Let's be honest, this is our third stint in lockdown and, well, it's just not the one, is it?
There's only so many routes you can find around your local neighbourhood for a daily walk and, for that matter, there's only so many loafs of banana bread you can bake (are people still doing that?).
However, we can't change the situation so we might as well make the most of it, and we've decided to do that by going on a spending spree...
One thing that these lockdowns have taught us is exactly what we want and need to live in our houses 24/7. From coffee machines to cardigans, we have perfected the art of staying in to the nth degree, and we thought you might want to benefit from our wisdom.
So, without further ado, we present to you:
CHECK OUT: The heat team's top (and most essential, obvs) picks for a slightly better than average lockdown
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
heat team lockdown buys
Double Wall Insulated Bear Glasses
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes - **@a1meejakes**Since we can't go to parties, the pub or fancy workout classes, we have to start finding joy in the teeny things. That's why I'm ob-sessed with this bear shaped glass coffee mug. It cleverly keeps your drinks either hot or cold and makes you feel boujee with every sip. My favourite purchase in a very long time.
6 Pack Multicoloured Mini Velvet Scrunchies
Chosen by editorial assistant Daisy Hall - **@daisyhall1**Since most people have only been seeing my face for a year now, I thought I'd spice up my hair styles with some new accessories. Admittedly my colleagues can't actually see these scrunchies during our calls, but I like to feel like I've made a bit of effort.
LXMTOU Skipping Rope with Counter
Chosen by content writer Lily Anderson - **@lily.anderson_x**I found myself in a TikTok hole at about 2am watching jump rope videos and I had to buy one. I've been skipping every day since. I love that this pink number helps me follow my progress with the display mode and data memory function.
Monopoly Deal - English
Chosen by head of content Amy Cooper - **@amycooper92**Like I first did back in 1998, I have once again found myself addicted to Monopoly. Not the takes three days and quickly grow to loathe every member of your immediate family Monopoly the Board Game, but Monopoly Deal, which can be played in 15 minutes and is incredibly addictive. Several friends recommended it to me as it was their own lockdown saviour, and I've jumped on the bandwagon. It's one of my best - and most cost effective - lockdown purchases.
L’Oréal Professionnel Pro Longer gift set
Chosen by junior digital writer Lucy Smith - **@luceeeeesmith**Since I haven't been able to pop to the hairdressers for a quick split-end trim, I've had to put extra care into keeping my locks, well, split-end free. This Pro Longer duo from L'Oréal has been an essential part of my lockdown haircare - it lets my hair continue growing and, by using the deep conditioning mask once a week, it keeps my split-ends at bay, too. It may cost a bit more than your classic shampoo/conditioner duo, but now that I've tried it I wouldn't be without it. Plus, it smells fab.
The Comfy Original oversized wearable sherpa blanket
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes - **@a1meejakes**I have somehow aged 40 years over lockdown and suddenly need all my clothing to be cosy, oversized and fluffy. Enter the best invention EVER that has transformed my lockdown 3.0 - the wearable blanket hoodie. I have been known to wear mine for an entire weekend, they're incredibly soft and the hood and pockets are sublime. If you want to feel like a snuggly baby whilst watching Married At First Sight Australia, I 100% recommend.
De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me, Single Serve Capsule Coffee Machine Starter Kit, Including Starbucks coffee
Chosen by digital writer Nathan Katnoria - **@nathan_kat**Working from home means no more morning detours to the nearest coffee shop on the way to the office but I can still get my daily latte fix courtesy of this snazzy Dolce Gusto machine, which whips up a frothy coffee in the blink of an eye.
VGUARD Running Phone Armband, 6.2 Inch
Chosen by editorial assistant Daisy Hall - **@daisyhall1**Like most people, during the first lockdown I decided to take up running and this armband is the perfect way to make sure I can take my phone (and my keys) out with me on a run.
Baby pink long striped satin PJ set
Chosen by acting deputy digital lead Eden-Olivia Lord - **@eden_liv_lord**I bought these pyjamas during the second lockdown (throwback) and I'm still obsessed with them. They're cute, comfy and give me Blair Waldorf vibes. They're also available in plus size.
L'Oréal Paris Wonder Water Liquid Hair Conditioner
Chosen by head of content Amy Cooper - **@amycooper92**I decided to give L'Oreal's famous Wonder Water a go after reading a reviewfrom our shopping editor, Aimee Jakes and quickly found myself hooked. It makes your hair feel silky smooth and after so many months without a trip to the hairdresser (Alexa, when WILL hair salons be allowed to open again?) it felt like the height of luxury adding a new step to my bog standard hair washing routine.
Write Your Own Story Daily Planner
Chosen by content writer Lily Anderson - **@lily.anderson_x**To stop me from spending every day binge-watching the Kardashians and Married at First Sight Australia, I invested in a goal planner so that I could utilise my time indoors more. There's nothing more satisfying than ticking off my to-do list and spending a couple of minutes a day reflecting.
Kärcher Window Vac
Chosen by acting digital lead Carl Smith - **@carldavidsmith**An odd one, but I totally accepted I'd hit peak lockdown (and morphed into my dad) when I found myself purchasing a Kärcher window vac. And I did NOT regret it. Since we're staying in and staring longingly out of the window at the world outside, a squeaky-clean shine is vital - and this is a game changer. It's also perfect for the shower, general hard floor spillages and makes a very satisfying 'slurping' noise. Everyone's a winner.
Electric Blanket with 10 Heating Levels
Chosen by dynamic assistant Abigail Nair - **@abbynairart**I never imagined myself saying this pre-lockdown, but my favourite purchase over the last few months has to be my electric blanket. How I lived without it beforehand, I'll never know – it's the perfect way to warm up after any lockdown walk, the ideal companion for a movie day and seamlessly sneaks into most video calls undetected. With numerous different heat settings and super-soft fabric it's no wonder I've managed to convince multiple friends and family to invest in one (to ensure they don't steal mine!).
ASOS Design maxi edge to edge cardi
Chosen by dynamic assistant Abigail Nair - **@abbynairart**I've never been much of a cardigan fan in the pre-lockdown days (not warm enough to be a coat and too bulky to wear under one?) but now I've been spending a lot more time at home I decided to try one out and I'm SO pleased I did. This longline cardi is so soft and cosy but also works well with most outfits but doesn't make you look like you've just rolled out of bed, despite feeling like you're wearing a dressing gown – a winning combination in my eyes!
Centella Cleansing Oil
Chosen by junior digital writer Lucy Smith - **@luceeeeesmith**Lockdown 3.0 has got me focusing on my skin more than ever. I was tired of irritating my eyes in an attempt to remove my waterproof mascara so I got this silky cleansing oil and it has TRANSFORMED my make-up removal. Seriously, I just massage this all over my face and on my lashes - et voila, not a whisper of make-up left and my skin feels oh-so-nourished. Lovely jubbly.
A Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults: Sweary AF: F-ckity F-ck F-ck F-ck
Chosen by digital writer Nathan Katnoria - **@nathan_kat**Yes, I know I'm at least five years late to the whole adult colouring book trend but better late than never, eh? In a desperate attempt cut back my screen time and help me wind down in the evenings, I've started channelling my inner Picasso (well, kinda) before bed instead of my nightly Instagram/TikTok scroll and it's worked wonders. Plus, this sweary colouring book is hilarious.
Portal Mini White 8" from Facebook
Chosen by commercial content writer Jade Moscrop - **@jademoscrop**My parents live a few hours away from me and with the lockdown, we were obviously not going to see them anytime soon. Sick of carrying my phone around for a FaceTime, I bought a Facebook Portal and sent one to them, too. Now, we can chat hands-free while we're cooking or having a few drinks and it almost feels like we're in the room with them. The sound and picture quality is great, plus you can search the web on it and play music. I love it!
Break Away - Organic Sweatshirt for Women
Chosen by junior digital writer Lucy Smith - **@luceeeeesmith**As a bit of a water baby it's been hard these past months not being able to drive down to the beach for a dip in the sea. Alas, we're all making sacrifices so, instead of moping about, I ordered myself this cosy AF sweatshirt from my fave surf brand. The yellow brightens up my day and it's seriously the comfiest item of clothing I own. 10/10 recommend.
Fineway Electric Clothes Lint Remover
Chosen by acting deputy digital lead Eden-Olivia Lord - **@eden_liv_lord**I've always found it so annoying when my clothes get those fuzz balls on them so I decided to by this fuzz remover machine and honestly? It's a game changer. Long gone are the days where I avoid wearing certain clothes because of the fuzz balls because I now have this which removes them in seconds.
Amazon Basics All-Season Cotton Weighted Blanket
Chosen by commercial content writer Jade Moscrop - **@jademoscrop**Anyone else struggled to sleep since the lockdown came in? With the added stress and fear of the unknown, I was rarely getting my eight hours. I decided to try out a weighted blanket and have become seriously addicted to the glorious sleep that comes with it. It helps me to feel less stressed and I'm sleeping through the night and dropping off much more quickly. I'd recommend one to everyone.
Eylure Pro Dylash Lash Tint - Black
Chosen by acting digital lead Carl Smith - **@carldavidsmith**With the world in chaos, my first worry was obviously the closure of Benefit and the state of my general facial region. How would I go about getting my bi-monthly lash tint now? Well, thankfully, Eylure offers an at-home DIY solution that's almost as good as the real deal. It might sound scary, but it's totally pain-free and an absolute lockdown saviour.
Razer Blade 15 Base Model (2020): Gaming Laptop with 15.6 Inch Full HD
Chosen by director of content and audience development Ian Betteridge - **@ianbetteridge**There is only so much TV you can watch. There, I've said it. But there are an infinite number of really great games you can play, online and off, and if you want to play them you really need a proper gaming PC. Thanks to not commuting on the most expensive few miles of rail line in the world, I was able to save up a few pennies and get a Razer Blade 15 – and because new models are coming out, the 2020 version is currently a bit of a bargain at just over £600 off its list price.
KORG Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit
Chosen by products editor Richard Kilpatrick - @rtkmedia****__** Right at the start of lockdown, I wanted some little projects to assemble. I grabbed a Korg Nu
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Some tips from the heat team for a more bearable lockdown....
1. Make your inside space as calming as possible
Treat yourself to some homeware bits to make the most of the rooms you'll be seeing a lot of over the next month. Why not start with some greenery to bring in oxygen or maybe a salt lamp to purify the air around you. According to Women's Health mag, salt lamps "release negative ions into the air as [they] warm – making you feel better, naturally."
2. Invest in some 'active' skincare
Mask wearing can seriously take its toll on your skin. Now that you've got a bit more time before and after work (if you're WFH, that is), try and figure out what it is your skin really needs. Hyaluronic acid can help with dryness, and niacinamide can aid excess oil production. Plus, these days you can get all these fancy sounding actives for less than a tenner. The Ordinary and The Inkey List are great places to start.
3. Take some much needed time away from your devices
When the only way you can interact with your friends and family is online, it can get a bit exhausting being constantly present in the virtual world. Try setting aside an hour or two every couple days to take some screen-free time. You could read a book or try some meditation - the Calm app is great for beginners.