Winter: the season of chills, nose-sniffling colds, and chapped skin. If we didn’t know any better, we’d say it’s a time of constantly solving one cold-weather problem before swiftly moving on to the next. And not to mention, keeping up with New Year’s goals!
To help navigate winter woes, we tapped Shop TODAY contributors Melissa Garcia and Chassie Post to give us the low-down on what’s hot during this frigid cold season.
Whether it's fleece-lined jeans to keep you warm (and looking put together!), skin care to combat drying temperatures or kitchen gadgets to help you stay on track with your 2026 resolutions, we have a list of trending products that'll help you through the winter.
Keep scrolling to take a peek at Shop TODAY's Hot List, from meal prep essentials to a multifunctional healing balm.
Winter problem solvers seen on TODAY
The dry winter air can leave your hair feeling brittle and frizzy, says Garcia. That's why she loves this intense hydrating mask from Moroccanoil. "It's super hydrating and gives you shiny and soft hair in just a few minutes," says Garcia. "My hair looked so much healthier, and I noticed it didn't get frizzy or static-y after use."
For a winter staple that does everything, Garcia says this mess-free, healing balm is multifunctional for a variety of winter skin woes, from dry hands to wind burn to cracked heels. According to the brand, it's packed with avocado oil and shea butter for intense hydration without the greasy touch.
Garcia says these Souper Cubes are genius for meal prep. They come in several portion sizes to freeze soups and casseroles, or sauces and butters, so you don't have to defrost the entire pot for one serving. Plus, the brand says they're microwave and dishwasher-safe, and they come in various sizes, starting at 2 tbsp!
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to spend less on coffee, then this frother is a must. Garcia says this kitchen gadget creates the "richest" and "creamiest foam" to make at-home lattes and cappuccinos. Plus, it's so easy to use; it has an automatic button for frothing and a safety shut-off, says the brand.
Garcia says Balaclavas are having a street-style moment, and this option is not only on-trend, but it's completely functional. This scarf and hat hybrid protects your hair from winter and rainy weather, and with the satin lining, it won't cause frizz.
These jeans are a lifesaver for brisk and windy days; they're fleece-lined for added warmth without the bulk. Commerce writer Danielle Murphy tried the pair out during the New York winter and said: "It’s a noticeable layer that I’m deeply thankful for while I’m sitting in my icy train car, working in a chilly office, or braving the wind while walking outside."
Winter problem-solving products seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY
This wool and cashmere shampoo allows you to wash your delicate sweaters without the stress of ruining them. According to the brand, it can be used to hand wash or in the machine on the cold cycle. Post says she's tested it on her own sweaters and they came out feeling soft and smelling so fresh.
If your sweaters are starting to pill, Post says this cashmere comb is effective and "the best" she's ever used. You just lightly stroke it on the pilled areas, and the fabric looks brand new.
These pocket-sized and rechargeable handwarmers are a gadget that Post says she uses every day. According to the brand, they have three heat settings and last up to eight hours on a single charge. Post says they're perfect to slip in your gloves or pockets for winter outdoor activities, sports events or cold commutes. They also come in a cute floral design or plant-themed.
"If you like Vicks Vapo Rub, then you are going to love Vicks Vaposhower Tablets," raves Post. These shower steamers are infused with eucalyptus and menthol for an aromatherapy experience, or to soothe stuffy noses and congestion, according to the brand.
You may have heard of the salad jar trend, and this innovative pod makes meal prep and lunch time easier than ever. Like a normal jar, you can layer your ingredients to avoid sogginess, and when you're ready to eat, it lies horizontal and opens up like a bowl.
Another meal-prepping tool that Post says is "a must" is these clever food storage bag holders. The adjustable holders act as "an extra set of hands" to keep your bags open as you load them up with leftovers or snacks for lunch. Plus, the brand says it's foldable, so it's easy to store in your kitchen drawers until the next use.
This jar spatula helps you save every last drop in your jars, from peanut butter to jam. It's adorable platypus design has a silicone nose that's long and flexible, allowing you to easily scrape the side and corner of the jar. Post says it'll eventually save you money since it prolongs your favorite jarred food.
More winter problem solvers to shop
If hand sanitizer normally leaves your hands feeling dry, this innovative spray is infused with centella asiatica serum to keep your hands clean and moisturized, says the brand.
"The interior of the tights is a super soft, plush, fluffy fleece, almost like a faux fur. I was worried they would be too warm, but somehow the fleece is just cozy enough without making me overheat," wrote one Shop TODAY contributor in a review article.
If your battling dry and brittle nails this winter, this Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner can help nourish and hydrate cuticles to improve your nail health, says the brand. Plus, L'Occitane highlights the hydrating ingredients of shea, almond and sunflower oils.
These snow boots are a cute winter style and functional for the elements. According to the brand, the boots are designed with an anti-slip outsole, water-resistant outer fabric and lined with faux fur to keep you warm.
This self-heating mug keeps your coffee and tea at the optimal temperature so you can take your time sipping your favorite drink. According to the brand, it has three temperatures, including warm, hot and piping.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Chassie Post and Melissa Garcia.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts, and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites, and more finds that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
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How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting, and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are seeking the latest products to enhance their lives. Items are sold by retailers, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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