If your favorite thing to do during the wintertime is drink a warm cup of cinnamon tea by the window, tucked under a baby-soft blanket—or if you’ve decorated your whole apartment with distressed wood and tiny candles, chances are you’ve probably already fallen in love with the trendy concept of hygge.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish word that can’t exactly be translated into English—although it’s both a noun and an adjective that falls somewhere in between cozy and content, especially as it relates to mindfully indulging in simple pleasures (think: listening to the rain fall, or reading a good book in bed while still in your pajamas). Fun fact: The Germans have their own version of this word (gemütlichkeit) and the Dutch do, too (gezelligheid). To the Norwegians, it translates to “well-being.”
Want to conjure some hygge for yourself? It’s more than a mindset—you’ve got to set up your space for ultimate warmth and comfort, and we’re here to help you do just that.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamp
Beloved for their supposed air-clarifying properties, salt lamps are probably the most hygge light source of all—aside from the actual sun on a snowy day. With their natural, orange glow, even small salt lamps can fill a room with magic and calm.
Related: Should You Jump On The Bandwagon And Buy A Himalayan Salt Lamp?
2. Golden Milk
A nice cup of chamomile tea or a mug of hot cocoa are both superbly hygge, but Golden Milk takes the award for coziest of all. First off, its scent is enchanting, as it’s blended with spicy turmeric, ginger, honey, cinnamon, and cardamom. On top of that, the turmeric promotes a sense of well-being. Simply mix with warm coconut milk or any other milk base, and you’ve got a saffron-colored winter-weather concoction that’s good for the soul.
3. Pumpkin Banana Bread
If you take a moment to google “hygge,” you’ll find loads of gorgeous food blogs out there, brimming with delectable treats displayed on candle-covered long wooden tables. Now you can make your very own hygge dessert—one that is both tasty and Instagrammable. #hygge.
4. No Cow’s Fluffbutter
This brownie batter-flavored fluffbutter is the equivalent of eating a pink cloud. Step one: Wrap yourself up in a big, wool blanket. Step 2: Eat this stuff by the spoonful. Infused with both pea and rice proteins, you’ll have yourself a delicious and healthy hygge snack.
5. Ashwagandha Extract
Beyond décor and Instagram-friendly hygge aesthetic is the core concept of self-care via simplicity and coziness. Basically, if hygge were a supplement, it’d be ashwagandha—and that’s because this popular and powerful adaptogen promotes natural feelings of energy, vitality, and emotional well-being. Used to adapt to stress, sooth the nervous system, and support sleep, you can bet this little herb will inspire hygge from the inside.
6. SpaRoom Aromascape Diffuser & Essential Oils
Hygge is all about the sensory. From the feeling of a fluffy puppy to the pitter-patter sounds of rain, you want to settle down and take it all in. And with this SpaRoom Aromascape diffuser, you can do just that in a scent-sational space. Its glass-blown sculpture is super-pretty to look at, since its spectral color-changing ability adds major ambience. You can pick any scent you want—but we recommend lavender or vanilla oil for a truly hygge vibe.
7. Nubian Heritage’s Patchouli Body Wash
Pour yourself a very hygge bath with Nubian Heritage’s patchouli and rosehip body wash. Simply pour a bit under the water, sink into the bubbles, and enjoy the skin-softening goodness of this calming, aromatic wash.
8. Natural HBC’s Peace Pearl Pillar Candle
This lavender-and-tangerine-scented candle has been hand-crafted in small batches—and ain’t it darling? The combination of these aromas is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and soothed, while the candle itself will pretty up any living space.
9. Love My Coloring Books’ Love Is…
Coloring books aren’t just for kids! This beautiful little book is made for anyone looking to get creative. Settle in for a weekend evening with a few Crayolas—and prepare to escape.
For any cat lovers out there, we’ve also got you covered.
10. Gaiam’s 3MM Purple Mat
Hygge isn’t just about cozying up under the blankets. For you, it might mean pulling out the yoga mat, putting on some soft music, lighting a few candles, and moving through the poses. Make your yoga experience more comfortable—and much more pretty—by using this comfy mat by trusted brand Gaiam.