
We all have that one friend or family member who constantly complains about being cold. Despite owning an extra-toasty cocoon coat, a blanket scarf, shearling boots, and even a hot chocolate to go, no amount of outerwear is considered too excessive. So, what could be better than gifting the Eskimo in your life something to actually combat the elements once and for all? Scroll on for 20 winter essentials that will come in handy on days when you can’t feel your toes.
1. Anthropologie Getaway Alpaca Cowl Scarf ($128): Whether frolicking in the snow, or taking a scenic stroll through the park, this knit scarf is the epitome of snow-day fun.
2. UpANotchGifts Hot Chocolate Cone Kit ($35+): Fact: There’s nothing that a cup of hot cocoa and an afternoon spent curled up on the couch can’t fix. This festive gift set will be the perfect pick-me-up when the weather outside is just too much to handle.
3. Anthropologie Pommed Berkshire Gloves ($32): These stylish gloves will make you feel like making snow angels — even in the dead of winter.
4. Anthropologie Striped Faux Fur Throw Blanket ($128): On low-key weekends, this faux fur throw blanket is the best way to relax. Not only will it spruce up your decor, but it’s practically made for chilly mornings when getting out of bed doesn’t feel like an option.
5. ModCloth Get Some Beauty Sheep Slippers ($25): Because odds are your BFF or sis would never think to buy these cutesy sheep slippers for herself. From pajama parties to lazy Sundays, these are the definition of stay-home chic.
6. Out from Under Cozy Fleece Jogger Pant ($49): These fleece sweatpants probably *should* be worn in public on those colder-than-cold days.
7. Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel + Bubble Bath ($18): Treat yo’ self with this all-in-one product that doubles as a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. Bonus: It’ll have you smelling like a toasty cinnamon bun too.
8. Kit and Ace Better Together Jacket ($168): For the outdoorsy person on your list, this versatile jacket won’t disappoint. It’s both thermal and lightweight for weekend hikes to yoga retreats.
9. UGG Bailey Button II Boots ($170): These water-resistant, leather boots have a cute button closure. And the shearling lining will make your feet feel like they’re getting a warm hug.
10. kate spade new york Warm Heart Thermal Mug ($18): This thermal mug says it all. The secret to staying warm during frigid commutes is to come prepared with a hot beverage of your choice (mulled cider, anyone?)
11. Urban Outfitters Devon Pointelle Knit Sweater ($64): Curl up in this comfortable knit sweater that looks like it came straight from your momma’s closet.
12. Nineteen27 S’mores Kit Original ($10+): These are indoor s’mores, people! For ooey-gooey chocolatey goodness in the safety of your own home, this is the gift set that you need RN.
13. J.Crew Ribbed Beanie With Faux Fur Pom-Pom ($40): Keep your ears and head toasty with this cozy, ribbed beanie that’s cute enough to wear indoors or for a walk outside in the snow.
14. ASOS Made in Kenya Robe Coat With Balloon Sleeves ($174): Your fashionably late bestie is going to love you. Thanks to this belted robe-turned-coat in disguise, getting dressed in the morning will be as easy as rolling out of bed and heading out the door.
15. Hopscotch Cedar and Pine Candle ($30): For the hostess with the mostest or the girl who’s all go-go-go, this pine-scented candle will bring some serious relaxation. Did we mention that it smells like a freshly cut Christmas tree too?
16. Free People Snow Day Crew Sock ($12): These socks are the cold-weather essential that your bestie won’t believe she’s been living without. Slip them on next time you stay home for a snow day.
17. Cozy Geo Print Hoodie Poncho ($64): This is infinitely chicer than any Snuggie we’ve ever seen. The oversized fit makes it an uber stylish topper on days when it’s almost too cold to function.
18. Krimson Klover Excelerator 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater ($159): This sustainable clothing brand is dedicated to “slow fashion,” or taking the time to hand-craft environmentally-friendly pieces that will last you for years, which is ideal since you’ll never want to take off this warm merino wool sweater.
19. SMOKO Fox Pillow Warmer ($40): Pillows and blankets are a must on cold days, but this clever fox also has an internal heater for extra warmth.
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20. Free People Earmuff Headphones ($28): Listening to your favorite tunes is no longer an excuse for letting your ears get cold.
21. Soup of the Day: 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year ($21): Keep the cold at bay by making heartwarming soups to sip on all winter long.
Additional reporting by Andrea Romano.
What are your must-have cold-weather essentials? Share them with us @BritandCo.
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Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures