Shopping·10 min read

Our 18 Favorite Products for Making Winter Feel Less Sluggish

mental health products
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Speks, Target, Sephora
February 4, 2025

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While we know that products can’t solve all of our winter woes, there are many we turn to to make the season feel less stagnant. From fidget toys and craft kits to mood-boosting tech and workout equipment, here are the 18 products our editors reach for in these colder, darker months.

Speks

A new fidget toy from Speks one editor is using during afternoon work slumps...

As if we didn’t think we could get more obsessed with Speks, these silicone-covered magnetic balls have become a fast favorite. You can pick from sets of differing shapes, textures, and colors. They’re weighty, and the soft texture makes them satisfying to hold in your hands. ($19.95, Speks)

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Onsen & Bloom Clarity Aromatherapy Bundle – 15 Shower Steamers with Konjac Sponge Set & Bamboo Tray – Energizing Shower Bombs with Eucalyptus, Grapefruit & Lemon Essential Oils
Onsen & Bloom

An aromatherapy shower steamer kit…

Having something that amps up your everyday shower can go a long way. Place one of the tablets on the bamboo tray. The water and steam will dissolve it so that notes of eucalyptus and grapefruit will emanate throughout your bathroom. The bamboo tray elevates the steamer so it lasts even longer. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Buddha Board | Enso Portable Water Painting Canvas with Brush | Zen Water Art Set | Water Drawing Boards for Artists | Reusable Canvas Boards for Water Painting and Drawing | Zen Meditation Board
Buddha Board

A relaxing toy for all ages…

The Buddha Board is our latest obsession to keep on our kitchen counter or desk. It’s a special canvas that comes with a brush. You can paint your own designs and strokes using water. As the water evaporates, your design will disappear and you can paint a new one. It’s hard to describe, but there’s something so meditative about using this as a screen-free break. Once you have it, you’ll love it. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Verilux HappyLight Luxe - Light Therapy Lamp with 10,000 Lux, UV-Free, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Brightness, Color, Countdown Timer, & Stand - Boost Mood, Sleep, Focus (White)
Verilux

The happy light that was an instant bestseller…

When one editor included this in our Skimm Shopping newsletter, Skimm’rs couldn’t get enough. With good reason, too — this UV-free LED ultra-bright light stimulates the body’s hormones to boost mood, increase energy, and improve sleep. If you hate 5 pm sunsets, this will be worth the investment. You can even tailor its brightness, color, and timer to your needs. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Hatch

A sunrise alarm clock our entire team of editors swears by…

Before trying the Hatch Restore, we were skeptical of the price. But after testing it for years, our editors feel that it’s a critical part of their daily routines. It’s connected to a Bluetooth-powered app that allows you to create your own custom light and soundscape schedule. For example, one editor loves winding down with red light and a rainscape, and waking up gradually to warm light. It’s helped us fall asleep, stay asleep, and stick to our routines. ($169.99, Hatch)

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Oura

Wearable tech that isn’t intimidating…

One editor switched to Oura after years of using an Apple Watch because she felt like the notifications were intense and made her feel self-conscious. Oura’s notifications are motivating and nonintimidating. Plus, it effectively uses heart rate to track sleep and workouts. Our editor’s favorite feature: Symptom Radar, which will detect early on if you’re getting sick. ($349+, Oura)

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Michaels

The art kit that’s going viral…

We’ve seen these diamond art kits pretty much everywhere on our feeds and we’re hooked. They’re similar in concept to paint-by-numbers, but instead you’re using plastic gems to add color. We like these mini canvases as a project for beginners. Not to mention, the repetitive, thoughtless motion of adding the gems is calming after a long day. ($14.99, Michaels)

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Stakt

A set of weights that are three-in-one…

We hate to be those people, but moving our bodies does seem to make a difference. If you’re new to weight lifting or are short on space, these convertible weights from Stakt are a great option. The center base is two pounds, with removable ends that are two pounds each. Depending on the workout you’re doing, you can adjust the weights to your preference. The best part? They’re FSA/HSA-eligible, too. ($98, Stakt)

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Stakt

A foldable yoga mat that doubles as a block…

This workout mat (also from Stakt) is worth the investment if you prefer an at-home workout. It’s made of a soft foam that provides lots of cushioning, which is ideal if your joints are sensitive. It has creases that allow it to fold so that you can give yourself even more knee and wrist support. Plus, if you go to classes that require you to bring your own mat, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to travel with. ($88, Stakt)

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Target

An affordable acupressure mat…

We’ve seen more expensive versions of this mat so we’re elated to see that Target has one for just under $30. If you’ve never used an acupressure mat before, they have plastic nodes that can increase circulation and energy, while providing relief in any tense areas. You can lay down on it, or place it underneath your feet at your desk. ($29, Target)

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A Brighter Year The Original Adult Mini Coloring Book - 2-Pack - Little Moments Edition - 3” x 3” Pocket Size, 50 Pages, Lay Flat Binding, Thick Paper, No Bleeding - Stress & Anxiety Relief - Gift
A Brighter Year

An adult coloring book that isn’t overly detailed…

One Skimm’r put us on to these in our newsletter series, (Not So) Silly Little Treat, and they’re perfect if you’re wanting to color something that isn’t complicated. Each page of this mini book has one very basic picture. They come in countless themes, so pick a set and get coloring. It’s our new favorite midday break. ($7.99+, Amazon)

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European Spa Source Eucalyptus ShowerSpa Mist Spray for Aromatherapy, At Home Spa Experience, Sinus Congestion Relief, and Tension Relief, 4 fl oz.
European Spa Source

A lavender-eucalyptus shower spray that’s mom-approved…

One editor and her mom claim that this is one of the best shower products they’ve ever tried. The smell is super strong and actually lasts throughout the duration of an entire shower. If you like potent aromatherapy, this spray is our first pick. It has notes of lavender, eucalyptus, and a hint of mint. It’s great for stressful days and because it’s so fragrant, it works wonders for colds. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Wreck This Journal: Now in Color
Random House Books for Young Readers

The cathartic journal with a cult following…

Wreck This Journal is back in full, eye-catching color 10 years after its initial release. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, it’s a journal that’s meant to be absolutely destroyed. Each page invites you to use your imagination and various materials (like saliva, dirt, or unexplored emotions) to help you wreck with color. It’s the perfect activity for when you need to unwind but don’t feel like journaling in the traditional sense — or to release some pent-up anger in a productive way. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Coloready Mushrooms: 20 Modern Paint-by-Number Prints
Amazon

A paint-by-number book with ready-to-frame prints…

This book has 20 mushroom motifs printed on thick cardstock. Each print has two options, so you can decide whether you want a black or white background. The pages are perforated and include tips and techniques for painting at home. Because each print is 8 inches by 10 inches, they’ll easily fit into store-bought frames. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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The Woobles

This beginner crochet kit…

PSA: Crocheting is so back and it’s perfect if you want to do something with your hands that doesn’t involve scrolling on your phone. These kits from The Woobles allow you to make an adorable mini plush toy. You can pick from iconic characters like Harry Potter, Snoopy, and more. If you’re looking to get into the hobby and feel intimidated, try this brand out. You’ll get everything you need, from yarn and needles to stuffing. ($25+, The Woobles)

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Wool and the Gang

A knitting kit with an accessory you’ll actually use…

We’re into these kits from Wool and the Gang because you’ll end up making something chic enough that you’d actually want to keep in your home. This beginner blanket kit comes with everything you need (yarn and needles included) and only requires you to know how to do one basic stitch the entire time. You’ll make it with a chunky wool yarn that’s easy for novices to use. ($115.50, Wool and the Gang)

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Sephora

The aromatherapy gel pen we’re buying multiples of…

We’re keeping this in our bag, desks, and car to have on hand at all times. This handy pen from Rare Beauty is filled with a fast-absorbing gel with notes of lavender and peppermint. You can smell it directly from the tube or massage it onto pressure points for a calming effect wherever you are. ($20, Sephora)

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Flewd

The bath soaks we’ve gone through countless bags of…

One editor can’t stop repurchasing these bags of bath soaks from Flewd. They helped her stave off body aches when she had COVID-19 last year, and they come in handy when she feels overstimulated and needs help falling asleep. They have eight times the amount of magnesium than other soaks on the market, so effects can be felt in just 15 minutes. Grab three soaks for less than the price of a pedicure. (Price varies by bundle, Flewd)

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