affordable at $99.97 and can be utilized anywhere an outlet is available.

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According to the maker, this compact can-shaped warmer can accommodate two large bath towels and warm them in under thirty minutes. It can really be used for any fabric: clothing, blankets, or anything else you’d like to warm safely. The goal is to simulate an at-home spa experience. So toss your towel in here before a well-deserved shower and enjoy a fraction of the pampered experience at a reasonable cost. FLYHIT claims its product is effective in any environment, be it a bathroom or near the pool.

On this list, we have warmers for your hands, your mice, your coffee, and even for your towels. In line with this theme, why not get warmers for your feet? Even with a space heater and a blanket, your feet may still feel chilly. Circulation issues aside, outdoor enthusiasts will share that you lose considerably more heat to the ground than to the surrounding air, hence the need for a foot warmer. Our suggestion comes from ROWARMSEY and retails at $42.99 each.

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Cold feet will soon be a thing of the past thanks to the two distinct heating layers and its generously sized dimensions of 20 by 20 inches. The velveteen fabric keeps it soft and comfortable while being machine washable. This specific model is designed for extended use beyond most models — up to eight hours maximum — making it perfect for keeping warm at the office or when sleeping at night. It offers an impressive nine temperature settings and reaches temperatures up to 149°F or 65°C. Customer reviews are favorable, boasting a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars with users expressing high satisfaction.

As the last suggestion on this list for an electrified version of something you may already possess, a heated scarf is a wise choice on a frigid winter day. Affordable, electrically heated coats, gloves, and even footwear have gained popularity in recent times, but these items can be costly for quality apparel that you plan to use for years. A heated scarf is a budget-friendly and simple method to experience the benefits of battery-operated clothing. The Bits and Pieces Micro Fleece Battery-Operated Scarf is only $24.98 and will keep you warmer than any other scarf you have owned before.

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Now, if you’ve never had a self-heating item of clothing, be aware that it necessitates carrying around the (somewhat cumbersome) included battery pack. This model, like many others, does not come with replaceable batteries. You will need to replace the required AA batteries periodically. However, the battery pack can be discreetly stored in a small sewn-in pocket, and since it’s a scarf, you’ll likely have no trouble finding a jacket pocket to conceal it in.