Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

Try the Hygge Trend This Winter With These Thrifty Tips

Hygge (pronounced ” hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that roughly translates to ” coziness.” But hygge is not just about snuggling under a comfy blanket and binge-watching your favorite TV series. Rather, it’s a way of life that involves slowing down, enjoying quality time with friends and family, and noticing life’s little moments.

In recent years, the hygge phenomenon has spread from Denmark and taken the world by storm. As of this post, the hashtag hygge has been used on Instagram in more than 5 million photos!

Thinking about joining the club and practicing the art of hygge in your daily life? Winter is the perfect time to cozy up and give the hygge trend a try!

Here are some tips and tricks for getting your hygge on with help from Ohio Valley Goodwill:

Add light and warmth

Candles are a big part of Danish culture, and for good reason. Not only do they smell wonderful, but they also provide warm light and a comforting ambiance that promotes a sense of comfort and relaxation. Especially in the winter when the days are short and the nights are long, the natural light produced by candles makes us feel better than electric lights. Try making your own candles by melting wax on the stovetop and adding a few drops of essential oil for scent. Then, pour your DIY candle wax into a repurposed glass jar from Goodwill and place a wick inside. Light your homemade candles while you wind down for the night””you’ll practically feel your stress melting away!

Glass jars from Goodwill

Glass jars from Goodwill

Get comfy

Hygge-inspired style is another trend that has spread across the world. Think oversized sweaters, stretchy athleisure clothing, soft loungewear, warm socks, and minimalist jewelry. Most importantly, you don’t have to buy brand new clothes or accessories to experience the comfort of hygge fashion. Buying secondhand is environmentally friendly and better for your wallet! Shop at your local Cincinnati Goodwill store for hygge-worthy clothing and accessories at incredible prices.

Mannequin dressed in blue athletic jacket and blue leggings

Athleisure from Goodwill

Enjoy good company and great food

Sharing warm foods and beverages with friends and family is key to the hygge lifestyle. Instead of dining out, invite loved ones over for a hearty, homemade comfort meal like soup or stew, roasted squash, or cheesy pasta. Finish your evening with a decadent dessert and a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Serve your hygge dishes on stylish trays and plates you picked up for less at Goodwill. Your guests are sure to love spending quality time together around the table!

white dishes on a shelf at Goodwill

White Dishes from Goodwill

Go screen-free

Hygge encourages us to stay present and avoid distractions. That’s why reading, journaling, playing games, putting together puzzles, and other screen-free activities are so essential to the hygge lifestyle! Try committing to at least one hour without using a screen each evening. Instead of using your phone or watching TV, curl up with a good book or play a board game with your family. Goodwill has a great selection of gently-used books and games to help you save. Unplugging could be just what your family needs to connect!

Declutter regularly

White box with clothing inside and 'donations' written on front

Donations box

Hygge means living simply and taking pleasure in moments rather than things. One of the best ways to incorporate hygge in your daily life is by decluttering your living space on a regular basis. Try keeping a box in each room of your home. As you come across clothing or household items that you don’t need or use anymore, put them in the box. When the box is full, drop it off at Ohio Valley Goodwill, and we’ll take care of the rest! Without excess clutter in your way, you can focus on bringing the warmth and comfort of hygge into your home.

As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to add more hygge to your home! Goodwill makes it easy to simplify your living space while embracing the warmth and coziness of the hygge lifestyle. Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store or donation site and get started today!

P.S. We love to see your Goodwill finds! Show how you #hygge by tagging @CinciGoodwill on Facebook and Instagram.