Turn darker days into cozy reading time with these accessories
Canada is a dark country in the cold months, and that can be hard to take. Reading can help get you through.
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Autumn days can be a delight – but they’re also short, and getting shorter, as we approach the dark days of winter.
No one should underestimate the importance of self-care during the winter months, and for many people (like me!), curling up with a good book can be a real mood booster. Aside from the book in question, here are six things we recommend to make reading time as cozy as it can be.
Amber Night Reading light
Amazon.ca
Whether you’re reading just before lights out, or reading in a dark nook without the best lighting, a clip-on LED light can be your friend, but it’s important to avoid blue light, like that emitted by your phone or other electronic devices, so that your natural sleep patterns aren’t affected. This particular variety gives off a warm, amber glow – I use it myself at night, and it’s like reading by candlelight. Makes you feel like there’s nothing in the whole world except you, your comforter, and that last chapter before bed.
Why we picked it:
Warm amber light is easy on the eyes and won’t meddle with your sleep cycle
USB rechargeable with three brightness settings
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
READ MORE: How to get a good sleep and wake up feeling refreshed
Book Page Holder
Amazon.ca
If your chosen tome is of the paperback variety, you know it can be tough to keep the pages spread open, particularly if you’re trying to read with one hand. This nifty little thing will help: it’s a dedicated page holder, designed to work using just your thumb and a bit of pressure, without damaging the book. Great if you don’t want to have to worry about sore fingers or awkward positioning while trying to sip some coffee during reading time or suchlike.
Why we picked it:
Makes reading with one hand easy and comfortable
Made from walnut, comes in four sizes to fit any thumb
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
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Bamboo Reading Rest
Amazon.ca
On the other end of the spectrum, sometimes your book is awkward to hold simply due to its size – maybe it’s a large hardcover, or even a manual, textbook or cookbook (the crown jewel of my own collection is a leatherbound Shakespeare collection, whose enormity can be a challenge). Whatever you’re reading, an adjustable reading stand like this makes it easier to handle, whether you’re at the table or kitchen counter, or just have it against your knees in bed or on the couch.
Why we picked it:
Gives good support for larger books, in whatever setting
Bamboo construction, portable with easily adjustable stand
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Bathtub Caddy Tray
Amazon.ca
A hot bath is a fine cure for seasonable blues, and reading in the tub is a special kind of luxury – provided you don’t drop your chosen volume, of course. Make it extra luxurious with this bath tray caddy, with plenty of space for you to pair your reading with a cup of tea or coffee, and even a slot for a wine glass that’ll keep it from tipping over in between sips. Just lovely.
Why we picked it:
Lightweight, bamboo construction, easily adjustable to fit your tub
Includes nooks for your phone, small hand towel, coffee cup and wine glass
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Insulated Travel Mug
Amazon.ca
A good book and a hot tea or coffee go together like two distinct things that famously complement each other nicely, but a long reading session can sometimes leave your chosen beverage cold. Travel mugs are normally associated with your car, but they’ll do in a pinch at home, too, and we especially like this one – it’s solid and elegant, and when it's got ‘YETI’ written on it, you know it will do the job well.
Why we picked it:
Insulated stainless steel construction keeps your drink warm for longer
14 colours to choose from
Bestseller on Amazon.ca, where it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5
SHOP MORE: How to extend the time you spend outdoors this fall
Reading Journal
Amazon.ca
There’s such a thing as casual reading of course, but for true bookworms whose to-read pile never seems to shrink, it can be really satisfying to log and review your latest selection once you’ve finished the final chapter. There are proper reading journals for that, and we picked this one for its attractive design, and for the fact that each book has two whole pages allotted for you to scribble your thoughts down after you’ve finished rating them.
Why we picked it:
Comprehensive, with room for up to 50 book reviews, in as much detail as you like
Available in paperback or hardcover
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
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Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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