Seven bargain buys under £11 to stay cool in hot weather from B&M, Tesco and Home Bargains
THE weather has truly taken a turn for the warmer – but you don’t have to break the bank to keep cool.
Brits have been flocking to the beach and basking in sunshine as temperatures hit 32C across parts of the UK.
But if the heat has all got too much and you’re looking for ways to keep cool for less, we’ve got you covered.
From B&M, to Tesco and Home Bargains, there are plenty of bargain buys to keep you cool.
The Range – Cooling Gel Pad (£4)
Most cooling gel pads are designed to keep your pets cool during scorching weather, but they’re also suitable for humans.
The mats come in many shapes and sizes and activate when you sit or lie on them, and can make them even cooler by popping them in the fridge.
You can get them across a range of retailers including B&M, Dunelm and Amazon but we found one for £3.99 on The Range‘s website.
You’ll have to pay a £3.95 charge if you want one delivered to your home address though.
Otherwise, you can try finding one in your nearest The Range branch, which you can find using the retailer’s online store locator tool.
B&M – Hot Water Bottle (£3)
Hot water bottles are ideal in the winter, but can be just as effective when it’s warmer too.
All you have to do is fill them with water then stick them in the freezer and wait for them to cool down.
If you’re looking to snap one of the gadgets up on the cheap, B&M is selling a two litre navy blue one for just £2.99.
The retailer is also selling them in Pink and Red if those colours take your fancy more.
If you’re keen to pick one up, bear in mind B&M doesn’t do home delivery.
But you might be able to find one in your nearest branch – you just have to use the retailer’s online store locator tool.
Poundland – Reusable Ice Cubes (80p)
Reusable ice cubes are ideal if you’re looking to keep your bev cold on a budget – and it means you won’t have to keep rushing to the shops.
If you’re looking to get some on the cheap Poundland is selling a pack of 18 for just 80p.
You can buy them online, but have to spend a minimum of £20 to qualify for home delivery, which costs £3.95.
Make sure if you do buy the cubes, you give them a wash after every use.
Tesco – Neon Handheld Portable Fan (£3)
You can’t beat the classic handheld fan and these from Tesco are selling for £3 each.
They come in a range of colours including red, white, green and blue so there’s one for all tastes.
You will need to buy two AA batteries to power yours though as they don’t come included.
The fans come with 2.5inch soft touch blades so there’s less of a chance you’ll hurt yourself using one as well.
Standard home delivery starts from £3 and goes all the way up to £7 depending on where you live.
Home Bargains – Pifco Hands-Free Wearable Neck Fan (£7)
Neck fans are great to keep your body temperature under control on a run, but they’re also useful if you want to stay cool at home.
Home Bargains is selling a Pifco-branded one for just £6.99 too – and it’s USB rechargeable.
It also comes with multiple speed modes and is adjustable to grip to your neck.
If you’re looking to get one ordered to your home, it’ll set you back a minimum £3.95.
Or, you can find your local branch by using the retailer’s store locator and heading down to see if they have any in stock.
Ryman – Ice Cool Towel (£3)
Cooling ice towels work by instantly getting colder when they’re wet making them ideal for hot summer days.
Ryman is selling one for just £3 too – you just have to add water to it and shake for five to 10 seconds.
The towel then stays chilled for a decent two hours and can be used again and again.
Shoppers looking to get one delivered to their home address will have to pay a standard delivery charge of £3.95 though.
That’s unless you spend a minimum of £30 in which case there’s no charge.
Amazon – Portable Air Conditioner (£11)
If you’ve got a bit more in your budget this portable air conditioner is a decent option.
Amazon is selling it for £10.99 currently, down from £29.99 – a 63% discount.
The air conditioner comes with three speed modes and is USB powered meaning you can plug it into your laptop and let it run.
You’ll have to spend £4.99 to get it delivered though so factor that into the overall cost.
Free hacks to stay cool in the heat
You don't even have to spend to stay cool during a heatwave. Here's a few free hacks you can use...
Keeping blinds and windows closed – keep your house cool by making sure blinds and curtains are closed during the day. This will stop the heating effect of sunlight coming through the glass.
Water and ice bowl – place a small bowl of water with ice cubes inside next to a fan which will blow cooler air over you.
Switch off unused appliances – if one of your appliances isn’t in use then make sure it’s turned off. Unused appliances left on standby will generate unwanted extra heat and drive up your energy bill.
Get the tinfoil out – using tin foil to shield your home from the sun’s rays can help to keep your home cool without having to turn on a fan or air-con. Be especially careful to cover the windows that are hit with direct sunlight.
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