One Christmas, fresh from losing my job and worried about money, I knitted my parents and brother cabled hot water bottle covers, and paired each with a store-brand hot water bottle. They remain the cheapest, best gifts I’ve ever given—my parents still use the bottles regularly to ease aches and pains and counter cold winters.
I made one for myself, too, and years later, rely on it as a combination adult-stuffed-animal/security blanket/chill fighter. (Now that our house is dogless, it’s also the next best thing to cuddling with a warm pet.) In other words—a hot water bottle, with a cute cover (the cover is important for not only maximum coziness, but also burn prevention—those things get hot) is the ultimate in thrifty-yet-thoughtful giving.
Rainbow hot-water bottle cover, $15, Simons.
FoxAndPineWoolies hand-knit fox hot water bottle cover, $60, Etsy.
Love And Lore faux fur hot water bottle cover and bottle, $30, Indigo.
CocoThePittie knitted hot water bottle cover, $45, Etsy.
Cabin Hot Water Bottle, $30, Roots.
Cabled hot water bottle cosy pattern, free, Ravelry.
Chenille Cable Knit Hot Water Bottle, $30, Indigo.
Long hot water bottle, $50, Lee Valley.
CANVAS Hot Water Bottle, Plaid, $20, Canadian Tire.
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.