Despite what the weather forecast might be saying, winter is on its way and if there's one thing I learned from last year and working from home, it's how to stay warm without cranking up the heating. Enter the hooded blanket.
The original, the Oodie, is a constant bestseller and been lauded for its cosiness – reviewers wax 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.
With the cost of living crisis, and increasing energy bills, an oversized, wearable blanket is perfect for popping on while working from home or as an alternative to wearing your dressing gown at 5pm.
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.
Best adult Oodie alternatives
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!"
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.
John Lewis ANYDAY Hooded Velour Blanket
Editor's note: "I can almost feel how soft and squishy this John Lewis hooded blanket would be!"
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."
Head to New Look for a cute print oversized hooded blanket, available in one size.
Amazon Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I love the longer length of this Amazon number, which really does look part blanket, part hoodie."
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."
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 leopard print, which I adore, and looks silky snuggly."
Available in small to extra large, this pink leopard print hooded blanket contains recycled yarns and a kangaroo pocket.
Etsy Personalised Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "You can guarantee I'll be snapping up one of these personalised hooded blankets, which can be embroidered with a picture of your dog on. How amazing?!"
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 picture of your beloved pet.
Best kids' Oodie alternatives
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!"
Sherpa lined and with pockets, this Peppa Pig hooded blanket fits ages 3-6, and is machine washable.
Etsy 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."
Designed for kids aged 7-13, this glow in the dark hooded blanket comes in three designs and would make a great gift.
M&S Hooded Blanket
Editor's note: "I know my daughter would adore this fairy-print hooded blanket, with its cosy fleece finish."
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."
John Lewis' kids hooded blanket is oversized, sherpa finished and available in ages 3-16.
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