Winter is well and truly here, with a different named storm breezing in on a weekly basis and snow making its first appearance of the year. And if there's one thing I learned from last year, it's how to stay warm without cranking up the heating - especially if you work from home. Enter the hooded blanket. The original, the Oodie, is a constant bestseller and has been lauded for its cosiness, with reviewers waxing lyrical about how they can skip putting on the central heating when wearing one. Plus, their designs are fun, silly and brighten up a dreary day.
But if you want an Oodie without the price tag (they can cost upwards of £69 for an adult Oodie, and £77 for a kids’ Oodie) then the high street is your friend. But plot twist - Oodie has a brilliant sale on right now, with up to 60% off, with adult versions starting from £36! So if it's the real thing you want, is there a better time to shop Oodie than now?! With energy bills still high and the general cost of living not to mention a schlep until January payday, an oversized, wearable blanket is perfect for popping on while working from home or as an alternative to wearing your dressing gown at 5pm.
I own an Oodie, and even bought a matching one for my four-year-old (the avocado print, if you were wondering). They're incredibly warm - and I mean incredibly, extremely oversized (no bad thing!) and comfortable. The soft material is literally dressing gown worthy but less embarrassing to answer the door in, and I love that it has a hood for extra cosiness. It is true what they say, you don't need the heating on wearing one, you really don't.
There are children’s versions too, which parents praise as an after-school saviour for kids to stay warm in while relaxing before bedtime or to throw on for a chilly school run. There’s even versions for dogs too. It’s worth reading the reviews of the high street hooded blankets; Dunelm’s version was rated as “less stiff and boxy than the original” and M&S’ lookalike has had over 190 reviews with “incredibly warm” and “cosy” as some of the most common descriptions.
How I chose the best Oodie alternatives
- Trusted reviews: This is where reviews really shine! I've searched through online reviews to find the Oodie alternatives that actually deliver in terms of warmth and comfort.
- Price: All of the hooded blankets listed cost less than the original version.
- Design: Hooded blankets come in all sorts of styles, from block colours to bold patterns. I've found as many different versions as possible, but it's always worth checking if the style you like comes in an alternative print to the one I've listed.
- Warmth: As much as I'd love to, I haven't tried all of the products listed but where possible, I've called out the ones that seem to win for warmth in reviews.
So save your heating and invest in one of these warm, hooded fleece blankets for you and your family instead.
M&S Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I always turn to M&S for my dressing gowns and will be snapping up one of these hooded blankets too! Over 750 positive reviews call it "brilliant" with one adding: "Really keeps you so toasty warm you can save loads on heating bills!"
Shipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.
Sizes: Medium, large plus kids
Returns: Within 35 days
This M&S hooded blanket not only looks cute but, according to the reviews, is off the scale in cosy. Available in sizes medium and large, as well as a kids' version, there's five neutral colours to choose from and the navy version is currently on sale
John Lewis ANYDAY Hooded Velour Blanket
Editor's note: "I can almost feel how soft and squishy this John Lewis hooded blanket would be!"
Shipping: Free delivery with a £150 spend
Sizes: One size
Returns: Within 30 days of purchase
Generously cut and loose-fitting, John Lewis' hooded blanket has a velour finish and snuggly interior. Available in pink or teal, it comes in one size.
New Look Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I'm a sucker for a fun, kitsch print on a hooded blanket and New Look's got them in abundance. If you're not a dog fan, there's breakfast prints, avocado, koala and more."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £50 spend; or £2.99 for standard delivery on orders under £50.
Sizes: Small to XL
Returns: Within 28 days
Head to New Look for a cute print oversized hooded blanket.
Amazon Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I love the longer length of this Amazon number, which really does look part blanket, part hoodie."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £25 spend.
Sizes: One size
Colours: 12 available
Returns: Within 30 days
Ranging from black to lilac, Amazon's hooded blanket has a big pocket on the front (ideal for your phone or snacks) and comes in one size.
kudd:ly Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "Kudd:ly have some of the coolest designs on their hooded blankets, including this tie-dye style and even a glow in the dark one! They score highly in online reviews too, with shoppers calling them "super cuddly" and "great value for money."
Shipping: Free delivery on all orders.
Sizes: One size (equivalent to 6XL)
Colours: 11 to choose from, including plain and patterned
Returns: Within 30 days
The kudd:ly oversized blanket comes in one size (to fit 6XL) and a range of designs, from plain to patterned.
TU Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "This is the one I wouldn't mind if my local delivery person saw me in! The TU hooded blanket comes in black and white print, which I adore, and looks silky snuggly."
Shipping: From £3.95 on all orders, or free click and collect.
Sizes: Small to XL
Returns: Until January 31 2024
Available in small to extra large, this mono spot print hooded blanket contains recycled yarns and a kangaroo pocket.
Snuggy Kebab Print Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I couldn't resist including this hilarious kebab print hooded blanket! It looks super comfy and soft, and has an oversized hood and massive front pocket too."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £50 spend
Size: One-size for adults
Returns: Within 14 days
Crafted from soft flannel fleece with a sherpa lining, the Snuggy hooded blanket is said to be thick, durable and super snuggly.
Etsy Personalised Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "Who doesn't love something personalised? This would make a fab present for a loved one, or of course yourself. There's a few colours to choose from too, including neutrals like black and grey and a bright pink or blue."
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Sizes: One size
Colours: Grey, black, navy, red or pink
Returns: Available within 14 days
This one-size fits all hooded blanket has a super soft sherpa lining and high-pile fleece fabric for maximum cosy points. Can be fully personalised with a name or initials.
Boux Avenue Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I haven't tried this hooded blanket, but I love the soft dove grey colour and heart embossing. Looks less thick than an Oodie, but that's not necessarily a bad thing."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £40 spend; or £3.95 for standard delivery.
Sizes: Small to large
Returns: Within 28 days
Created from a soft, plush material, Boux Avenue's cute hooded blanket also comes in kids' sizes and is available in small-medium, or medium-large.
Peppa Pig Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "Delight your little one with a Peppa Pig hooded blanket - they'll want to wear it all the time!"
Shipping: From £3.95.
Sizes: One size
Returns: Within 14 days
Sherpa lined and with pockets, this Peppa Pig hooded blanket fits ages 3-6, and is machine washable.
Silentnight Glow In The Dark Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "How cool is this glow in the dark hooded blanket for kids? Such a great one for car journeys and winter evenings."
Shipping: Standard delivery costs £4.99.
Sizes: One size
Returns: Within 30 days
Designed for kids aged 3-11, this glow in the dark hooded blanket would make a great gift, with a warm sherpa inner and fleece exterior.
M&S Frozen Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I know my daughter would adore this Frozen hooded blanket, with its cosy fleece finish."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.
Sizes: Ages 3-8 years.
Returns: Within 35 days
Available in sizes 3-8 years, this cosy hoodie has an oversized fit, long sleeves and a snuggle hood.
John Lewis Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "This John Lewis hooded blanket is a classic buy for kids and looks super snuggly."
Shipping: Free delivery with a £150 spend
Sizes: From 3 years to 16 years.
Returns: Within 30 days of purchase
John Lewis' kids hooded blanket is oversized, sherpa finished and available in ages 3-16.
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