Style, Jewelry & Accessories

Gloves & mittens

8 kinds worth knowing, 10 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of gloves & mittens — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Gloves and mittens are one of the few gifts that get used every day from November to March, so they suit almost anyone on your list: a mom who walks the dog at dawn, a dad who clears the driveway, a boss who commutes on foot. Think about where the person's hands spend the winter. A knit pair of mittens suits slow walks and school pickups. Ski gloves suit someone who is out on the hill or shovelling wet snow. Getting the size right matters more than getting the style exactly right, and a pair that fits their routine will get worn much more than a nicer pair that doesn't.

Kind 1 of 8

Mittens for everyday winter wear

Mittens keep the fingers together, so they usually feel warmer than gloves with the same lining. They suit people who walk a lot, wait at bus stops or stand outside at games. Convertible styles have a flip-top that opens to free the fingers, which helps with keys, leashes and zippers. Before buying, check the cuff length, since a longer cuff tucks under a coat sleeve and keeps snow out. See whether the thumb is set at a natural angle, and whether the outer fabric can take a wet day or is meant for dry cold only.

  • Representative photo-style image of convertible mittens — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Convertible mittens

    These adaptable hand coverings provide the warmth of mittens with the option to free fingers for tasks requiring dexterity, making them highly practical.

Kind 2 of 8

Ski gloves for days on the hill

Ski gloves are built for long hours in snow. They have a waterproof layer, thicker insulation and a reinforced palm for gripping poles and lift bars. They suit skiers and snowboarders, and they also work well for anyone who shovels, builds snow forts with kids or does winter chores. Check for a gauntlet cuff that fits over a jacket sleeve, a wrist strap to keep snow out, and enough movement to handle a zipper or buckle. A removable liner makes drying them overnight much easier.

  • Representative photo-style image of ski gloves waterproof — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Ski gloves waterproof

    Designed for winter sports enthusiasts, these gloves provide essential waterproofing and insulation for snowy adventures on the slopes.

Kind 3 of 8

Warm, good-looking mittens for her

Women's winter mittens are cut narrower through the palm and shorter in the fingers, so they fit better and don't feel bulky. Wool knits and sherpa or fleece linings are popular because they look good with a dress coat and still work for a walk in the cold. They make an easy gift for a wife, mom or grandma. Check the lining, since plain knit lets wind through. See whether the wool feels soft or scratchy against the wrist, and whether the colour goes with the coat she already wears most.

  • Representative photo-style image of cozy wool knit mittens — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Cozy wool knit mittens

    Offering superior warmth by keeping fingers together, these classic mittens are a comforting choice for extremely cold conditions.

Kind 4 of 8

Ski mittens sized for women

Women's ski mittens combine the warmth of a mitten with the waterproof shell and grip of a ski glove. They suit anyone who gets cold hands on the chairlift or spends long afternoons on the hill with kids. The women's sizing matters here, because a mitten that is too long in the fingers makes it harder to hold poles. Check for a long gauntlet cuff, a leash or wrist loop so she can take them off on the lift, and a palm with some texture. An inner liner glove adds flexibility for adjusting boots.

Kind 5 of 8

Ski mittens for men who run cold

Men's ski mittens suit the skier, snowboarder or ice fisher who has tried gloves and still ends up with cold fingers. They are cut wider and longer than women's versions, with a waterproof shell, a sturdy palm and a gauntlet cuff. They also work well for a husband or dad who does a lot of outdoor winter work. Check the hand measurement against the size chart instead of guessing from shirt size. Look for a liner that comes out for drying, and a nose-wipe panel on the thumb, which gets used more than you'd expect.

Kind 6 of 8

Insulated gloves for cold commutes

Insulated gloves add a warm layer between the shell and the lining while keeping separate fingers, so you can still drive, carry groceries and use door handles. They are a practical middle ground between thin dress gloves and bulky ski gloves. Cashmere or fleece linings feel soft and make the gift feel more special. Check how thick the insulation is against how the person uses their hands. Someone who drives a lot needs more grip and less bulk than someone who waits outside for a train.

  • Representative photo-style image of insulated winter gloves — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Insulated winter gloves

    These robust gloves are ideal for anyone facing cold weather, providing essential warmth and protection during outdoor activities.

  • Representative photo-style image of luxurious cashmere lined gloves — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Luxurious cashmere lined gloves

    Offering unparalleled softness and warmth, these gloves provide a touch of everyday luxury, making them a delightful gift for anyone who appreciates comfort.

Kind 7 of 8

Gloves that work with a phone

Touchscreen winter gloves have conductive thread on the fingertips, so you can answer a call, check a map or pay with your phone without taking them off. They suit commuters, dog walkers and anyone who is always on their phone outside. Check which fingers are conductive, since some only cover the thumb and index finger. See whether the fingertips are snug enough to tap accurately, and whether the gloves have a grippy palm so the phone doesn't slip. Thin styles are best for fall and milder days.

  • Illustration of Touchscreen Winter Gloves

    Curated pickUnder $15

    Touchscreen Winter Gloves

    For everyone who texts bare-handed at the bus stop in January.

  • Representative photo-style image of touchscreen friendly winter gloves — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Touchscreen friendly winter gloves

    These practical gloves allow wearers to use their smartphones and tablets without exposing their hands to the cold, blending convenience with warmth.

Kind 8 of 8

Waterproof winter gloves for women

Waterproof winter gloves for women keep slush and wet snow out while staying slimmer than ski gloves. They suit someone who scrapes the car, pushes a stroller through slush or walks in sleet. A waterproof membrane under the outer fabric works better than a surface coating alone. Check for sealed or taped seams, a cuff that cinches, and a fit that's snug without squeezing. Some styles are also touchscreen-friendly, which is worth looking for if she uses her phone on the go.

  • Representative photo-style image of classic leather driving gloves — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Classic leather driving gloves

    These form-fitting gloves enhance grip and provide a touch of classic sophistication, perfect for the discerning driver or fashion enthusiast.

  • Representative photo-style image of elegant leather dress gloves — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Elegant leather dress gloves

    Perfect for adding a sophisticated touch to any outfit, these gloves offer both style and warmth for cooler days.

How to choose gloves & mittens as a gift

  • Measure around the widest part of the palm, or borrow a pair they already wear, before choosing a size.
  • Match warmth to activity: knit mittens for strolls, insulated gloves for commutes, waterproof ski styles for snow play and shovelling.
  • Pick mittens for anyone who complains about cold fingers, and gloves for anyone who needs to handle keys, phones or steering wheels.
  • Removable liners dry faster and let the recipient wear the liner alone on milder days.
  • Choose a neutral colour that works with the coat they wear most, unless you know they love something brighter.

Usually safe to skip

  • Thin fashion gloves for someone who spends real time outdoors, since they look nice but can't handle a Canadian January.
  • Novelty or character mittens for adults, which tend to get worn once for a laugh and then forgotten.
  • One-size-fits-all stretch gloves for people with large or small hands, since a poor fit loses warmth and grip.

Questions people ask about gloves & mittens

Are mittens or gloves warmer?
Mittens are usually warmer because the fingers share heat inside one pocket. Gloves give more dexterity for driving, typing on a phone or handling keys. For someone who gets very cold hands, mittens or convertible mittens are the safer gift.
How do I pick the right glove size as a gift?
Measure around the knuckles of the dominant hand, not counting the thumb, and compare it with the size chart. If you can't measure, borrow a pair they already wear and check its label. When in doubt, choose mittens or a stretchy liner, which fit a wider range of hands.
Do touchscreen gloves work on all phones?
They work on most modern capacitive touchscreens, including most phones and tablets. How well they work depends on how snug the fingertips are and how much conductive thread is on them. Loose fingertips make it hard to tap accurately, so a close fit matters more than thickness.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

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All gloves & mittens picks

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