Pop Culture

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed This Winter

Whether it’s boots, books, or whiskey, you’re not going to want to be without these essentials this winter.

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Not to go all Game of Thrones on you or anything, but it’s true: Winter is coming. And sure, this change of seasons automatically means that it’s time to stock up on all of the basics, like a down jacket, wool socks, and gloves. But along with these cold weather necessities, there’s a whole otherlist of things that you can’t do without. From the practical to the just plain genius, each of these products will get you through the season, no matter how dark and cold it becomes. Whether it’s boots, books, or whiskey, you’re not going to want to be without these essentials. Check them out below and then get ready to stock up for the next few cozy months.

Good-looking, durable boots are an investment piece that you shouldn’t have to think twice about. Crafted with sturdy brown leather and a cork sole, these Red Wing lace-ups will last you for years. And don’t even worry if you end up wanting to wear them longer after winter ends, either. We won’t blame you.

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Between the wind and the snow, winter is rough on your skin. This oil-free lotion hydrates with ingredients like green tea and chamomile, keeping your face protected against the elements. The best part is, it moisturizers without becoming the least bit greasy.

Bonaverde Coffee Maker

As the world’s first grind-and-brew coffee machine, this former Kickstarter idea reached its goal pretty much immediately. And almost a year after it first landed on the Internet, it’s finally ready for your kitchen. It’ll roast farm fresh green beans into a deep, flavorful brown, before grinding and brewing them into the best cup of coffee that you’ve ever had. Waking up—even in the dead of winter—has never been so easy.

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Nixon Diplomat Watch

The closest thing to being in two places at once, this multi-tasking watch allows you to read time in two locations simultaneously. Now you can be sure not to mess up your holiday travel plans, keeping track of the time where you are and where you’re going. Not to mention, this watch’s luxe leather band and stainless steel details ensure that your timepiece looks good with everything you own. That’s great news, because you’re going to want to wear it everywhere.

Give your phone, camera, or iPod a boost with this portable charging station. After all, you never know where you’ll be stranded this winter (and nobody wants to ask to plug their phone into the bar outlet again).

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New York Cult Recipes Book

Learn how to master hundreds of New York foodie staples—from Matzah ball soup to cheesecake to black and white cookies—with this culinary ode to the city. Compiled by Marc Grosssman (founder of Parisian restaurants Bob's Juice Bar and Bob's Kitchen), it’s the perfect way to spend cold winter nights. Even better, the recipes come categorized by neighborhoods and restaurants, so you can pretend that you’re at your favorite locale, even if you’re just hanging out at home.

You might not thinkthat you need a hand warmer right now, but trust us: Once the days get even shorter and the temperatures dip toward freezing, your old ski gloves will need some extra help. Luckily, this slick black version from Zippo does the trick. Not only does it work quickly, heating (but not burning) your hands for up to 12 hours, it’s slim enough to stick in your pocket so you can bring it everywhere.

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This mini camera is truly the best of both worlds. Decked out with features like double exposure and macro mode, it takes classic analog and adds a modern twist to it. As much as we all love Instagram, everyone deserves a break now and then.

You know those cold nights where you want to do nothing but hole up in your apartment? Those nights are made for American Born Moonshine. The new Tennessee-based brand offers a smooth new take on the classic liquor with flavors like Apple Pie and Dixie Sweet Tea. But if you ask us, nothing beats the original—the aptly named White Lightning.

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This self-proclaimed “Netflix of books” lets you download and read unlimited works every month. From the newest releases to your old high school reading lists, the app comes stocked with millions of titles that you can download to your phone, tablet, or computer. And just like Netflix, it even recommends your next book based on your past preferences, so you’ll never be bored again.

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