The Winter 2021 Box

Photo courtesy of @maui_noel 

Welcome to Vinterhygge! This frosty season lends itself perfectly to hyggelig activities, but with busy schedules and long lists of commitments, it can be tough to find the time to prioritize hygge moments. That’s why Hygge in a Box is the perfect solution — you’ll get items delivered right to your doorstep that will help you keep the hygge spirit in mind every season.

Rest is crucial for both mental and physical well-being — so we included a few items that should help you wind down after a long day.

Turning off your devices for a period before bed is extremely beneficial when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. Even though e-readers can be convenient when you’re on the go, if you love to unwind with a good book like we do, a physical book is better to incorporate into your nightly routine, as it avoids disruptive blue light. We included a book by Kathryn Nicolai, Nothing Much Happens, which is based on her popular podcast. The short snippets in the book capture moments of whimsy, joy and relaxation, and will prove that bedtime stories aren’t just for kids.

Scent can also play a big role in your nightly routine, which is why we added a fantastic product from Prairie Apothecary. Once you’ve finished your evening skincare and have everything ready to go for the next day, roll the blend of essential oils onto the soles of your feet as you prepare for bed. The soothing blend of clary sage, lavender, marjoram and patchouli will have you drifting off in no time.

We’re also big believers in the power of journaling, and while many prefer to kick start their morning routine with listing a few things they’re grateful for, it can be a wonderful addition to your bedtime routine as well. Keep the pack of cards from May You Know Joy Inc. on your nightstand, and use them as journaling prompts — each card will inspire you to reflect on joyful moments that occurred throughout the day.

If you live in a cold weather climate, it’s no secret that winter can come with certain difficulties. However, having a few great products in your arsenal will help make the season cozy rather than a challenging period of frosty fingers and toes.

Stock your bathroom cabinet with a jar of vapour rub from Unrefined, a brand based in British Columbia that creates natural, cruelty-free, vegan and sustainable products. The salve will become your saving grace when anyone in your family has a cough or congestion.

Though we adore candles all year round, scent is especially crucial in winter, when your windows are likely kept shut day in and day out. The eucalyptus coconut candle from Buck Naked Soap Company uses all natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about anything toxic circulating through the air in your home. The wooden wick will give a cozy crackling fireplace vibe, and the eucalyptus scent will freshen up your space in no time.

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, which makes it the perfect place to incorporate some hygge during the winter season. 

There are few beverages as cozy as mulled wine, and we included a packet of spices that will make the process easy — boxes will have a package from either BalticBrothers or Kanel, two incredible companies whose products we’ve featured in the box before. All you need to do is grab a bottle of wine and start simmering away!

We know how tiring it can be to come up with dinner ideas every night, so we also added a recipe card for an easy Mediterranean chicken dish that is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. For dessert? Snack on a few of the delectable Swedish candies from Sugarjoy, a brand that produces sweet treats using Scandinavian recipes.

To encourage even the most hesitant individuals to indulge their baking skills, as it's an incredibly comforting activity, we also had an exciting bonus for subscribers in honour of International Hygge Day on February 28. Within the box, there was a card granting access to a live Zoom baking class with culinary instructor and dietician Shauna Lindzon. She guided subscribers through the process of crafting a decadent chocolate molten lava cake, and the format meant participants could enjoy a sense of community without even having to leave their kitchen.

Finally, we’re huge advocates for introducing sustainability into your daily life wherever possible, and that includes the kitchen. The Swedish sponge cloth from the brand Ten and Co is an absolute must in any home. They’re compostable, and can be reused for about 6 to 12 months, making them an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels. As an added bonus, they have charming designs that will brighten up your day every time you need to wipe away a spill.

Nearly every box we curate includes some type of bath products or skincare products, because we believe pampering yourself isn’t just a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity.

The benefits of a relaxing bath have been well documented, and this box contains a jar of bath salts from GöKotta Wellness. Fun fact about the brand’s name — the Swedish word GöKotta loosely translates to “the act of rising at dawn to hear the birds sing and appreciate nature.” How perfect is that? The lavender scent of the bath salts adds to the relaxing atmosphere of a long soak, and you can rest easy knowing the brand’s products are all cruelty free, chemical free, and contain no colours, dyes, parabens, perfumes, etc.  

Transform a bath into a full spa night with the addition of a face mask or scrub from Liptus Natural Cosmetics. The innovative powdered mixture can be used as either a scrub or a mask, depending on which you prefer, and will help give you a gorgeous glow while soothing your dry skin.

Finally, a little bonus for our quarterly subscribers — another way to keep your skin looking amazing in the harsh winter season, from Vancouver-based small batch maker Hygge Life. The box contains their signature detoxifying skin scrub soap which incorporates soothing lavender, refreshing peppermint, and charcoal. Scrub away any impurities and prime your skin to soak up all those serums and moisturizers you slather on to combat the weather.

Get the fire roaring, pull on your cozy socks and dive in — we hope these fantastic products carry you through the last few months of Vinter!