As the temperatures drop, forget arguing over when to switch on the heating, or worrying about the never-ending energy price rises. When it comes to keeping cosy, there are some brilliant gadgets that have been warming me up without racking up a big bill.
From electric blankets to heated throws, battery-powered scarves to a car seat warmer powered by my cigarette lighter, I've been trying out the best gadgets to stay warm through winter.
Here's my pick of the cheap gadgets that can cut your heating bill without touching the thermostat.
Best for moving round the house: Heated shawl
I've loved this Lakeland Staysnug Battery Operated Heated Shawl. A wireless heated throw meets an electric poncho, it's ideal for walking around the house, wearing it in the garden on chilly evenings, or walking the dog at the crack of dawn.
Soft, cosy and easy to use, the shawl is made from black fleece, with a simple one-push button operation (disguised as a real button, no less), so it's really easy to use.
It has that reassuring feeling of quality that all Lakeland things offer. Just going into one of their shops I feel like life might be a tiny bit better.
Best for bedtime: Electric blankets
Few things in life can be quite as perfect as getting into a bed that's already been warmed up by an electric blanket.
I've had one for years. I grew up in a house without central heating, in the days of ice inside the windows on winter mornings, so electric blankets take me back to childhood. There's something familiar and lovely about the gentle warmth, soothing away aches and pains.
I bought this one for my elder daughter for £39.99 or there's a double one with different zones for £69.99. It's reassuringly safe, with six different heat settings – which you can switch between using the handy controller. As well as the customisable heat settings, it also has three time settings, so I can relax knowing it'll turn off when she dozes off. There's also overheating protection, so it stays at the heat she chooses without getting too hot.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Yes. Despite being electronically heated, it's as easy to wash as other, non-heated, bedsheets. I simply unplug the controller and give it a spin in the washing machine at 30°C to get it fresh.
Best for working from home: Heated throws
When I was tasked with snoozing on the job to find out which was best, I knew exactly where to go - Lakeland make seriously good heated textiles.
I've had quite a few of theirs over the years. There's a full range this winter, with prices starting at £39.99 .
Last time I got the gorgeous dark velvety blanket and current favourite is the StaySnug Bubble Faux Fur Lakeland Heated Throw . Made from the softest faux fur, this luxury heated throw blanket has me toasty warm in no time.
With nine heat settings, which are easily switched between using the easy-to-use controller, it offers the perfect temperature at the press of a button.
Best for a walk or doing the garden: Stoov Kokoon³ heated scarf
This clever gadget is brilliant for a brisk dog walk or to brave the school run. It has carried me through shopping trips, school concerts, church services and drinks with friends - outdoor pub meet-ups were much more comfortable thanks to my toasty scarf.
At £119.99 from the Stoov site, it's a smart bit of winter kit for anyone who feels the cold.
Measuring 20 x 140cm, it delivers gentle infrared warmth directly to your body, rather than simply heating the air around you.
There are three temperature settings, ranging from 35°C to 58°C, so you can adjust the heat to suit the weather.
Stylish, practical and available in five colours, it's a luxurious way to stay cosy when temperatures drop.
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It also has nine time settings, so I can relax knowing that it will turn off if I doze off in front of the TV, or reading a book. There's built-in overheating protection, so I can set the heat and time easily before sprawling out across the sofa.
Cost to run: 2-3p an hour
Best bargain buy: Aldi heated blanket
In the middle aisle, Aldi Heated Blankets are back for £24.99 - that's a fiver less than last year. With four levels of built-in warmth, a digital hand controller and LED display for easy temperature adjustments, it’s even machine-washable at 30°C for ease. It's perfect for snuggling up in front of the TV on cold winter nights.
It's par of the Aldi Keep Cosy range, which also includes:
- Heating Mattress Pad King Size – £24.99
- Heated Mattress Pad Double – £22.99
- Wearable Blanket – £11.99
- Children's Waterproof Thermo Boots – £12.99
- Men's and Ladies' Outdoor Fleece Jacket – £12.99
- Men's and Ladies' Baselayer Top 2pk – £8.99
- Ladies' Fleece Hiking Tights – £7.99
- Ladies' Lined Clogs – £6.99
- Men's Comfort Slippers – £5.99
- Ladies' Novelty Slippers – £5.99
- Thermal Socks 2pk – £5.99
- Winter Hot Water Bottle – £4.49
- Home Socks 2pk – £2.69
- Casual Mountain Socks 2pk – £2.49
Best for drivers: Aldi heated car seat cover
Another middle aisle buy, but this was from earlier in the year for a bargain £7.99, I plugged this little beauty into my car's cigarette lighter on the drive home and it's not left my driver's seat since.
It heats up quickly and evenly to just the right level of warmth. With a bit of clever jiggling, I can't feel the wire that connects it to the 12V power source.
It has been both comfort and joy - so much so that I've started searching branches of Aldi to see if they are back this winter, so be quick and grab one before I buy them all.
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