the cozy autumn kit
the cozy autumn kit
a guide to all things cozy and autumnal: books, music, video games, and more
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Happy October! As the weather cools down, it’s time to make our homes and lives a little bit warmer. To those ends, I’ve curated an extensive guide full of cozy goodness, including books, music, tv shows, video games, fragrances, and more. Most recommendations here are specifically fall-themed, but those that aren’t still embody the spirit of the season.
I’ll be releasing a spooky autumn kit for the more horror-inclined soon as well, so keep an eye out for that.
Now onto the coziness. Light a candle, make a hot drink, settle in. Welcome to the best season!
themes
Warm sweaters, oat milk lattes, orange and red leaves, heavy rain, soft blankets, buttery croissants, thick books, coffee shops, bread fresh out of the oven, apple cider, worn paperbacks, corn mazes, fresh hay, pumpkin patches, scented candles
books
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
genre(s): fantasy, romance
feels like: finding people who make the world feel smaller and warmer, a heart opening up, a spell for banishing loneliness
As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide her magic, keep her head down, and stay away from other witches so their powers don’t mingle and draw attention. And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she’s used to being alone and she follows the rules…with one exception: an online account, where she posts videos “pretending” to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously.
But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in the lives and secrets of not only her three charges, but also an absent archaeologist, a retired actor, two long-suffering caretakers, and…Jamie. The handsome and prickly librarian of Nowhere House would do anything to protect the children, and as far as he’s concerned, a stranger like Mika is a threat. An irritatingly appealing threat.
As Mika begins to find her place at Nowhere House, the thought of belonging somewhere begins to feel like a real possibility. But magic isn’t the only danger in the world, and when peril comes knocking at their door, Mika will need to decide whether to risk everything to protect a found family she didn’t know she was looking for.
Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
genre(s): literary fiction, contemporary, LGBTQ+
feels like: a warm kitchen, fresh bread baking in the oven, confectioner’s sugar dusting every surface, hard-won forgiveness, found family and re-finding family
Spanning three continents, Butter Honey Pig Bread tells the interconnected stories of three Nigerian women: Kambirinachi and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye. After more than a decade of estrangement and living apart, Taiye and Kehinde have returned home to Lagos. It is here that the three women must face each other and address the wounds of the past if they are to reconcile and move forward.
Butter Honey Pig Bread is a story of choices and their consequences, of motherhood, of the malleable line between the spirit and the mind, of finding new homes and mending old ones, of voracious appetites, of queer love, of friendship, faith, and above all, family.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
genre(s): fantasy, romance, paranormal
feels like: secret love letters kept tucked away in a drawer, entering a bizarre and whimsical new world
Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.
Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest.
After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born.
If only Hart knew he’s been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most – Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares – each other?
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
genre(s): fantasy, romance
feels like: the aftermath of a six-hour-long D&D session, table scattered with paper and empty mugs, the barista who knows your regular coffee order
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
genre(s): fantasy, mythology, historical-fiction, romance
feels like: being told bedtime stories as a child, reading in bed with a flashlight, the thirst for adventure calling from outside your window, curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back to life
The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.
Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.
In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
genre(s): graphic novel, young adult, romance, fantasy, LGBTQ+
feels like: returning home after a long cold day out in the woods,
Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.
One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home.
Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.
music
(spotify playlists)
autumn
Soft songs evocative of the season. For waking up to on a cold autumn morning, baking, and cozy hobbies.
apple pie spice
Warm and spicy music for the changing weather. Get in bed, cuddle up, put on this playlist.
crunch
Folksy granola music for hiking, camping, rock climbing, or whenever the desire to breathe in crisp fall air overtakes you.
(albums)
X’s - Cigarettes After Sex
genre(s): dream pop, indie, shoegaze
feels like: cigarettes after sex, espresso at the counter, dark red lipstick, the slit in your dress parting to reveal your thigh, desperate desire
Unreal Unearth - Hozier
genre(s): alternative, indie, rock, folk
feels like: yearning, greek myth, unrequited love
Imaginary Applalachia - Colter Wall
genre(s): americana, outlaw country, folk
feels like: the crackle of a campfire, the faded matching tattoo on your hip, being hustled in a game of pool, the mysterious man nursing whiskey at the corner of the bar, hat low over his eyes
tv shows
Over the Garden Wall
genre(s): fantasy, mystery, adventure, comedy-drama, coming-of-age
feels like: a dream you’re beginning to forget, loving one another through the horrors, the stories we tell ourselves in order to keep going, literary rabbit holes
Two brothers, Wirt and Greg, find themselves lost in a strange forest. With the help of a bluebird named Beatrice, they must travel across this strange land in hope of finding their way home.
Gilmore Girls
genre(s):
feels like: cozy childhood comfort, running into a warm coffee shop to escape the downpour, the smell of old paperback books piled in stacks everywhere
Set in a storybook Connecticut town populated by an eclectic mix of dreamers, artists and everyday folk, this multigenerational drama about family and friendship centers around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory.
movies
Practical Magic (1998)
genre(s): romance, fantasy, drama, comedy
feels like: late nights gossiping with your best girl friends, the first bite of a decadent chocolate cake, a fizzy bubble bath in the dark, true sisterhood
Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
genre(s): comedy, drama
feels like: finding your passion, sharing secrets late at night, the vitality and excitement of good literature come-to-life
Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.
A true autumn classic. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching this movie yet, do yourself a favor and drop everything to go see it now.
Halloweentown (1998)
genre(s): family, comedy
feels like: growing into yourself, that eccentric yet lovable family member who always smells like cookies and incense, chilly early mornings watching TV
On her 13th birthday, Marnie learns she’s a witch, discovers a secret portal, and is transported to Halloweentown — a magical place where ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves live apart from the human world. But she soon finds herself battling wicked warlocks, evil curses, and endless surprises.
games
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
genre(s): social simulation
feels like: the world is your oyster, small town wholesomeness, seasonal coziness
Live life at your own pace as you garden, fish, decorate, hunt for bugs and fossils, get to know the animal residents, and more. The time of day and seasons match real life, so something is happening on your island whether you’re there or not.
Coffee Talk
genre(s): visual novel
feels like: falling in love with strangers, building trust, a warm and safe place
Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.
The game features:
Tales of people from an alternative-Seattle, a city where elves, orcs, mermaids, and many other fantasy races live together with humans in a modern world we will all find familiar
Branching storylines, where the branches are determined not by the dialogue options you choose, but from how you serve your café customers
90’s anime-inspired pixel art visuals and chill vibes-inducing color palette help to immerse you in the game’s world
Selection of jazzy and lo-fi music to accompany the late night warm drinks and conversations
An experience to make you think, feel, and rest both your body and your soul
Witchy Life Story
genre(s): indie, visual novel, adventure
feels like:
Play as the youngest member of the illustrious, magical von Teasel family, but you’re not exactly their pride and joy. In fact, your grandmother has given you one last chance to prove yourself — or no more witch training for you!
You arrive in the small village of Flora, along with your familiar, Ramsey. You have two weeks to help the locals prepare their harvest festival for success, and prove your worth to, well, everyone. But don’t worry! That’s plenty of time to plan a village festival and make some (questionable) life choices!
BE YOUR OWN WITCH
Design your troublesome witch however you see fit, with a ton of customization options. There’s no excuse for not looking your best!
GATHER HERBS & BREW POTIONS
Tend your garden to collect plants to use in your magical recipes, as well as other rituals and experiments that are totally, definitely Official Witch Business.
BEWITCH THE LOCALS
Get to know the charming residents of Flora including three romance-able characters. Will you end up with a date for the festival?
LIVE YOUR BEST WITCHY LIFE
Craft spells, perform tarot readings, lead guided meditations and more. Maybe you’ll throw in an extra rune or two for more potency. And if anything backfires, you can hide from the world and decorate your altar.
Honorable Mentions
(games I haven’t played before but have heard good things about!)
Beacon Pines (a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. You play as both the reader of the book and it's main character, Luka)
Wylde Flowers (join Tara on a heartfelt journey to become a witch in Wylde Flowers. Farm by day, and cast spells by night as you craft your cottagecore life and bond with your coven)
activities
Pumpkin Patch
Apple Picking
Hayride
Haunted Houses
Corn Maze
Movie Night
Dinner Party
Crocheting/Knitting
Coloring
Cooking/Baking
Seasonal Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Syrup (add to lattes, cocktails, oatmeal, etc.)
fragrances
three perfumes and other cozy scented items
2 AM in Lafayette - Sorce
notes: vanilla co2, oakmoss, cafe au lait, ribbons of caramel, beignets dusted with powdered sugar
“In 2019, my husband and I experienced paranormal activity in a bed and breakfast in Lafayette, Louisiana. We fled at 2 a.m. and didn't stop driving until we reached Mississippi. Rich vanilla, milky coffee, caramel, and beignets dusted with powdered sugar sound like the perfect comforts after experiencing a haunting. Oakmoss keeps it a little spooky.”
Coffee Break - Maison Margiela Replica
notes: coffee, lavender, orange flower, milk mousse, vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood
“The comforting and tasty sensation of a break over a warm and creamy coffee. Coffee Break captures a cozy break in a coffee shop in the middle of winter. Strong flavors of Arabica beans and the smell of warm pastries spread their flavors into the air. You enjoy the aromatic warmth of a coffee sip.”1
Library Ghost - Poesie
notes: studious marshmallows surrounded by books, ink, and polished wood
“You’re studying in the library late one night, when you feel a cool draft that ruffles your book pages and raises goosebumps on the back of your neck. Did someone open a window or is it the famed library ghost?! Either way, you smell amazing.”
Sunday Mourning Bath Potion - Witch Baby
“Wake up on Sunday Mourning with the warm comforting aroma of fluffy pancakes and fried southern apples drizzled with freshly tapped maple syrup. Made with real maple, apples, and a cinnamon stick - this luxury bubble milk bath will bring you back to life after a night of Halloween partying.”
(Note: you may want to avoid this one if you have sensitive skin as it includes whole cinnamon sticks and spices.)
Red Velvet Cake Vegan Lip Tint - Epically Epic Soaps
“An irresistibly delicious lip tint that tastes just like red velvet cake ~ dark chocolate, sweet vanilla, and just a hint of raspberry. It's tinted with a sheer and easy to wear true red-red.”
Hope you enjoyed this cozy autumn kit. I’ll see you next time for some silly spooky fun! Happy fall!
My everyday go-to during autumn and probably the closest thing to a signature scent that I have (as someone who loves regularly switching things up).