My house faces north, which means whenever it snows, it’s on the ground for at least a week longer than everyone else. It takes forever to melt. As I write this, we still have last week’s snow piled high and expect more over the weekend. That means snow days, which mean plenty of time spent inside. At least it does for me now that my kids have lost their zeal for sledding and snowmen. Which, I have to admit, is bittersweet. Actually, more sweet than bitter because standing out in the cold is for the birds, and even they migrate south for the winter.

In case you’re stuck at home - whether it’s snow or COVID - Lisa pulled together a few of our favorites from both stores. Instead of snow fort building, grab a cup of tea, write a letter, play cards with the family, challenge your littles to a game of (indoor) soccer, or bundle up in a blanket and binge-watch your favorite show. From pancakes to pen-pals, puzzles to playtime, we have all your snow day needs.

From Penny Post: Gray Malin: The Snow Double-Sided Puzzle, $24.99; Field Notes: Snowy Evening Winter Limited Edition Notebooks, $16; Kaweco Sport Collection Fountain Pen Cyan, $29; Penguin Letter Kit and Stickers, $8; Old Town Berry Tea, $16; Don’t Talk to Me Mug, $18; Ram Sticker, $2.50; Bitch Face Doesn’t Rest Sticker, $4.50; Dot Three Washi Tape, $6

From Red Barn Mercantile: 50 Things to Try in the Winter, $12.99; DIY Eraser Kit, $15; Soccer Game, $112; Kitchen Cabinet Science, $16.99; The A to Z of Dogs Puzzle, $16.99; DIY Lamb Pom Pom Kit, $14; Woodruff Wolf, $28; Kinoptic Robots, $32

From Red Barn Mercantile: Pancake Mix, $9.50; Maple Syrup, $16; Jellyfish 1000 Piece Puzzle, $25; Woods Candle, $34; Gaslamp Playing Cards, $15; Cotton Throw Blanket, $98