The Ultimate Handwarmer

I set out to create more than just a Christmas present on this project. I had a challenge to solve: my grandparents always seem to have cold hands. You know – cold hands, warm heart.

It is the worst when they are sitting and relaxing or watching TV. No one wants to wear gloves inside and blanks only go so far. I started strategizing with my mom to solve this issue and we came up with a pretty interesting solution.

Using the idea from the rice filled hand warmers, I create a large lap hand-warming pocket. It was important that my Grandpa could rest his hands instead of holding on to something and I wanted the warmth to come from all directions.

I ultimately decided to add buttons on the side for added utility. Now they can lay it out over their lap or use it as a back warmer. I’m all about multi-purpose.

The downside to that rice is pretty heavy. I didn’t fill each pocket with very much rice to keep down the weight but that also means it won’t hold as much heat. The one thing I am disappointed about is that the opening is closest to the body. Now when you are relaxing on the couch you don’t generally sit prim and proper with your hands straight in front. They would more commonly come from the sides. Overall I am very happy with my present and I hope my Grandparents are too. I might make myself a similar one to put on my lap or back when I’m cold or sore.