Hullut Päivät (aka Stockmann’s “Crazy Days”) is one of Finland’s biggest retail events, and for many it’s a chance to score good deals on winter gear, discover some Finnish brands, and invest in design classics. But just as with other sales this season (like Black Friday coming up) it can trigger this whole “if there’s a sale, you must buy”-thing.
In this post I share my personal curated wishlist: Finnish (or Nordic, as much as possible) brands, cold-climate essentials, and a reminder that you don’t have to buy just because something is on sale (also a reminder for myself). I’ll also point you to second-hand options and tips to spend with intention.
Let me be clear: just because something is discounted doesn’t make it necessary. Buying for the sake of “saving money” can lead to overconsumption (and buyer’s regret). I have to learn from that myself, especially during my favourite seasons (when it’s cold) I tend to get excited and overspend. Don’t ask me how many knits or beanies I have. Instead:
1. Pre-make your wishlist / priority list. Like what I did here (kinda). Use Stockmann’s “favourite” tool during Crazy Days. That way you can try to avoid impulse purchases.
2. Set a maximum budget. Decide in advance: “I’ll spend up to X on outerwear, Y on accessories,” etc. If a deal pushes you over, take a minute.
3. Compare the discount reflectively. A 40 % discount isn’t meaningful unless the original price was fair. Check online outside the sale or in other stores to make sure you actually get a good deal.
4. Use the sale to fill genuine gaps , not wants. If you already have three warm jackets, maybe skip the fourth even if it’s on sale. I have to remember this myself.
5. Stick to quality over quantity. A well-made wool sweater or glove will often outlast two cheaper ones.
Here are categories I think make sense to invest in (if needed), especially under a discount, plus my top picks:
Accessories like gloves, headwear and footwear are key to keeping warm and cozy, and Hullut Päivät is a good option to invest in some of those. The Lapuan Kankurit pocket scarf is so cosy and beautiful, I gave that to my mum for Christmas last year as well. Who doesn’t love a wearable blanket (with pockets!). Pomar is my trusted brand for shoes in Finnish winter, and I have several pairs by now. A cashmere beanie, and some wool-lined leather gloves, like from iconic brand Sauso are the perfect way to feel a bit fancy this winter, and if you’re up for a treat for yourself, this is a very reasonable way to go about it. The touchscreen gloves from Stockmann’s own brand are lovely too, and both options are good for the transitional season. The teddy cap is probably more of a gimick but I thought it was cute – unlike the Marimekko tote bag which is excellent to just throw in whatever. Love a large tote.
Olivia Premium Tights 60 den, Swedish Stockings – €19.90
Uni Pocket Wool Scarf 60 x 170 cm, Lapuan Kankurit – €59.90
Ceija Cashmere Beanie, A+more – €49.90
Caisla Touchscreen Gloves, A+more – €14.90
Hanna Lamb Nappa Gloves with Wool Lining, Sauso – €79.90
Alice Lace Up Ankle Boots, Pavement – 149,00 €
Puro Gore-Tex Leather Ankle Boots, Pomar – €135.00
When it comes to everyday pieces, I try to look for items that add versatility and comfort, while I like to combine city/urban style with a sprinkle of outdoor. Hullut Päivät always has a mix of Finnish and Nordic brands that balance timeless design with practicality. R-Collection and Makia are my trusted favourites for those easy pieces you can wear on repeat. Gauhar Helsinki does feminine cuts beautifully, while Marimekko’s prints are always an instant mood booster (and yes, they really do work for winter too). I love the idea of investing in one or two statement pieces that will carry you through the season, instead of adding clutter to your wardrobe.
Outerwear is where it really makes sense to shop smart at Hullut Päivät, if you’re not up for the second hand road where I usually strike the best deals. Coats and jackets are truly worth the long-term investment, and Finnish brands design them with our climate in mind. Joutsen’s down jackets are iconic for a reason: light but unbelievably warm – and I always recommend them if you’re ready to splurge. Either way, I think everyone should have a wearable sleeping bag in Finnish winter. Luhta and Makia are also solid choices for everyday coats. Even NOOM has some surprisingly good options for layering or transitional weather. I see outerwear as the piece that gets the most wear throughout the year, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade your winter coat, this might be the right moment.
Sales like Hullut Päivät are also a good time to top up on skincare you already use daily. I’m always drawn to Lumene, they feel like a little piece of Nordic nature in a jar, and their sets are great value during the sale. Frantsila is another Finnish gem if you want something botanical and natural. For international picks, Caudalie’s face mist is a favourite for a reason, and Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is one of those products that tons of my friends absolutely swear by. What I love about these offers is that you can restock your staples at a lower price without feeling like you’re impulse buying something random.
Fresh Glow Brightening Gel Mask, Lumene – €20,90
Face Care Set, Frantsila – €26,90
HERKKÄ Nordic Sensitive Rich Day + Night Cream Duo Set (2 × 50 ml), Lumene – €32,90
Grape Water Face Mist 200 ml, Caudalie – €8,90
CC Color Correcting Cream 30 ml, Lumene – €13,90
Organic Fragrance-Free Day & Night Face Cream, Urtekram – €4,90
Essence + Oil-Cocktail Duo Set, Lumene – €35,90
8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant 50 ml, Elizabeth Arden – €21,90
RetinLift 3-in-1 Face Cream for Aging Skin 50 ml, Flow Cosmetics – €51,90