Quick answer: To pick a snowsuit size as a gift, ask the parents for the child's current height and the size they wear now, then match that height on the brand's own chart. On the Deux par Deux size guide, for example, 24 months and size 2 both cover 82 to 86 cm. Buy for this winter, not two winters out.
A kids' snowsuit is one of the most useful gifts a child in Canada or the northern US can get. It's worn almost every day from the first snowfall to spring melt. The catch is size. When you're shopping for a grandchild, niece, nephew or a friend's toddler, the child usually isn't there to try anything on, and the gift may not be opened for weeks.
This guide covers what size snowsuit to buy as a gift: what to ask the parents (without spoiling the surprise), how to read a brand size chart from a distance, whether to size up, which format fits each age and which extras to add. If the child is with you and you can try things on, use our snowsuit sizing guide for babies, toddlers and big kids instead. It walks through a full at-home fit test.
What this guide covers
- The details to get from the parents, in order of importance
- Casual ways to ask for a size without giving the gift away
- Reading a brand size chart when you can't measure the child
- Whether to size up for growth
- One-piece vs. two-piece by age, plus a decision table
- Colour tips, extras and what to know about returns
This article is for general information. It is not medical advice. Talk to your child's health-care provider if you have questions about your child's health in cold weather.
Why Is a Snowsuit Harder to Buy as a Gift Than Other Clothes?
Because a snowsuit has to fit over layers, around boots and mittens, and through a whole season of growth, and you can't check any of that without the child. A sweater that's a little big still gets worn. A snowsuit that's too big drags in the snow, and one that's too small leaves wrists and ankles exposed.
- Age labels don't match bodies. Two children who are both "2" can sit in different parts of a size chart. Height tells you far more than a birthday.
- Brands size differently. A size 5 in one label can fit like a 4 or a 6 in another, so the brand's own chart is the only reliable reference.
- Timing. A suit bought in early November and opened at Christmas has to fit a child who may have grown since the parents last measured.
The good news: with two or three numbers from the parents, you can get very close without a fitting.
What Should You Ask the Parents Before You Buy?
Ask for the child's current height first, then the size of the winter coat or snowsuit they wear now, then weight. Those answers solve most gift-sizing problems.
Which measurements matter most?
- Height (or length for babies). Height drives sleeve, torso and leg length, which is what makes or breaks snowsuit fit. Many parents know it from a recent checkup.
- Current outerwear size and brand. "She's in a size 4 Deux par Deux jacket and it still fits" tells you what fits today in a specific cut.
- Weight. A useful tiebreaker, and size charts often list it.
- Chest. A bonus for sturdier builds, since a suit can be long enough but snug through the chest.
Also ask whether the child already has a snowsuit. If they do, mittens, a hat or snow pants might be the smarter gift.
How do you ask without spoiling the surprise?
Most parents expect relatives to ask about sizes before the holidays, so a light touch works:
- Ask about clothes in general. "I'm picking up a few things for the kids. What sizes are they in now, and how tall is Leo these days?"
- Ask for a photo of a tag. A picture of the label on their current winter coat shows brand and size in one shot.
- Recruit a helper. The other parent, an older sibling or the grandparent who does daycare pickup can check a coat tag quietly.
- Be upfront with toddlers. For very young kids, the parents are the real audience. "I'd like to get a snowsuit. What size and colour would help most?" often gets the most useful answer.
What if you can't ask at all?
Use the child's age to find the right part of the brand's chart and choose the size for their age today, not a size larger. If even that's uncertain, a Jenni Kidz digital gift card lets the parents pick the size and colour. Pair it with a hat or mittens so there's still something to unwrap.
How Do You Use a Brand Size Chart When the Child Isn't There?
Find the child's height on the brand's own chart, read across to the size, then check weight and chest to confirm. Use the chart for the exact brand you're buying.
Start with height
Here are height ranges from the Deux par Deux size guide, as listed on the brand's site:
| Deux par Deux size | Height (cm) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 61–67 | 24–26.375 |
| 12 months | 71–74 | 28–29.125 |
| 18 months | 75–81 | 29.5–31.875 |
| 24 months / size 2 | 82–86 | 32.25–33.875 |
| 30 months | 87–92 | 34.25–36.25 |
| 36 months / size 3 | 93–98 | 36.5–38.5 |
| Size 4 | 99–104 | 39–41 |
| Size 6 | 111–116 | 43.75–45.625 |
| Size 8 | 123–128 | 48.5–50.375 |
| Size 10 | 135–140 | 53.125–55.125 |
Other brands use different ranges, so open that brand's chart rather than reusing these numbers.
Use weight and chest to confirm
If the height lands near the edge of a range, weight and chest help you decide. On the Deux par Deux chart, size 2 lists 11.5 to 12.5 kg (25.5 to 27.5 lbs) and a 52 cm chest, while size 4 lists 14.5 to 17 kg (32 to 37.5 lbs) and a 56 cm chest.
Are months and years sizes the same?
Sometimes. On the Deux par Deux chart, 24 months and size 2 share the 82 to 86 cm range, and 36 months and size 3 share 93 to 98 cm. The 30-month size (87 to 92 cm) sits between them. Watch the "T" sizes: Deux par Deux labels its 30-month baby size "30m/2T," so if the parents say "she's in 2T," ask for her height and match it on the chart instead of assuming size 2.
Read the fit note on the product page
Brand fit advice matters more for a gift than for an in-store purchase. On several Deux par Deux snowsuits we carry, the product details read: "fits generously; Deux par Deux advises not to size up." When a brand has already built room into the cut, adding a size usually gives you sleeves past the fingertips.
What if the height falls between two sizes?
For a gift, go with the larger of the two. The child keeps growing between the day you order and the day they wear it, and a slightly roomy suit can be adjusted with cuffs and stirrups. A tight one can't. Once the gift is opened, the parents can run the quick at-home fit test in our snowsuit sizing guide before removing the tags.
Should You Size Up So the Snowsuit Lasts Two Winters?
Usually not. Buy the size that fits the child's current height on the brand's chart, and choose a suit with built-in growing room if you want it to last longer. A suit sized up for "next year" is often too big for this winter, the one the parents are shopping for now.
Buying for one winter
This is the default for most gifts, and almost always the right call for babies, who grow quickly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) notes that by the end of the first year "your baby's growth rate will begin to slow," and that height and weight then "should increase steadily, but not as rapidly as during those first months of life." That slower growth is why kids' sizes often stretch further than baby sizes.
Getting more than one winter
Look for adjustable features rather than a bigger size. On the Deux par Deux PLAY and TEKNIK snowsuits we carry, the brand lists sleeves that extend 4 cm (1.5 in) and a two-level hem that adds up to 7.6 cm (3"). Our Deux par Deux DISCOVER vs. PLAY vs. TEKNIK comparison explains how those lines differ. Whether a suit lasts two winters depends on how much the child grows, so treat a second season as a bonus, not a promise to the parents.
When does sizing up backfire?
An oversized suit drags under boots, swallows mittens inside long sleeves and bunches at the crotch, which makes walking and climbing harder. If you're unsure, ask the parents: "Would you rather it fit well right now, or have room to grow?"
One-Piece or Two-Piece: Which Is Better for the Child's Age?
For babies and young toddlers, a one-piece is usually the easier gift. For potty-training toddlers, preschoolers and school-age kids, a two-piece is usually more practical. Our one-piece vs. two-piece snowsuit comparison covers the trade-offs in detail. The short version:
- Babies (6 to 18 months). A one-piece goes on in one step and keeps snow out of the back. Browse baby girls' snowsuits and baby boys' snowsuits.
- Toddlers (18 months to about 2½). A one-piece still works well. Ask whether potty training has started; if it has, a two-piece makes bathroom trips faster.
- Preschoolers (3 to 5). Either works. Ask how dressing happens at daycare, since staff often find two-piece suits easier.
- School-age kids (6 and up). A two-piece is the usual choice, because kids dress themselves and can wear the jacket alone on milder days.
When the parents have a firm preference, go with it.
What Snowsuit Size Should You Buy by Age?
Use this table as a starting point, then confirm with the child's height on the brand's chart.
| Child's age | Ask the parents for | How to pick the size | Format | Easy extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–12 months | Length, weight, current size | Match length; buy for this winter only | One-piece | Mittens, hat |
| 12–24 months | Height, current coat size | Match height; near the top of a range, take the next size | One-piece | Mittens, hat, neck warmer |
| 2–3 years | Height, current size, potty training | Match height; compare 30 months with size 3 | One-piece or two-piece | Mittens, hat |
| 4–5 years | Height, current size, daycare routine | Match height; look for extendable sleeves and hems | Two-piece | Mittens, neck warmer |
| 6–9 years | Height, current size, favourite colours | Match height; let their taste guide colour | Two-piece | Mittens, hat |
| 10 years and up | Height, chest, current size | Match height and chest; ask their opinion | Two-piece | Gloves or mittens, neck warmer |
How Do You Choose a Colour or Print the Child Will Actually Wear?
Ask what the child is into right now, then pick a colour that works with the boots and hats the family already owns. A snowsuit the child is excited about goes on with fewer arguments on cold mornings.
- Go with the current favourite. Dinosaurs, flowers or a favourite colour make the gift feel personal.
- Bright colours are easy to spot. Many parents like a bold colour so they can find their child quickly across a busy park.
- Ask about hand-me-downs. With a younger sibling coming up, parents may prefer a colour that works for any child.
- Let older kids weigh in. From around age 8, taste matters. Let them pick from two or three options you've already sized.
Which Extras Make a Snowsuit Gift Complete?
Mittens, a warm hat and a neck warmer round out a snowsuit gift, and pediatric groups list them as winter basics. The American Academy of Pediatrics says "Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are essential," and recommends "several thin layers" to help keep kids warm and dry.
Mittens
The Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids) advises families to "Wear mittens instead of gloves so that fingers can be bunched together for warmth." It also suggests "mitten clips instead of a string to prevent choking." Our guide to mittens vs gloves for toddlers and kids explains which style suits each age. Shop kids' gloves and mittens.
Hat or toque
The Canadian Paediatric Society also says to "Wear a hat because a lot of body heat is lost through the head." A knit toque that covers the ears fits under most snowsuit hoods. Browse kids' hats and caps.
Neck warmer
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends "a neck warmer instead of a scarf." Check the product details first: several Deux par Deux suits we carry list a polar fleece neckwarmer as included. If it comes with the suit, put that budget toward mittens. More options are in winter accessories.
Layers underneath
The AAP's cold-weather guidance says the rule of thumb for "older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions." For babies, our guide to what to wear under a snowsuit explains which layers to choose.
Which Snowsuits Are Easy to Gift This Season?
Choose a suit with a clear size chart, a brand fit note and adjustable features that forgive small sizing guesses. These four Deux par Deux styles check those boxes. Details come from the product pages on our site.
For a baby or young toddler
The Baby Original One Piece Puffy Snowsuit in Black comes in sizes 6m to 30m/2T. Deux par Deux lists removable fleece-lined mittens and booties, a neckwarmer, stretch cuffs, adjustable rubber stirrups and a brand rating of -30°C (-22°F). With mittens and booties included, it's an all-in-one first-winter gift. The fit note reads "fits generously; the brand advises not to size up."
For a toddler or preschooler who loves dinosaurs
The Kids One Piece Play Snowsuit in Gray and Blue Dinosaur Print comes in sizes 2 to 9 and up. Deux par Deux lists a polar fleece neckwarmer, Cordura® at the knees, seat and hems, and extendable sleeves and hems. It's a fun snowsuit gift for a toddler who still plays low in the snow.
For a child who needs a two-piece
The Two Piece Play Snowsuit in Mint Green pairs a quilted mint jacket with light blue snow pants with suspenders, in sizes 3 to 12 and up. Deux par Deux lists a detachable hood, a polar fleece neckwarmer and growth features. The page notes the brand asks parents "to order the size she wears today rather than sizing up."
For an older child who spends weekends on the hill
The Two Piece Teknik Snowsuit in Turquoise, Orange and Mauve With Camo Pants comes in sizes 4 to 16. Deux par Deux lists PrimaLoft® insulation, a 15,000 mm waterproof rating, an adjustable snow skirt and a neckwarmer. It's a good snow suit gift for grandkids who ski or snowboard.
Want more choice? The full snowsuits collection covers babies through big kids, or browse one-piece snowsuits, two-piece snowsuits, girls' snowsuits and boys' snowsuits.
What Should You Know About Returns Before You Gift a Snowsuit?
Read the store's return policy before you buy, especially if you're shopping weeks before the gift is opened. Return windows usually start when the parcel arrives, not when the gift is unwrapped.
At Jenni Kidz, our return and refund policy asks you to email us "within 14 days of receiving your item" to start a return. The item "must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging," and return shipping fees are paid by the customer. To plan around that:
- Check the size the day it arrives against the chart and the parents' numbers.
- Keep tags and packaging, and ask the parents to try the suit on before removing tags.
- Keep your order confirmation, since the policy says items sent back "without first requesting a return will not be accepted."
- Consider giving it early. Many families would rather have a snowsuit for the first snowfall than wait for a holiday morning.
If you're buying elsewhere, check that store's terms. Don't assume a gift receipt or exchange option exists unless the policy says so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size snowsuit should I buy as a gift?
Ask the parents for the child's current height and the size they wear now, then match the height on the brand's own size chart. Buy the size that fits this winter. If the height sits at the top of a range, choose the next size up.
Should I buy a snowsuit one size up as a gift?
Usually not. Many brands already cut snowsuits with room for layers. Several Deux par Deux snowsuits we carry say the suit fits generously and the brand advises not to size up. Go up only if the child is at the top of a size range or between two sizes.
How can I find out a child's size without ruining the surprise?
Ask about clothing sizes in general, ask for a photo of the tag on their current winter coat, or have another family member check the coat quietly. For babies and toddlers, many families are happy to share height and weight from a recent checkup.
Is 24 months the same as size 2 in a snowsuit?
On the Deux par Deux size guide, yes: 24 months and size 2 share the same 82 to 86 cm height range. Other brands can differ, so check the chart for the exact brand you're buying.
Is a one-piece or two-piece snowsuit a better gift for a toddler?
For young toddlers, a one-piece is usually easier because it goes on in one step and keeps snow out of the back. Once potty training starts or the child is in daycare, a two-piece often makes dressing and bathroom trips faster. Ask the parents which they prefer.
What should I add to a snowsuit gift?
Mittens, a warm hat and a neck warmer. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends mittens instead of gloves and a neck warmer instead of a scarf. Check the product details first, since some snowsuits include a neckwarmer or mittens.
Can I return a snowsuit gift if it doesn't fit?
It depends on the store's policy. At Jenni Kidz, returns must be requested by email within 14 days of receiving the item, and items must be unworn, with tags and in original packaging. Check the size as soon as the parcel arrives.
Bottom Line
The right snowsuit gift starts with one number: the child's current height. Match it on the brand's own chart, confirm with weight or current size, and read the brand's fit note before sizing up. Pick the format that suits the child's age, add mittens or a hat, and check the size as soon as the parcel arrives. If the size is anyone's guess, a gift card lets the parents choose.
Sources
- Deux par Deux: Size Guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Playing Outside in Winter
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Preventing Frostbite & Hypothermia (cold-weather tips for children)
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Your Child's Growth & Physical Development: 1 Year Old (last updated March 11, 2026)
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids: Advice for parents and kids (winter handout)
- Jenni Kidz: Return and Refund Policy
