Today is the first day it has been cold enough to break out the winter gear. Searching through our stash of mismatched mittens for some pairs was just frustrating enough to make me think about ways to cut this winter’s costly mitten losses. Here are six ways to help your kids keep track of their mittens this winter:

1. Buy several pairs of the same mittens. Having the same mittens for everyone makes it is easy to pick a pair in the morning. It also allows a single mitten to still serve a purpose.
2. Buy crazy colored mittens. You know how all luggage at the baggage claim looks the same? The mitten pile at school is even worse. Having brightly colored or patterned mittens makes them easier to spot.
3. Put their name on them. If there isn’t a tag, write your child’s name or initials on a little piece of fabric tape and put it into the cuff. One of my girlfriends takes a more drastic approach and boldly writes her son’s name in Sharpie across the palm of his mittens.
4. Designate a mitten spot. Pick a place where your child can consistently keep their mittens when not in use. In theory, when they take their mittens off at school, they will always know to put them in their left coat pocket or specific backpack compartment. Also, keeping a mitten basket by the front door at home can keep things running smoothly on those hectic mornings.
5. Invest in mitten clips. Okay, this idea might not fly with a 9-year-old, but little kids shouldn’t mind the convenience of having their mittens attached to their coat. Mitten clips now even come in coat-matching colors like pink and blue.
6. Move to Phoenix. :)

If you do end up with a single mismatched mitten, don't despair. Check out this fun way to make a monster out of a single mitten or glove.

Have a mitten loss prevention tactic? Please share it through the comments section.