Wellies

The MOST important thing for damp, wet South Wales but useful everywhere I reckon. As well as splashing in puddles you can also wade down rivers and into the sea with them, even in January.

We have two pairs each. 1 normal pair and 1 neoprene for colder weather. The neoprene ones are more expensive but they’re AMAZING! So cosy. You don’t even need warm socks in them. We STILL haven’t had any snow but if we get it, these are what we’ll be heading out in.

A Torch

The second most important and the thing we lose most. I have no idea where they get lost too, but get lost they do. I’ve got a tiny one in my coat pocket now which stays there fairly reliably and is often the only one I can find.

The best sort, I think, are the old fashioned large ones which take C or D batteries. They’re reliably bright and do great shadows without being so bright it takes all the fun away. You want one light and agile enough that kids can move it around easily.

Gloves

Probably the thing we forget most. When it’s really cold we take them automatically but it’s remembering them when it’s borderline and you’re going to make a stick den.

We have so many different kinds. The cheapest, fleece ones are probably the best. Unless it’s wet as well as cold. Then waterproof ones really come in handy.

Waterproof clothes

Waterproof trousers can be absolutely wonderful. We have an ongoing discussion about whether to put them in your wellies or over the top (think we edge towards the former at the moment). They are an absolute pain to put on, particularly when it’s not raining, but when it pours down you really appreciate them.

We often wear thick shower proof winter down coats rather than waterproofs in the winter unless it’s on the warmer side. Then the waterproof jackets come out too.

Woolly hats

For when it’s colder. We don’t like them much but we put up with them. I reckon this one is about finding something comfortable and not too itchy.

Hand and foot warmers

These are possibly our favourite thing ever. B takes the big orange ones to school every day for the playground. When we go for cold winter walks in wellies we put foot warmers in the toes and it stops us getting cold feet.

There are a few different types. We got for disposable ones for the feet (as we don’t use those so much). For hands we like the gel ones. They last about 45 minutes and then have to be re-boiled in a saucepan for 10 minutes before you an use them again. Electric and disposable ones definitely less fiddly!