Snow shovels

An electric snow shovel is a small powered thrower on a handle. It clears a narrow path and tosses light snow a short distance. It suits people with a short driveway, steps, a deck or a walkway who would rather not lift much. Corded models need an outdoor extension cord and an outlet close to the area. Before buying, check the clearing width, how deep a snowfall it can handle and the weight. Also think about storage space. Wet, heavy snow and the hard ridge left by the plow are usually too much for these.

A cordless snow shovel works like an electric one but runs on a rechargeable battery, so there is no cord to drag around cars or across steps. It suits someone with scattered areas to clear, such as a front walk, a back deck and a path to the shed. Check how long a charge lasts, whether the battery comes included, and whether it fits other tools the person already owns. Batteries lose run time in the cold, so the person will need somewhere indoors to keep and charge it.

An ergonomic snow shovel has a bent shaft, a second handle or an adjustable length. These change the way the person holds and lifts the shovel, so they bend less. They suit taller people, seniors and anyone who finds a straight shaft awkward. Before buying, think about the person's height. An adjustable shaft is a good choice when you aren't sure, or when more than one person in the house will use it. Check that the grips are big enough to hold with winter gloves on.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Ergonomic handle snow shovel

  This shovel is ideal for individuals seeking to reduce strain on their back and shoulders during winter snow clearing tasks.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Adjustable length snow shovel

  This adaptable shovel is perfect for households with multiple users or for tackling various snow depths and clearing tasks.

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Most people searching this want one well-made shovel that handles every kind of snowfall and lasts for years. A heavy-duty shovel with a metal blade edge and a solid shaft suits homeowners who clear their own driveway all winter. Check how the blade attaches to the shaft, since that joint usually fails first. Look for a wear strip along the edge that scrapes packed snow cleanly. Make sure the blade isn't too big for the person to lift when it's full of wet snow.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Heavy duty snow shovel

  Built for challenging winter conditions, this robust shovel can tackle dense, wet snow and light ice with superior strength.

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A snow pusher has a wide, low blade built to push snow to the edge instead of lifting and throwing it. It suits long driveways, flat parking pads and sidewalks where the snow can go to one side. Pushers work best on fresh, light snow. They are slower with deep or packed snow. Check the blade width against the space the person has to clear and store it in. Blades that are too wide can be hard to push once snow builds up.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Wide blade snow pusher

  Perfect for homeowners with large, flat surfaces, this tool efficiently clears light to moderate snowfall by pushing it aside.

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A car snow shovel is small and often collapsible, so it fits in a trunk or under a seat. It suits commuters, students and anyone who parks outside or drives rural roads. It's for digging out tires, clearing around doors or breaking up the ridge left by the plow. Check the folded size, how the parts lock together and whether the blade is sturdy enough for icy snow. It pairs well with an ice scraper mitt to make a small winter car kit.

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  Curated pickUnder $15

  Ice Scraper Mitt

  Scrape the windshield without freezing your hand

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Collapsible car snow shovel

  An essential safety item for any vehicle owner, this compact shovel ensures readiness for unexpected roadside snow or ice.

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Most households just need a dependable everyday shovel. A lightweight shovel with a plastic blade is easy for most people to handle and good for steps and walkways. A children's shovel lets younger kids help outside or build snow forts next to a parent. Before choosing, match the blade size to the person's strength and the handle length to their height. Think about where it will hang between storms.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Lightweight snow shovel

  A versatile and easy-to-handle option, this shovel is suitable for general snow clearing without scratching delicate surfaces like decks.

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  Gift ideaUsually under $15

  Children's snow shovel

  Encourage young helpers to participate in winter chores with a safe, appropriately sized shovel designed just for them.

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A snow scoop is a deep, wide bucket, often on runners or wheels, that slides a large load of snow across the ground. It's made for dumping snow onto a bank rather than lifting it overhead. It suits rural properties, big driveways and places that get deep snow. Check how wide the scoop is compared with gates and paths. Make sure the person has space to dump the snow, and that they're comfortable steering a full load.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Snow scoop shovel

  This innovative tool makes clearing heavy or deep snow less strenuous by allowing users to push and dump snow with minimal lifting.

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