This post is written in collaboration with Walmart.  I have been compensated by Walmart for this post, however all opinions are my own.

“Preparing for Winter Travel and Cold Weather”….. UGH.  I even hated typing those words.  If you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know I’m not a fond lover of Winter.  Don’t get me wrong.  I need four seasons.  I enjoy the THOUGHT of being stuck in the house during a snow storm.  And the coziness of it all for a short amount of time, but 5-6 months of it here in Indiana gets VERY OLD, VERY FAST.  ???? My brain needs sunshine to fully fire.  ????  And, the short, cold, dark days are sometimes too much to bear.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about different things to help me get through the freezing cold temps, stay safe and warm, and maybe make Winter a little more bearable for me.  When I was browsing Walmart’s website a few days back, I found some inexpensive items that will do just that.  I’ve said it before and will say it again, Walmart has some of the best items and carries just about everything you can think of.  I get so excited when I find things that I think would make your life easier, too.

Preparing for Winter Travel and Cold Weather

Items to keep in your Car

These items would be perfect to keep in the console of your little buggy…. aka car.   My grandma, who was born in 1906, used to call all cars, buggies.  It made me laugh.  She wasn’t joking though.  ????

Warm Gloves – I ordered these because they not only look cute being all cable-knittie and all, but they have the touchscreen fingertips so you can still use your phone.  ????  In Indiana, gloves are a must.  Unless you want your fingers to turn to icicles.  Not kidding either.

Portable Phone Charger – I actually have this one and LOVE it.  I have two and this one is by far my favorite.  Obviously, I keep a phone cord in my car but if you have car troubles, this is a must.

Heated Car Blanket – I ordered this.  This is something I have been wanting.  We have had heated seats in both of our last two cars, but this will still come in so handy.  You will be warm on the top AND bottom.  ????

Flash Light – We have this flashlight.  It’s a little on the pricey side but worth ALL THE DOLLAR BILLS. ???? Deb keeps this close by when we are working in the woods.  It has a HUGE range of light.  And, is no comparison to my cell phone flashlight that I swore would be OK for me.  Ya… I ordered another one.  It has a slide out for another light and a magnetic bottom to hold it in place for projects. Deb attached it on our tailgate this past weekend and it worked perfect when we were grabbing wood during our campfire.

Rechargeable Hand Warmer – This is the best thing since sliced bread.  It charges in your USB port so you can charge it at work and use it on the way home.  This would have been perfect when I was carpooling to work every day.

Extendable Ice Scraper with Brush – We have this ice scraper.  I love the length because you don’t have to practically lean on the car to get your windows scraped.  And it’s heavier duty than most of the other ones I’ve had.

Items to Keep in Your Trunk

Auto Tool Kit – You never know when you will break down.  I am the first one to admit I would have no clue what to do with these tools, BUT, someone will.  ????  The person that stops to help probably would.  That’s what I count on, at least.

Jumper Cables – OK… I’ve needed these several times.  When you already have a weak battery, and your car sits in a parking lot for hours in -25 wind chill,  your battery can take a dump.  I have been so grateful for my jumper cables.

Tow Strap – I have seen cars slide right off the road and into the ditch.  Having a tow strap may just help you out of that ditch without having to call a wrecker.

Windshield Wiper Fluid – I cannot tell you how many times we have run out of wiper fluid during a snow storm.  OR… tried to wash our window off and it freezes.  I LOVE the De-Icer fluid.  It really does melt the ice and snow on your windshield.

Flare Kit – Again… sliding off the road on the way home from work during white-out conditions is NOT fun.  Flares would help other cars and emergency vehicles find you easier.

Foldable Snow Shovel – I absolutely cannot tell you how many times I have been stuck and had to use my hands to move snow from around my tire.  I ordered this to keep in our trunk.  It will come in VERY handy.

Kitty Litter – You NON-Winter people are probably thinking…. “What in the heck are you talking about kitty litter for?”  Kitty litter provides traction under your tires when you are stuck in snow and ice.  ????

Folding Traction Mat – These traction mats take up so little space and would be perfect if you are stuck.  Slip these close to your tires for traction in the snow.

Let me know if there is anything I forgot about.  Throw several of these items in a gift basket.  It would make great gifts for college kids who travel back and forth a lot or for people who are hard to buy for, too.