15 Frugal Tips to Keep You Warm and Save Money This Winter

As the days get colder, we’re all looking for ways to stay cosy without cranking up the heating bill. Winter warmth doesn’t have to mean high energy costs, especially for those of us who are solo mums who need to make every penny count. In this post I share 15 supportive practical and budget-friendly ways to keep you and your family warm this winter—without burning a hole in your pocket!

Number One - Layer Up with Cosy Clothing

The best (and simplest) way to stay warm is to layer up! A cosy, oversized hoodie or “snuggle hoodie” is fantastic for keeping warm around the house. I love my snuggle hoodie—it’s thick, soft, and traps heat effectively. Layering with warm, comfortable clothes such as a vest top or a jumper can mean you don’t need the heating on all the time, which helps save money. Plus, kids’ versions are available too, so everyone can stay toasty!

Number Two - Invest in Lined Clothing

Consider lined or fleece-lined leggings and tops. While they may have a slightly higher upfront cost, these clothes keep you much warmer that you may not need as many layers (or extra heating). Lined clothing is particularly great for outdoor winter events, like fireworks displays, however you can wear them indoors for that extra bit of warmth.

Number Three - Try Thermal Wear

Thermal layers are lifesavers in the colder months. Adding a thermal top and bottoms under your regular clothes can make a huge difference when heading out or staying in. Thermal wear is great in the night when it gets a little colder. For little ones, thermal sets can keep them comfortably warm throughout the day, whether at school or for evening activities.

Number Four - Embrace the Hot Water Bottle

A hot water bottle is a winter essential in our household. I fill ours in the evening, so when we climb into bed, it’s warm and welcoming. You can even prepare hot water bottles before leaving the house for evening events and pop them in bed so that you’re welcomed back to a cosy, pre-warmed spot! Hot water bottles come in all shapes and sizes now and I have a smaller hot water bottle that I take with me in the car if I have to wait for my son for some kind of activity.

Number Five - Keep Those Feet Warm with Slippers

It’s no myth: warm feet can help keep your whole body warm! Choose a pair of slippers with memory foam or fluffy linings. I personally love the slipper “booties,” as they cover the ankles too or get longer ones and cover part of the leg. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wearing slippers all day around the house.

Number Six - Get Cozy with Fleece Jackets and Dressing Gowns

Along with hoodies, fleece jackets and thick dressing gowns are your best friends for the chilly months. After a long day, wrapping up in a warm dressing gown and a cup of tea watching your favourite movie can help you relax and keep you warm without needing to turn on the heating.

Number Seven - Add Extra Blankets

Swapping your thin summer blankets for thicker ones in winter is a simple way to add warmth. I recommend sherpa or teddy fleece blankets, they’re incredibly warm! Keep a couple on the sofa and layer them on your bed to make those chilly nights more comfortable and cosy.

Number Eight - Sip on Hot Drinks

A hot drink can do wonders for warming you up from the inside out. Whether you’re a fan of tea, coffee, or even just hot water with lemon, keep your favourite hot drink nearby. You don’t have to splurge on coffee shop drinks either; a simple flask filled with tea or hot water can do the trick on chilly days. This is also a great excuse to consume extra hot chocolates.

Number Nine - Get Moving

Moving more generates heat, and it doesn’t take much to get your body temperature up. If you’re feeling chilly, try doing some light cleaning or go for a short walk around the house. Even simple movements like stretching, light exercise, or dancing with your kids can warm you up in no time! Doing some free YouTube workouts will not only keep you warm but will be something the entire family can take part in.

Number Ten - Take a Hot Bath

A warm bath is a lovely way to relax and raise your body temperature on a cold day. Not only will it make you feel warm while in the water, but it can also keep you cosy long after you get out, especially if you put on a warm dressing gown and have a hot drink. Plus, it’s an excellent way to unwind after a busy day!

Number Eleven - Cook and Bake at Home

Cooking and baking can help keep you warm and provide delicious treats! Shut the kitchen door while baking to trap the heat, then let the oven’s residual warmth fill your home once you're finished. Not only does it make your kitchen warmer, but it also fills the house with delicious aromas and gives you a delicious meal or treat.

Number Twelve - Use Draft Dodgers

Drafts can bring in a lot of cold air, making rooms feel cooler. A simple solution is to place draft dodgers or draft excluders by the door. These inexpensive items prevent cold air from creeping in and keep warm air from escaping, making your home much more comfortable. Draft excluders are relatively inexpensive therefore you can get a few to have around the house.

Number Thirteen - Light Some Candles

Candles add a cosy atmosphere and provide a bit of extra warmth. Just a few strategically placed candles can slightly warm up a room, giving it a welcoming glow. However, always practise safety ensuring all candles are out before bedtime and avoid leaving candles unattended, especially if little ones are around.

Number Fourteen -Use Thermal Blackout Curtains

Thermal blackout curtains are fantastic for keeping cold air out. They provide insulation for your windows and help retain warmth, especially overnight when temperatures drop. If blackout curtains aren’t an option for every room, consider adding them to the most-used spaces or bedrooms.

Number Fifteen - Snuggle Together

Sometimes, the best way to stay warm is simply to huddle up with loved ones. Snuggling with your little ones under a blanket, whether reading a book, watching a movie, or just chatting, can be heartwarming and heat-generating. Plus, you get to create beautiful memories while staying cosy. Put a movie on, grab some snacks and huddle together under some warm blankets.

These are 15 tips that can make a big difference in how you can warm yourself up without turning up the thermostat. Staying warm on a budget is possible, and every little bit of change adds up. Try a few of these suggestions and see what works best for you and your family.

If you have your own budget-friendly ways to keep warm this winter, feel free to share them in the comments below for us to learn from one another.

Until next time

Rachel