Christmas is just around the corner, and for Upstate New Yorkers, that means it’s time to prepare—swap out for snow tires, upgrade to warmer outdoor gear, and invest in sturdy, traction-packed shoes to avoid slipping on icy walks to the car.
What do you get an Upstate New Yorker for Christmas? We asked reporters from Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard and regular folks on social media what they wanted or things they’d find useful to survive the cold winter months. Here are their answers.
Related: Yeti shot glasses, Carhartt knit gloves plus 8 other Christmas stocking stuffers
Hand warmers
Offering up to 10 hours of steady warmth, these compact warmers are perfect for any cold-weather adventure. Just open the package, give them a shake to activate, and tuck them into your gloves or pockets for instant heat.
More hand warmer options to keep your hands from freezing
From Walmart: Madala Hand Warmers - $22 (was $70)
The REI: Heatbank 3 Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank - $25
From Target: HOM 2-in-1 Rechargeable Hand Warmer - $25 (was $40)
Waterproof shoes
HOKA has equipped the classic Clifton with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods, empowering runners to tackle miles in any conditions. As HOKA’s first weatherproof road shoe, this splash-resistant design features 360-degree reflectivity and closed mesh construction for enhanced protection. Built to perform even in unfavorable weather, the Clifton 9 GTX demonstrates that no forecast is too challenging.
More waterproof shoes so your feet can stay dry
From Adidas: Terrex Trailmaker 2.0 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes - $91 (was $140)
From Zappos: Columbia Crestwood Waterproof - $55 (was $80)
From Vessi: Men’s Stormburst Low Top - $150
Snow Plow
Designed to enhance the versatility of your Cub Cadet Ultima ZT or ZTX series zero-turn mower, this 52-inch, 12-gauge steel blade is built to handle snow, dirt, gravel, and mulch with ease. After the initial setup, the blade can be quickly and easily installed without the need for tools, making it a reliable solution for seasonal tasks.
Need more options? Here are more snow plows
From The Home Depot: 46 in. Front Blade Snow Attachment for 100 Series Tractors - $750
From Amazon: The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher 48″ Wide Model - $85
From Walmart: Zimtown Snow Pusher with Wheels Heavy Duty Snow Plow - $80
“A good extendable snow brush”
The Rain-X 50″ Crossover Snow Broom is the perfect solution for clearing ice and snow from your entire windshield. With its extendable handle reaching up to 50 inches, it ensures easy access to the center of the windshield, making snow removal effortless.
More “good extendable snow brushes”
From Walmart: Snow Joe 2-in-1 Telescoping Snow Broom - $20
From The Home Depot: Snow Moover 60 in. Extendable Snow Brush and Ice Scraper for Car or Truck - $40
From Amazon: Mallory 583-EP Snow Brush - $15
Thermos
Stay hydrated throughout the day with the 40oz Stainless Steel Cup Holder Mug. Designed to fit most standard cup holders, it’s perfect for work, errands, or practice. Featuring Thermos vacuum insulation, a slide-lock lid, and a Griptec non-slip base and handle, this mug is made for life on the go.
Keep your drinks hot with these options
From Thermos: 18oz ICON TUMBLER WITH SLIDE LOCK LID - $23
From Corkcicle: Insulated Travel Thermos - $40 (was $80)
From Stanley: Forge Thermal Bottle | 1.4 QT - $72
Water/wind-resistant puffer jacket
Stay prepared for chilly days with this water-resistant quilted puffer jacket, featuring a 24″ length, front zip closure with snap storm placket, a stand collar, and a removable drawcord-toggle hood for added versatility and warmth.
Stay comfortable with more options
From Nordstrom: Columbia Leadbetter Point II Hybrid Crop Puffer Jacket - $130
From REI: Columbia Roaring Fork Down Jacket - Men’s - $130 (was $260)
From Athleta: Aire Puffer Parka - $180
Snow boots (specifically from L.L Bean)
If you’ve ever said, “They don’t make things like they used to,” you haven’t tried these iconic boots. Still handcrafted in Maine, one pair at a time, by skilled artisans who pour their expertise and passion into every detail. Just as tough and reliable as they were over a century ago, these boots are built to last—likely the only pair you’ll ever need.
More snowboots that aren’t L.L. Bean
From Sorel: TIVOLI V Women’s Waterproof Boot - $150
From The North Face: Men’s Larimer Mid Waterproof Boots - $140
From Columbia: Women’s Minx Shorty IV Boot - $110
Emergency backpack
Being prepared for at least 72 hours after a disaster is crucial. The Ready America 4-Person Emergency Kit provides all the essentials a family of four needs to survive for three days. Keep one in your home, office, or car to stay ready for emergencies.
Stay prepared for the worst case scenarios
From Walmart: ReadyWise 32 Servings of Emergency Food and Drink & Survival Kit - $70
From Amazon: Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit - $78 (was $110)
Weighted blanket
Luxome has weighted blankets filled with hypoallergenic, lead-free 1mm glass beads. Customers can select either a one-piece design with an integrated cover or a two-piece option featuring a removable cover, along with various fabric choices for a tailored experience.
Stay snug with more options
From Luna Blanket: Luna Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket - $130
From Target: 48″x72″ 12-15lbs Weighted Blanket by Bare Home - $56 (was $79)
From Big Blanket Co: XL Weighted Blanket - $266 (was $380)
“For skiers... New ski socks, goggles, boot dryer”
Featuring targeted cushioning in critical areas, this trio of Ski Targeted Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks keeps feet comfortable and prepared for a full day on the slopes.
Skiers could also like these options
From SmartWool: Women’s Ski Compression Print Over The Calf Socks - $45
From Smith Optics: Squad Imprint 3D Goggle - $250
From Cozy Winters: DryGuy Force Dry DX Boot & Glove Dryer - $103
Beanie
Their holiday-themed pom beanie offers a festive twist, crafted from the same luxuriously soft material as the Cloud Beanie. Featuring a seasonal jacquard design with trees, holiday beverages, and the brand’s signature golf cart graphic, it’s a delightful alternative to milk and cookies.
Check out these other beanie options
From Gigi Pip: Lou Knit Beanie - Tan - $34 (was $42)
From Topo Designs: Global Wool Beanie - $32
From Skida: Cordovan | High Pile Fleece Hat - $50
Scarf
Add a vibrant touch to any outfit with this bold scarf featuring oversized check patterns and finished with delicate fringe detailing.
More super-ultra comfortable scarves
From Nordstrom: Treasure & Bond Herringbone Burlap Scarf - $39
From Aritzia: merino wool rib narrow scarf - $49 (was $98)
From Fable England: Wolf Garden Navy Scarf with Tassels - $48
Earmuffs
Created for ultimate warmth, Sugar Muffs are the perfect winter accessory. Crafted from 100% faux fur and accented with a charming star detail, they bring a touch of cozy elegance to any ensemble.
More earmuffs so your ears don’t freeze
From Lands’ End: Women’s Anyweather Fleece Adjustable Earmuffs - $17 (20)
From Turtle Fur: Whiteout Ear Muffs - $30
From Dick’s Sporting Goods: CALIA Women’s Earmuff - $28
Long Johns (thermal underwear)
The Warm Essentials by Cuddl Duds Women’s Textured Fleece Thermal Leggings in black offer the perfect combination of comfort, style, and warmth for the colder months.
Any body part can freeze, but not with these thermal underwear options
From Target: Men’s Skinny Fit Thermal Underwear Pants - $10
From Ron Dorff: RON DORFF Long Johns - $85
From First Lite: Men’s Furnace Long John - $110
Concert tickets
Billy Joel will perform at the JMA Wireless Dome on the Syracuse University campus on Friday, April 11, 2025. It will be the piano legend’s eighth time performing at the former Carrier Dome, breaking his own record, and will feature a superstar guest: Sting.
Related: Where to buy the cheapest tickets to Billy Joel & Sting’s Syracuse concert
Get tickets to see the Piano Man here: Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub
Other concerts happening in Upstate New York
Syracuse: Papa Roach, Rise Against to rock Syracuse amphitheater in 2025
Buffalo: Jason Aldean to headline Taste of Country 2025 in Buffalo: Where to buy tickets
Verona: Keith Urban performing concert in Central NY: How to get tickets
For more Upstate NY tickets, click here
Need more gift ideas? Check out our other guides
Stocking stuffers
For Kids
- We asked kids what they actually want for Christmas - Here are their real answers
- 7 Christmas gifts under $100 kids would actually love to get this year
For Mom
- 7 Christmas gifts for mom under $100: Bath bombs, journals, bags, more
- We asked moms what Christmas gifts they actually want this year - Here are their answers
For Dad
- We asked dads what Christmas gifts they actually want: Here are their (surprising) answers
- 7 Christmas gifts under $100 dad would actually love to get this year
More Shopping and Deals
- L.L. Bean’s tote bag collab with Noah Kahan is starting to sell out - Get the bag for $50
- The Michael Kors Outlet is having a 25% off sitewide sale during Black Friday Week
- UGG is having the biggest sale on its iconic boots and slippers - Get up to 40% off
- Target has a ton of Early Black Friday deals - Here are our favorites
- Walmart slashes the price on the Oura Ring 4 ahead of Black Friday - Get $100 off