In the midst of a cost of living crisis people get innovative, and some are planning ahead for the cold weather and looking for alternatives to putting on the heating. One Martin Lewis fan has shared a tip that they say has already saved them when it comes to heating costs.
While the government has announced a “two year energy price guarantee”, which means that the unit price of energy is capped, and provided the £400 winter fuel payment to help with energy bills during the winter months, households will still have bills higher than many will have been paying previously.
Layers and wrapping up warm have been suggested as ways to keep bills down - and 'heat the human, not the house' is a phrase that's become widely heard. One thing that many parents are turning to, for themselves as well as their kids, is the Oodie.
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Essentially an Oodie is a wearable blanket - an oversized hooded sweatshirt with a fleece interior and an equally oversized kangaroo pocket. Manchester Evening News reported that they first became popular in 2020, when orders with the Australian company rose more by more than 200% from the UK.
As families worry about paying their bills amid the cost of living crisis, demand for them is now at an all-time high. On Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website, one fan wrote they haven't needed heating since buying such clothing. While not specifically promoting the Oodie brand, she said: "Invested in an oversized hoodie blanket to snuggle up in, not used heating since."
Official Oodies are not cheap. Even in the current sale they'll set up back upwards of £60 for adult sizes with kids versions starting from £47 - although discount codes are on the site for first time purchases. However, the reviews speak for themselves. One shopper wrote: "BIG, fluffy, cuddly warm.. did I say BIG?". Another added: "I love that you can fit a hot water bottle in the pouch. Up yours, energy company! I'll be in my oodie if you need anything:)."
Comments continued: "I got this 6 days after I ordered it and honestly it was worth the wait!" Another said: "I was so impatient and so excited! It's so soft and cosy, I feel like I am locked in it! I love this so much and it fits my mom too and she wouldn't give it back!"
Someone else wrote: "I am soo happy and it's the best thing I have put £50 pounds to. If you're thinking about getting one, just stop and def one! In other words, this is basically heaven online that you can buy! DEFINITELY Recommended!"
As well as the snuggly interior and the ease at which you can move around in an Oodie, one of the things customers like is the various designs - from avocados and penguins to Harry Potter and the newly released Minions range, which is available to pre-order. Buying in bulk or in "bundles" will save you money too, bringing the cost of four adult size ones to just over £50 each.
And if you don't want to splash out on the official Oodies, then other retailers are selling their own versions, including Primark, where kids' fleece Snuddies cost from £10 and adults from around £19. Its kids' range includes Spider-Man, 101 Dalmatians, pizza print and avocado print among others, while the ones for adults include everything from Looney Tunes and Mickey Mouse to Star Wars The Mandalorian and Marvel.
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