Gift guide
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The first cold morning always sneaks up on us: someone has outgrown last year's coat, and the hand-me-down has a broken zipper. Kids' coats need to be warm, survive a season of recess and ideally not cost a fortune, since they'll need a new one next year.
So we rounded up warm winter coats for kids at every budget, from an $18 puffer to waterproof parkas and snowsuits for places with real snow. Prices were checked as we published, and several are on sale right now.
The Children's Place · $17.99
A water- and wind-resistant puffer with a full lining, an attached hood and a zipper chin guard, so nothing scratches when it's zipped all the way up. Hard to beat for the price, especially if your kid is growing fast.
The Children's Place · $24.98
A simple, water-resistant puffer with an attached hood and elastic cuffs and hem to keep the cold out. A good everyday coat for preschool drop-off and the playground.
Gap · $78 (on sale for $39 as we publish)
Wind- and water-resistant, fully lined and quilted, with a zipper under a snap placket and fleece-lined pockets for cold little hands.
Maisonette · $68 (on sale for $54.40 at Maisonette as we publish)
Warm but not bulky, with a wind- and water-repellent recycled shell, and it packs down small enough to toss in a backpack when the afternoon warms up. It's machine washable, which matters more than any other feature.
Gap · $98 (on sale for $49 as we publish)
A wind- and water-resistant colorblock puffer with a shaped hood and zip pockets, made from 100% recycled nylon. A sporty pick for kids who run hot and cold.
Maisonette · $59
A waterproof puffer in fun prints, sized from 2 to 16, so it works for little kids and tweens who still want a little sparkle.
Maisonette · $98
Soft sherpa on one side, a relaxed gender-neutral parka on the other. Two looks in one coat makes it an easy hand-me-down.
Maisonette · $118 (on sale for $94.40 at Maisonette as we publish)
Primary's warmest coat has a fully waterproof shell for snow and slush, a sherpa-lined hood and pockets, rib storm cuffs and a mitten loop. There's even a little envelope for an AirTag.
Gap · $128 (on sale for $64 as we publish)
A water-repellent ripstop heavyweight puffer with a hood and a zip chest pocket, made from 100% recycled polyester. Gap notes it runs relaxed, so size down for a closer fit.
Maisonette · $149.95
Finnish brand Reima makes outerwear for long, cold winters. This down puffer is very warm and light, with a recycled shell that resists water, in sizes 4T to 13.
Maisonette · $179.95
A fully waterproof one-piece with sealed seams and an insulated seat, so toddlers stay warm and dry no matter how long they sit in the snow. The faux fur hood trim is detachable.
Reader Q&A
Water-resistant coats shed light rain and snow but will soak through in slush or a long snowball fight. Waterproof coats, like Primary's weatherproof parka or Reima's snowsuits, have a waterproof shell and are worth it if your kids play in wet snow.
Going up one size usually buys you another season and leaves room for a sweater underneath. Check that sleeves don't cover their hands and the hem doesn't get in the way of climbing, and look at each brand's fit notes, since some run roomy.
Car seat safety experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise against bulky coats under car seat harnesses because they can leave the straps too loose. Buckle kids in with a thin layer, then put the coat on backwards over the harness or tuck a blanket on top.
Many kids' puffers are machine washable, including Primary's. Follow the care label, close the zippers and use a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low; a couple of clean tennis balls help fluff the fill back up.
