In many parts of the country, winter has arrived, while others prepare for its icy embrace. Your fingers definitely feel it. They're out there swiping commuter passes on dark, cold mornings, shoveling snow, and holding on to steaming lattes. They deserve some protection from the biting air.

But what about texting? You need to text. And check Google Maps. And snap photos of the snow. For that, you'll need some touch-screen-friendly gloves. They manage to keep out the chill and let you get a handle on your phone.

Touch screens work through the slight electric charge your skin gives off. To replicate this charge, touch-screen gloves have capacitive elements sewn in; often they use stainless-steel thread sewn into the fingertips. Other metals, like plated silver and copper, can be used, too.

If you're so inclined, you can make any pair of gloves you already own into a touch-screen pair with minimal sewing skills and some metal thread or by painting on some AnyGlove.

But for far less effort and probably better results, check out the pairs we've picked out for men, women, and kids. They combat the cold and keep you in touch with friends, family, and the sports scores you need to check while you wait for the train.

Once you've picked out a pair for yourself, remember that just about everybody could use a pair of touch-screen gloves; they make great gifts.