How To Spend $100: Lowe’s

The best gifts to get someone you love (including yourself) are those that offer potential, either beautiful or useful, from now through March. And Lowe’s is all about potential. Enormous potential! I combed the aisles for items that would materially improve your life this winter for a well-spent $100. Is this like giving you a puppy? Maybe. 

Just add water. Showstopper red, white or pink amaryllis bulbs ($12.98) are as essential as chocolate during snowy months. Nestle in a yogurt tub full of pea gravel (20 lbs., $5.28) and place in a sunny window. When the shoot emerges, cover the gravel with moss ($4.48) and pop the container in a handy bucket ($6.98) for easy, long-lasting fireworks. 

Mood lighting. Speaking of bulbs, swap in brighter LEDs ($6.98 for 2) for the season, and clip on movable work lamps. Plug in motion sensor nightlights ($14.98 for 2) along the route to the coffee maker. 

Hygge = Happy. A lavender oil jar candle ($10.98) is relaxing and really stands up to drafts. What?! You have holes in your walls? Give them little winter coats with light switch insulation ($2.98).

Make space. You won’t need tank tops and flip flops for a while (or if you do, pack them in your suitcase), so stow them away for the season in a breathable cloth bag ($8.23). Suddenly your closet becomes a “capsule collection,” making it easier to get dressed on winter mornings. Keep storage bags fresh with hankie sachets of cedar chips (two cubic feet, $4.08), which you can reuse on the garden come spring.

Maker’s station. I always wanted a mechanic’s tool chest to store art supplies and paper (which spread everywhere in a house full of projects). A two-drawer version ($19.99) tidies up hobby and desk supplies, makeup, jewelry or, of course, tools. Try giving this treasure chest filled with origami paper to your favorite seven-year-old for hours of making, one of the best ways to fill the dark season with joy.