As the cost of living crisis continues to keep the UK in its tight grip, we're all doing our best to keep bills as low as possible.
Gas and electric continue to be the toughest deal with, with many struggling to keep up payments during the winter. People have resorted to layering up and keeping the heating off in a bid to save money.
However, Aldi have come to the rescue yet again with their heating essential Specialbuys. As seen on their website, the supermarket is selling electric blankets, foot warmers and even super-sized hot water bottles.
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So, reporter Abbie Meehan headed off to her local Aldi in the early hours of Sunday morning (January) for these products to land in store.
Read on below to find out more.
Aldi's newest Specialbuys and what I thought
There was already a few cars parked at my local Aldi when I arrived at 8:50am. The store opened at 9am, and there was a sense of tension in the air as we all sat in our cars awaiting the doors sliding open.
Once inside, I headed up that elusive middle aisle and bagged two of the products I was after. One was the Extra Long Hot Water Bottle, and the other was the Neck Wrap - both in a light pink colour.
I was also after the Foot Warmer and the Electric Blanket in double - but they didn't have any in stock. It seems these products are already in high demand elsewhere.
I headed home with my purchases - and a carton of milk - and got to work trying them out.
Extra Long Hot Water Bottle - £8.99
Now this was an interesting Kirkton House product that I had my eye on. The hot water bottle measures at 76cm in length, and has a capacity of 1.7 litres.
It conforms to the British Standard, as said on the label, and is made of natural rubber. The product description reads: "Stay warm with a cosy long hot water bottle, perfect for use all year round.
"Complete with soft cover."
You are instructed to only fill the bottle two thirds of the way to avoid damage and a possible spillage, so I stuck to the rules.
The result was one of the comfiest days at work I've had in a while. The bottle is flexible and can wrap around your neck or waist, or sit on your lap quite comfortably.
The heat remained intact for hours, and I was cosy as can be before the bottle began to loose its warmth.
The price was reasonable for the value of the product, and I can see myself utilising this for a few months yet.
Overall, I'd give this product four out of five stars - only deducting one as I was hoping it was the same height as me and could become a comforter in bed.
Neck Wrap - £8.99
The Neck Wrap, also made by Kirkton House, can be used either hot or cold - which is great for an all-year-round product.
For cold use, the product advises to cover the neck wrap with a plastic bag or towel and place in the freezer for a minimum of one hour.
For heat, all you have to do is stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, checking the heat of it and putting it in for a maximum of two minutes in total.
This product is a total life-saver for aches and pains, and doesn't need to just be used for your neck. I had some shoulder pain and using the warm version of the Neck Warmer soothed that ache I was feeling.
It could also be used as a stomach ache reliever, or for migraines when it is cold instead.
This product gets a five out of five stars for the different ways you can use it - however, the fact that it is priced the same as the hot water bottle was a point of criticism for me.
You can visit the Aldi website and see all the Specialbuy goodies they have on offer right now.
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