Trail Mix: The Coziest, Snuggliest, Softest Gifts

If it’s soft, comfy, snuggly, toasty or warm, find it in this gift guide. Our staffers dished their favorite cozy gifts for the holiday season.

Pair with puppy snuggles for maximum comfort.

Cabiniste Down Booties

Never hear your friend complain of cold tootsies again. Like sleeping bags for your feet, these down booties from Cabiniste are stuffed with duck down (certified to the Responsible Down Standard) and lined with soft fleece for electric blanket-like warmth. They’re compressible enough to pack on winter camping trips or even in your carry-on for international flights (clutch move), but their minimal nylon/poly outsole makes them best for indoor use. Available in women’s and men’s. $55

New fleece softness = pure happiness

REI Co-op Groundbreaker Fleece Jacket

Best idea? Get everyone in your family, friend circle or general squad a Groundbreaker fleece. Not only will the team match, but everyone will be snug, too. Made of soft polyester fleece, the REI Co-op Groundbreaker features a full zip and mid-high collar (you can zip it all the way up without chafing your chin), plus hand pockets. It works as a standalone jacket or, because it doesn’t have a hood, it slides easily beneath a shell as a mid layer. Available in women’s, men’s, women’s plus and men’s tall. $49.95

These little piggies stayed warm all the way home.

United By Blue The Ultimate Bison Socks

Giving socks as a gift fell out of favor somewhere down the line, but it wouldn’t have if folks were receiving this ultracomfy offering from United By Blue. Like regular hiking socks, these use a formula of merino wool, nylon and spandex; unlike regular socks, they also include bison down. Soft, insulating, and more sustainable, bison fiber makes the Ultimate Bison Socks a cozy alternative to house slippers. Still, they’re slim enough to fit into a hiking boot without affecting fit. $38

Double chest pockets for double snacks or double pens.

Patagonia Natural Dye Fjord Flannel Shirt

If your pal is in the market for a heavyweight flannel, look no further: The Fjord from Patagonia is constructed of thick, organic cotton that’s supersoft to the touch (undershirt not needed), making it a great addition to your friend’s winter wardrobe. It has two buttoned chest pockets, buttoned cuffs and a straight hem. This one is colored with plant-based dyes for extra eco cred. The Natural Dye version is only available in men’s, but the regular is available in women’s and men’s. $89-$99

Nothing says "I love you" like a new flannel.

KUHL Kamila Flannel Shirt

If, however, your pal is in the market for a lighter-weight flannel for year-round use, this one from KUHL is your shirt. The Kamila is made of a thinner cotton/poly blend that’s supremely soft thanks to a process called brushing, where the fabric is combed mechanically to tease tiny, velvety fibers out of the material. Instead of a boxy straight cut, this shirt is tapered at the waist with a drop hem in the back. (Fit runs a little big; we recommend sizing down unless you’re intending to use it as an overshirt as pictured above.) Available in women’s and women’s plus. $69

Your sleeping bag and your sneakers have a love child.

The North Face ThermoBall Eco Traction Mules V

The gift your friends didn’t know they needed: insulated slippers with slight weatherproofing and a relatively beefy sole. With such technical touches, these mules from The North Face have no problem sliding into regular outdoor use, whether your friend is looking for warm slippers for morning dog walks or snowy camping missions. The insulation is synthetic PrimaLoft ThermoBall, the same stuff TNF puts in many of its puffy jackets. The Mules are only available in men’s, but there’s a bootie version available in women’s. $55-$60

Use proper burrito technique to get the fleece next to skin.

REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket

Credit whoever on our Co-op Brands team named this blanket because it leaves no questions unanswered: The REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket is flannel on one side and fleece on the other. Throw the more durable flannel on the ground for a picnic, or wrap yourself (or your friend) in the warmer fleece for cuddle sessions. At 70 by 54 inches, it’s standard blankie size. $59.95

Chewy approves.

Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad Dog Bed

Shopping for a four-legged friend? Give your fluffer the gift of portable comfort this year. The Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad, which rolls up to the size of a large loaf of bread for easy travel, creates a spacious nest for a fur baby. The microsuede sleeping surface is soft but easy to clean (and looks nice enough for a living room), while the bottom is lined with non-slip, waterproof polyester, perfect for tossing in the dirt at camp or the crag. About an inch of synthetic fill cushions and insulates the doggo. Available in medium and large. $69.95-$89.95

Add some zest with a vest.

Fjallraven Buck Fleece Vest

Give your buddy a warmer core with a sweet vest. This one from Fjallraven showcases fleece that’s knitted on the outside for durability and slight water-resistance and brushed (like the KUHL Kamila) on the inside for bunny-like softness. The Buck fleece vest has two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket and durable patches of the brand’s lauded G-1000 poly/cotton on the shoulders for extra weather protection. $140

Can lead to longer-than-appropriate hugs.

The North Face Campshire Full-Zip Fleece Jacket

The deeper the pile of the fabric, the warmer the fleece. By the transitive property, that makes The North Face Campshire one of the snuggliest jackets that REI carries. It’s built with deep-pile polyester fleece (called sherpa fleece), creating a virtual furnace for the wearer. Still, it packs down small enough to be considered for backcountry use. Nab it for a friend who’s looking for a skiing or hiking mid layer that can pull double duty as a casual outer layer. Available in women’s and men’s, as well as a hooded pullover version in women’s and men’s. $120-$149

Slumber party-ready

prAna Asylum Lined PJ Pants (men’s) and Bridget Lined PJ Pants (women’s)

Not all pajamas are created equal. With a thermal (read: ultrawarm) liner, the Asylum and Bridget pants are a toastier, snugglier option than ordinary PJs. (Think of them like PJ pants with built-in long johns.) Beyond that, these prAna pants have A+ details: an outer layer made of organic cotton, two hand pockets and an elastic waistband with a drawcord. Available in men’s and women’s. $59

All photography by Andrew Bydlon.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Best Outdoor Gifts, Best Gifts for Less Than $50 and Best Gifts for Campers, or find more product roundups in our Trail Mix series. And stay tuned: We’ll be publishing The Best Gifts for Skiers and Snowboarders before the holidays.