Even with the new £2,500 energy price cap, many people will still be struggling to afford to heat their homes, and closely watching their usage - particularly over the winter. But there are some affordable products out there that will mean you can turn the thermostat right down and save a few bob in the long run.
I’ve tried and tested a number of warming and energy saving products over the past year or so, from USB heated gloves to foot hot water bottles, but there’s one I use every single day that’s perfect for winter. The hooded blanket.
Many will have heard of the Oodie, which has grown in popularity since 2020. The Australian company offers a range of wearable blankets in fun patterns and colours - but they don’t come particularly cheap.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis fans say they 'haven't used the heating' since buying £47 product that's now on sale
Children’s Oodies come in at £47 , while the cheapest available for adults cost £49 , on sale from £84. However, I’ve found some bargain dupes from as little as £10.
On Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website, one fan says she hasn't needed her heating since buying such clothing, commenting: "Invested in an oversized hoodie blanket to snuggle up in, not used heating since.”
I have the Dreamscene Leopard Print Hoodie Blanket , which costs £16.99 on Amazon . It’s got a really cost feel with a soft sherpa lining, complete with elasticated cuffs making it ideal for working from home and typing on laptops. It also has a huge two sided pocket, which is large enough for a hot water bottle for extra warmth - but it’s pretty snuggly on its own.
There are dozens of other options online too, here are some of the best we found.
Wowcher
The cheapest Oodie dupe we found was this Extra Thick Hooded Sherpa Blanket on Wowcher , which costs £9.99. It comes in four colours, including grey, blue, deep pink or light pink.
Wowcher said: “Enjoy cosy nights in front of the TV with this extra thick oversized hooded blanket. Made from soft and cosy fleece material, this plush blanket is perfect for keeping you warm as the weather gets colder.”
Featuring a hood and sleeves to keep your body warm, as well as a big roomy pocket which is ideal for storing snacks or the TV remote, you won’t have to move from the sofa once you’re snuggled up in this blanket. You can shop the limited Wowcher deal here.
Amazon
Shoppers have been snapping up this blanket from Amazon, saying they bought it to cope with the rising cost of living. The wearable blanket hoodie costs £12.99 and has been praised for being ‘comfortable’ and ‘warm’.
One shopper said: “Purchased to get us through the winter and cope with the excess heating bills that are due. Works really well, took it camping and it’s super convenient round the campfire or to warm up after a swim. Lovely soft material and well made - will be buying more for the rest of the family.”
Another added: “This is a fabulous fleece item, easy to pop on when I need an extra layer of warmth, and pleasantly loose (unlike tighter fitting jumpers) so I can lie on the couch in comfort. The icing on the cake? Good value for money, which is always a good thing!”
Available in five colours, you can bag the Amazon Oodie-alternative here.
New Look
This Green Sausage Dog Oversized Hooded Blanket from New Look , ideal for dachshund lovers. The cosy, yet stylish throw-over has long sleeves, a soft fleece fabric and a pocket probably big enough for your daxie to snuggle in, too.
Consumer journalist, Gemma Sherlock - who owns Dachshund, Evie - tried out the hooded blanket and said: “It's definitely going to be my go-to to throw on during those cold winter mornings. Featuring a fleeced hood and front pocket, the hooded blanket has Evie's approval too, she likes to snuggle in for a cuddle when I wear this because of how soft the material is.” You can pick up the oversized hoodie from New Look for £29.99 here.
Dunelm
Dunelm customers can pick up a Monochrome Blanket Hoodie for £16 , which is still much cheaper than a real Oodie, and the reviews from shoppers speak for themselves.
One said: “Super fleecy and warm, nicely oversized without being heavy and awkward to wear. I’m 5ft5 and it hits me just below the knee. I like that the sleeves have elasticated cuffs to help keep warmth in, will be really useful for WFH this winter, and the kangaroo pouch pocket is really useful.”
“So fluffy and warm,” wrote a second. “I take it camping with me to keep me warm on the cold nights.”
And a third left five-stars, adding: “I also have one of the more expensive oversized hoodies on the market which I love. This one is a quarter of the price and although it’s not as thick and weighty it’s still really warm and will be great for cooler spring and autumn days and nights. The sleeves could be a little bit longer but other than that it’s well worth the money. I really like it and I’m very happy with it.”
The Dunelm blanket, which has racked up 65 reviews, can be purchased online for £16 here.
Asda
Unlike some of the other options in this guide, Asda’s Grey Frosted Snuggle Hoodie comes in three sizes so you can find the perfect fit. It’s £16, and has been praised for it’s ‘great price’ and softness.
“Seems to be warm and what I need for working from home and a good price,” one shopper wrote, as another commented: “Absolutely love this hoodie! So warm, soft and best of all cheaper than most on the market!”
One is even going back to get more as gifts, adding: “A great price for a warm blanket hoodie will be back for more for the rest of the family! Highly recommend in the current climate.”
The £16 hoodie is available for free click and collect on the Asda website, or delivery is an additional £2.99.
Silentnight
Made with a teddy fleece material, this Snugsie wearable blanket from Silentnight comes in blush, charcoal and silver. Costing £23, it’s an ultra-soft, lightweight fleece blanket and it even has an integrated foot pocket to keep your toes warm.
The blanket folds into a cushion for easy storage, and is described as a ‘must have on cold winter evenings’.
One shopper said: “I bought this as I wanted a longer length for someone who is always cold. It is warm, soft and very comfortable. A perfect length so as not to be a trip hazard.”
Another added: “Very good value for money as I also have bought much more expensive brands and they were not as long as this one and of similar quality. Loved it so much I have bought more for my family.”
You can find the long Silentnight Snugsie blanket here for £23.
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