my best outdoor gear for children

In the spirit of cold weather mothers everywhere, my favorites for keeping littles cozy

snows out, tongues out | kuling snow suits, sorel boots, the simple folk hat

Here in Minnesota, if we want to be outside, which we very much do, we need an assortment of outdoor gear. There are the early fall days that require a light jacket, the warmer rainy days and the cooler ones, the no snow yet frigid windy days, and then the all-out blizzard conditions. As we’ve gotten more into outdoor play after joining a local Forest School, I’m even more invested in being sure we are properly dressed to enjoy the outdoors. Wary of synthetic fabrics, I’ve gotten keen on spotting woolens and other layering pieces that work well for multiple ages and both genders. That way pieces can be handed down.

Recently, for our five year “wood” wedding anniversary, Seth gifted me a lovely antique dresser for our vestibule we found on an online estate auction website. I was looking specifically for a four-drawer dresser that would store all of the kids’ outdoor gear, each child having their own drawer. This allows me to keep things organized and to see immediately if we need something.

Penny’s top drawer, full of hand me down cozies

I’ve been investing in and frankly collecting outdoor children’s clothing since Cilla was little. Thus, we’ve been able to pass every item down and have lent them out to other families. These are all heirloom quality, long lasting pieces and brands that can stand the test of time and rough players. I’ve seen these brands on Marketplace, buy-sell-trade groups, and on sale or eBay.

My mom has been so generous with her knitting skills and usually knits a few pieces for the kids each fall. I have saved everything she’s made us, they are so precious to me. My favorite are the pass through scarves and the wool mittens on strings. Mom if you’re reading this, thank you.

Base layers | Chasing Windmills long underwear

Wool sweaters | handmade, thrifted, Misha & Puff, FUB

Hats | Briar baby, Misha & Puff, Hvid, The Simple Folk, Fin & Vince (no longer open, but you can find pieces here and there if you search!)

Rain suits | Polarn O Pyret

Rain pants & jackets | Kuling

Rain boots | Hunter

Snow suits | Kuling

Wool baby suit | Siskin by Mama Owl

Baby snow suit lined | LL Bean

Wool pants | Siskin from Mama Owl

Quilted jackets | Janie & Jack

Lighter quilted jackets | Nellie Quats, Baby Gap

Mittens | Chopper Mill, Konges Sløjd

Baby mittens | Polarn O Pyret

Booties | Polarn O Pyret

Boots | Sorel

Preschool ready with Nellie Quats, Hvid, and grandma’s knitted mittens on strings.