10 Best Dollar Tree Items To Stay Warm Indoors This Winter Without Cranking The Heat

As winter approaches and the temperatures start to drop, it's tempting to get the heater going. But a recent study from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) might make you pause. They estimate that heating prices for homes in the 2025-26 winter season, on average, will increase about 7.6% compared to last year, due to rising costs of both electricity and natural gas. That's enough to make anyone step back from the thermostat. But according to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you turn your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day (for example, while you're at work), you can save up to 10% a year on heating costs. Another way to save energy is to set the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you're awake and set it slightly lower when you're asleep or out of the house.

So while you're adjusting your thermostat, we found some budget-friendly items that will also help keep you warm indoors. Because while no one wants an astronomically high heating bill, you probably don't want to freeze in your living room either. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive ways to stay warm without having to crank up the heat. From window insulation to hot cups of cocoa, we found 10 budget-friendly items from Dollar Tree that are practically free tricks for staying warm and cozy in your home during winter.

Have drafty windows? Weather Buster window insulation kits are a great way to seal them for the winter and keep the cold air out. These kits can cover up to 60 by 72 inches of window space. Simply apply the sticky tape included in the kit all the way around the window and place the shrink wrap across, then press down the tape. You can cut the kit down to size if needed. Use a blow dryer to heat the shrink wrap and seal it, effectively keeping the cold air out and trapping the warmth inside.

If you don't want to seal off windows with shrink wrap, but still need to fix drafty windows, you can use the Tool Bench Hardware All Purpose White Caulk. Preventing cold air drafts is a small but effective home task that keeps your home warm (without raising the thermostat). Not only is this caulk odorless and mildew-resistant, but you can also paint over it so it matches the window frames or walls around the area you are working on. You can use this product inside or outside the home, so don't stop at just the windows.

We all know windows aren't the only place chilly winds are able to creep into the house. Old doors can be just as drafty, and these door insulation kits can help. Whether it's a creaky old side door, basement, or attic door, these insulation kits will work for any door up to 84 by 36 inches. They are basically a larger version of the window insulation kits above and are installed the same way to block out the outdoor breeze.

What better way to stay warm and cozy than to bundle up with an Embossed Plush Throw Blanket on a cold winter night? Measuring 50 by 60 inches, these budget-friendly blankets are big enough to snuggle up with on the couch or even add extra warmth to the bedding when you go to sleep. They're also machine washable, which makes them a great, low-maintenance way to stay warm without cranking up the heater. With four different color options, these are sure to be cozy throw blankets that will look good in every room in your home.

Keep those toes toasty with the Dollar Tree Snugadoo Adult Soft Socks. If you're trying to keep the heater on low indoors, best believe your feet will get chilly very quickly. Having a pair of comfortable, warm socks to put on can make a huge difference. With four different colors to choose from, you'll find something to match every outfit and keep things from getting boring from day to day. All while managing to keep the heating prices down and your wallet happy. Plus, it's a simple item anyone in the household can use.

While the throw blanket and socks keep your lower body warm, you'll need something for your upper body, too. And nothing says warm and cozy holiday cheer like a red Christmas house scarf. This is a fun, festive way to stay warm indoors. Whether hosting a holiday party or spending a relaxing night alone, this scarf will keep the cold at bay while turning up the seasonal spirit. You can easily layer it with a warm sweater and cozy pants, as well as a pair of extra soft socks, to maximize full body heat.

If socks aren't enough, grab a pair of the Ladies Classic Scuff Slippers. Keeping your feet warm is an important way to stay comfortable in cold weather, especially while trying to maintain low heating expenses in your home. The faux fur lining of these slippers adds extra warmth and style to the neutral color. The design makes it easy to slip them on and off, as you are coming and going. They are also a handy choice to wear while doing household chores around the home. They come in sizes 5 to 9, so there's something for everyone.

Don't forget about the kids in your home! These Knit Gloves for Kids come in different colors with various emblems on the front, perfect for expressing their own personal style while staying nice and warm. They come in one size but are stretchy enough to fit most children. They can conveniently be worn indoors or outdoors, making them extremely good for your bottom line. You can even purchase several pairs so they have one for outdoor use, one for indoor use, and maybe even one extra, just in case (we all know how quickly kids can lose things).

When you think about staying warm indoors, it's often the warm blankets or cozy socks that come to mind. But don't forget how effective a warm beverage can be, too. This hot cocoa mix from Dollar Tree is such a delicious way to warm up on a cold winter day. Packaged in individual envelopes, it makes for a long-lasting pantry item that is good to keep on hand all season. Just add hot water or milk to the powdered mix, stir, and enjoy. It's a simple and quick way to beat the chill.

Soup is a classic go-to winter meal to warm up after a long, cold day. If you don't have time to make soup from scratch, a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup will do the trick. It's easy and quick, just warm it up in a pan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Keep a few cans on hand for those cold waves that come through or when you're fighting off the seasonal flu. While you're stocking up, use this easy and efficient soup can organization hack that maximizes pantry storage.