The one off payment could save families hundreds this winter

With energy prices soaring and the cost of living crisis only getting worse, many of us are taking steps to save money anywhere we can.

As the weather turns colder, we usually turn the central heating on to feel more comfortable at home. But with the cost of energy having soared drastically, people across the country are trying to find cheaper ways to stay warm.

One thing that many parents are turning to, for themselves as well as their kids, is the Oodie. Essentially an Oodie is a wearable blanket comprising an oversized hooded sweatshirt with a fleece interior and an equally oversized kangaroo pocket. You can buy them here.

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They first became popular in 2020, when orders with the Australian company rose more by more than 200% from the UK, and with families struggling to pay their bills amid the cost of living crisis, demand for them is now at an all-time high, the MEN reports.

On Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website, one fan says she hasn't needed her heating since buying such clothing. She said: "Invested in an oversized hoodie blanket to snuggle up in, not used heating since".

The official Oodies are not cheap, but there's currently a sale on, with kids' starting from £47 and the reviews really do speak for themselves. One customer said: "BIG, fluffy, cuddly warm.. did I say BIG? "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."

Another said: "I got this 6 days after I ordered it and honestly it was worth the wait! "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!

"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. You can save money with the bundles 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 its 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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