We all want our homes to feel cushy and inviting when it’s cold outside. Even small touches – like a glowing candle or a knitted throw – can add big cosy vibes, and keep you snug all winter long. Here are some ideas to generate warmth and wellbeing on a budget.
Okawa Glass Saloon honey pourer
Owning a honey pourer is basically an invitation to pancake stacks and comfort food and breakfast in bed. This classic diner design is made in Japan by Okawa Glass (founded 1916) and provides a satisfying pour for your favourite syrups with no excess drip. The Saloon Store edition features a printed cake illustration for extra carb-laden charm. $35
Salus lavender and jasmine heat pillow
Made in Melbourne by Salus – an Aussie label known for premium spa products – these block-coloured heat pillows contain organic lavender, wild jasmine and locally sourced barley so they smell soothing and cosy while heating you up. Use on cold hands and feet, and as a general relaxation tool when you need some home spa time. $39
Suku Bau Bau Smoko Memories incense
Melbourne-based lifestyle brand Suku already has most of our senses covered when it comes to bed linen and garments that look and feel perennially gorgeous. Now the label can add scent to the list with Bau Bau – a small range of fragrant candles and incense handmade in Bali, including these Smoko Memories sticks with notes of cedar wood, clove and black pepper. $33 for pack of 25
Otto & Spike Homie’s house socks
Otto & Spike still produces knitwear in a little factory in East Brunswick – once the centre of Melbourne’s textile industry. The label’s boldly patterned scarves and throws tend to grab attention, but these classic grandpa-style wool and angora house socks are just what you need when the temperature drops. Available in a range of colours, from navy to mottled fairy floss. $39.95
The Caker spiced carrot cake kit with salted caramel
Jordan Rondel, aka The Caker, is an LA-based Kiwi baker dedicated to wholesome-yet-ravishing homemade treats. Her chic premium cake kits (available online from NZ) are perfect for cosy baking afternoons. While we’re especially fond of this sticky carrot cake, other mixes include a vegan-friendly lemon strawberry poppy seed cake and a gluten-free flourless dark chocolate gold leaf cake. $30
Queen B Tin Can-dle pack
Add a warm glow to your space with this beeswax candle in a stainless-steel tin that promises 10 hours of golden-hued, honey-scented burn time. Made in Sydney by long-time champion of pure Australian beeswax, Queen B, it comes with a refill candle to double down on cosiness. $29.95
Frank Body nourishing body lotion
There’s nothing cosy about dry wintertime skin. This rich body lotion from Aussie skincare label Frank Body contains oat extract, avocado oil and anti-inflammatory squalane oil for ultra-calming hydration. Add it to your morning or night-time ritual for warming skin nourishment. $16
Sheet Society Frankie Flannelette terracotta pillowcases
There’s something to be said for a pillowcase that feels just like your comfiest pair of pyjamas or your favourite plaid shirt. These Frankie Flannelette covers from Sheet Society are made from 100 per cent cotton, double-brushed for extra fluffiness, and are available in 10 calming colourways including terracotta. Ideal for snug wintertime bedscaping. $45 for set of two
Addition Studio Bath Brew
Think of this as a giant tea bag for the bath: a sachet of botanicals and other organic ingredients that brews while you relax in a long, warm remedial soak. Aussie self-care outfit Addition Studio has four blends available: Milk Bath (with goat’s milk and raw cacao butter), Green Tea (with tea tree and calendula), Riverstone (with clays, Epsom salt and essential oils) and Australian Native (including white ochre and kunzea oil). $19.99
Third Drawer Down Woma Wiya Mug x Kaylene Whiskey
This seemingly magic mug glows with painted red flames when you add your hot beverage of choice, and is excellent for warming up hands on cold mornings. Featuring Kaylene Whiskey’s artwork, Woma Wiya, it’s a little bit traditional and a little bit rock’n’roll. $40
Mullin single-serve mulling spices
Of course, you can always brew your own mulled wine. But the quickest way to a cosy tipple (and a house that smells just like a German Christmas fair) might be these Fairtrade-certified single-serve spice infusers from Aussie brand Mullin. Add to a mug of red and heat in the microwave or on the stove top for a warm spiced treat. And it works with non-alcoholic wine. $16.99 for tin of eight
Hommey Junior faux fur cushion cover in coffee
Melbourne label Hommey is known for its stylish and soft-as-marshmallow homewares. This circular faux-fur cushion cover is eminently huggable and almost the exact shade of Rowlf the Dog from The Muppet Show – should your couch or bed require a hint of cosy ’70s style. $49
This article was originally published on June 9, 2023. It has been updated on May 28, 2024 to reflect changes to pricing and products.
