We’ve handpicked 15 cosy gift ideas for Mother’s Day, each one designed to make her feel seen and appreciated. Gift the remarkable mum (or mums!) in your life a thoughtful, cosy gift that will truly make her day.
It wouldn’t be a Snuggy gift guide without our iconic hooded blankets thrown in! Combining comfort and fun, they elevate any moment.
The Snuggy Lite is a lightweight hooded blanket that’s just perfect for the warmer months as we head into spring. Imagine your mum unwinding in front of the firepit or watching her favourite TV show while wearing this gorgeous green checkered design.
If your mum would hold her hand up and admit she’s a cat lady, then our cat design hooded blanket would make the ideal quirky Mother’s Day gift. She can envelope herself in comfort and be reminded of her favourite animal – just perfect for catnaps and lazy Sunday afternoons.
This leopard print hooded blanket strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style for any glamorous mums out there. She can unwind in the fashionable but cosy garment, and maintain her air of sophistication, even when she’s just pottering about at home. And don’t forget that the leopard print design is also available as a Snuggy Lite!
Show your mum how well you know her with this red wine bottle printed hooded blanket! It’s definitely a tongue-in-cheek present, so not for everyone – but no one knows whether your mum’s sense of humour can handle it better than you do. A real bottle on the side will no doubt go down a treat too!
Let’s face it, all mums need a little more sleep. Encourage her to lean into rest and rejuvenation with a gift from our varied range of bedtime accessories.
Encourage her to take more moments of relaxation by gifting her a hot water bottle with a luxurious faux fur cover. It makes a great addition to any chilly night, and is just as soft as it is warm. Available in a range of colours to suit any taste, she can unwind in luxurious comfort.
Elevate her beauty sleep with a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase. Mulberry silk is known for its antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, which makes it a great option for mums who have allergies. The silky-smooth material also prevents friction, which means less bedhead and fewer morning wrinkles!
Nothing goes better with a silk pillowcase than a silk scrunchie. Your mum will love that it keeps her hair in check overnight, so she’s fresh as a daisy and ready to go in the morning. It also prevents damage and split ends, improving hair health over time.
Complete her bedtime ensemble with a 100% mulberry silk eye mask. Our sleep masks are handmade and designed to be gentle on skin and hair, making them a must-have bedtime accessory. With amino acids built in and moisture preservation technology, her skin will be thanking you even if she forgets to!
Introduce her to a world of night-time aromatherapy with our deep sleep spray. The gorgeous scent is comprised of lavender, rosemary, lemon peel and cloves, which combine to create a soothing and serene atmosphere that’ll send her off to sleep in no time. And the natural plant ingredients are just as good for the planet as they are for her pillow.
From faux fur-lined slippers to ambient lamps, we’ve chosen these items because of the oasis of comfort that they help to build within the home.
Treat her feet and show her you appreciate all of the running around that she does by getting her a pair of luxurious slippers. The thick suede material and cruelty-free faux fur interior lining feel just like walking on a cloud, and the non-slip rubber soles ensure that they’re durable and long-lasting. The slippers also come in a sturdy branded box to make gift wrapping easy.
Illuminate her home and her heart with a cute and stylish lamp. The wiring inside the bulb spells out different words, so you get to choose whether ‘love’, ‘home’, ‘relax’ or ‘dream’ suits her personality best. The lamp will add a touch of warmth and ambience to any room – just like she does.
Our high-quality fleece blanket is the ultimate cosy accessory. She can drape it around herself, use it as a throw for her bed, or lay it over her lap for a bit of extra warmth when sitting outside with a glass of wine. Just imagine your lovely mum as snug as a bug with this blanket wrapped tight around her.
If your mum struggles to sleep, tends to get a bit anxious or just simply likes to have a load of heavy duvets over her at night, she’ll love this therapeutic weighted blanket. It can reduce muscle tension, help her get a deeper sleep and provide relief from all sorts of pain and stress. It’s also manufactured to maintain optimal airflow, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot.
Our lounge sets are made from the same incredibly soft fabric that our hooded blankets are made from. They’re perfect for working out, wearing to bed or doing chores around the house. They make a versatile addition to any collection of comfort wear, and come in a range of colours including pink, grey, nude and black.
Can’t decide? Why not give her a Snuggy gift card and let her choose for herself? It’s the easiest way to surprise her while making sure she gets exactly what she wants from the Snuggy range of cosy clothing and accessories.
]]>If you want to step away from traditional gifts and know that your valentine prefers nights in to nights out, buying them a cosy-inspired gift will speak volumes about your thoughtfulness.
So, whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, expressing your appreciation for friends or treating yourself to a little self-love, these 12 cosy gift ideas will bring some warmth to the day of love.
The Snuggy bedtime bundle makes the perfect Valentine’s gift for anyone who loves to get their beauty sleep. The bundle includes a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase and matching scrunchie, which help to keep bedhead at bay and protect from dust allergies.
Mulberry silk is also incredibly soft on the skin and can help prevent ageing, so we’ve thrown a silk eye mask in there too! To round the bundle off is a lavender sleep spray that smells divine and will send your valentine into a restful slumber, hopefully filled with sweet dreams of you.
No cosy Valentine’s Day would be complete without a hooded blanket and, as love is in the air, it’s got to be a pink one. Crafted from super-soft material and with a luxurious sherpa fleece lining, there’s no better way to shroud your Valentine in comfort and signal your affection.
Whether they enjoy binge-watching romcoms or reading a romance novel, this pink hooded blanket is the ideal companion.
Ambient lighting really helps set the scene for a romantic evening, and is easily achieved with some fairy lights. Our luxury fairy lights create a soft, warm glow and come with a 10-metre cable that’s long enough to transform any space into a romantic haven.
A bottle of red wine is a failsafe gift for any occasion, and Valentine’s Day is certainly no different. But if you’re worried about appearing basic by giving such a simple gift, why not switch things up a little?
Yes, we’re talking about our red wine bottle hooded blanket. Give it on its own or pair it with a real bottle of red for a thoughtful present that will keep you chatting all evening long!
If you want to give someone the hint that you’re keen to snuggle up under the covers with them, one of our fleece blankets could help you make your point. Big enough to comfortably cover two people, you also get to choose from pretty pink, modern grey or traditional navy.
With their warm and soft fleecy fabric, these blankets invite you in and are completely irresistible. They make a great wingman or woman for a romantic night in!
The days of wining and dining your love interest on big date nights out are over. Instead, these days it’s all about staying in and getting to know each other in a more intimate setting.
If you want to get your valentine a special present that shows just how much you’ve been enjoying your cosy nights in together, a lounge set is a great option.
If your girlfriend is a homebody who gets excited at the mere mention of cancelling plans, then prove how well you know her with a pair of cosy slippers that are just perfect for lounging around the house.
With a cushioned base and luxury faux-fur lining, wearing our slippers is genuinely like walking on a cloud. If there’s one thing this present will tell your loved one, it’s that you think they deserve to put their feet up more often!
There are few things more cosy than a hooded blanket, but a hot water bottle and fluffy socks definitely provide some competition. Fortunately, you don’t have to pick which one your valentine would like most – you can now buy all three as part of the Snuggy bundle.
Coming in a rose red colour that couldn’t be more appropriate for Valentine’s Day, the only danger is that you might be tempted to keep it for yourself!
Ok, so socks aren’t the most original gift idea but there’s a reason we keep on giving them! This 7-pack of super fluffy socks isn’t just practical, it’s also the ultimate cosy accessory for your valentine’s feet. The set of 7 includes multiple different colours, and will ensure that the wearer thinks of you every day of the week.
For a present that’s truly fit for the occasion, go for this ‘Love’ word lamp that will send your chosen valentine a not-so-subtle message about your feelings for them.
With a luxury white marble base and wired letters spelling out ‘love’, it’s cute and classy – maybe just like your valentine!
Double the warmth and double the love – this hooded blanket twin pack is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for snuggly moments together. Technically, you’ll be treating yourself as well as your loved… but what’s wrong with that?!
Go for a matching set for the ultimate in couple goals, or show that your individuality makes you stronger together by choosing different ones from our range of designs.
Last on our list is a special gift idea for those who are boycotting Valentine’s Day in favour of Galentine’s Day. Make your girl friends laugh with this kebab hooded blanket, and remind them of all your messy nights out together!
Alternatively, our eternally popular unicorn hooded blanket is sure to go down a treat with any friends who aren’t fans of novelty gifts.
]]>Yet, these days, hooded blankets are everywhere. They’re practical, they’re irresistibly cosy, and celebs love them. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular – but how did they reach this point of cult status? We’re taking a look through the history of the hooded blanket to find out just that.
A hooded blanket is a unique piece of clothing that’s essentially – you guessed it – a blanket with a hood. Also sometimes called a hoodie blanket, these cosy garments offer the wearer the warmth and comfort of a blanket, with all the functionality of a hoodie.
Hooded blankets are usually made from soft fleecy fabrics and feature a spacious, integrated hood. They tend to be oversized to ensure that they provide maximum physical freedom and can cover the whole body when sitting down.
The best hooded blanket designs feature practical details like wide sleeves with elasticated wrists and a large front pocket for carrying around snacks and your phone. They’re also lined with an incredibly fluffy sherpa fleece interior – just like our very own Snuggys.
From the fur and animal skin blankets of the caveman era to the hooded garments of the 13th century BC, both hoods and blankets have been used by humans for millennia. They’ve long provided vital protection from the elements, especially in the days before modern comforts like central heating had been invented.
Their forms have evolved throughout history, with the earliest evidence of woven blankets similar to what we have nowadays being from Egypt in around 3,500 BC. Hoods, on the other hand, progressed from pieces of material wrapped around the head to purpose-designed additions sewn into other garments.
Blankets have always had a primarily practical purpose – they exist to provide warmth. Hoods are also extremely useful as a way of preserving heat and protecting from harsh weather conditions, but have consistently been used for other purposes too.
For a long time, hoods were an integral part of religious dress, as covering the head was a very common religious tradition during medieval times and even earlier. We also have evidence of men wearing hooded tunics during the 12th century, although this was not necessarily for religious reasons.
The modern hoodie was invented in the 1930s in upstate New York, although it wasn’t called that until much later. The ‘hooded sweatshirt’, as it was then known, was designed to provide some much-needed extra warmth for factory employees working in bitterly cold warehouses.
The 1970s saw the emergence of hoodies as a fashion item, especially within New York City’s hip-hop culture, further propelled by the hit movie Rocky. The term ‘hoodie’ wasn’t widely adopted until the 1990s, when the garment was widely adopted in both the UK and the US.
In the UK, rave culture was at the heart of the hoodie trend while, in the US, it was the California skateboarders that took it to peak popularity. High-end brands quickly followed suit, with Armani and Ralph Lauren including the item on their '90s catwalks.
In 1998, a game-changing concept emerged. Gary Clegg, a student at Maine University, created the ‘Slanket’ – a sleeved blanket that was designed to provide warmth and comfort while allowing the wearer to move freely. The unusual concept ignited the public’s imagination and set the wheels in motion for a new category of loungewear.
Wearable blankets came into the mainstream consciousness around 2008. Their increase in popularity at this time can be attributed to two major factors: the ongoing societal shift towards more casual clothing, and the rise of social media. These influences coincided with a few celebrity endorsements, and boom – an iconic piece of clothing was born.
Quite the departure from the fur blankets of our ancestors, contemporary hooded blankets have embraced ethical practices and moved away from animal products. Instead, modern materials and manufacturing processes, such as the super-soft sherpa fleece used in Snuggys, ensure a warm and cosy experience without compromising on ethics.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that large parts of the world were hit with stay-at-home orders in 2020. This sudden increase in time spent at home meant that loungewear surged in popularity. As the UK concurrently grappled with a cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy prices, people turned to the Snuggy to keep themselves warm and comfortable on a budget.
You might have a chuckle to yourself the first time you put one on, but the hooded blanket isn’t just an unusual garment with a practical purpose. Much like its predecessor, the hoodie, which once raised eyebrows but is now a wardrobe staple, the hooded blanket could also prove that fashion trends really do change all the time.
These days, people wear hooded blankets for all kinds of activities. Their versatility and irresistible comfort make them suitable for a wide range of purposes:
At Snuggy, we’re proud that our hooded blankets offer superior quality without a premium price tag. We’ve carefully designed them to include thoughtful features like useful pockets and a generously sized hood, seamlessly blending comfort with practicality.
Snuggys are also designed to last and won’t fall apart after one too many washes. But despite their easy maintenance, Snuggys are still lined with the softest sherpa fleece interior that envelopes you in luxury every time you put one on.
The range comes with a wide variety of patterns and colours, so you’re sure to find a Snuggy to suit any personality.
]]>Somewhere between a blanket and a hoodie, a Snuggy pulls together the best parts of each. Just like a blanket, you can wrap yourself up all warm and cosy inside one. And just like with a hoodie, you can easily use your hands or go for a walk without worrying about it slipping off!
Best of all, no one in the family has to feel left out – almost all of our adult Snuggy designs are available in child and baby sizes too. We might be biased, but there’s nothing more adorable than seeing your little one as snug as a bug in their hooded blanket.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, a child or a friend, you’ll find the perfect hooded blanket within the Snuggy collection. There’s a diverse range of patterns and colours to suit every personality – so, let’s get started.
It’s that time of year again! Yes, Christmas is here and ‘tis the season to snuggle up in a hooded blanket while watching festive TV. Fortunately, we have the perfect hooded blanket for the occasion. Our snowflake pattern Snuggy has the vibe of a magical snowy day – but with a lot more warmth!
And if the icy blue colour isn’t your best, why not check out our red hooded blanket? The white fleecy lining might mean people mistake you for Father Christmas – but they certainly won’t doubt your festive spirit!
If your idea of a perfect evening involves curling up with a good book or getting lost in the fictional world of a movie, the Snuggy bundle is your new best friend. In every bundle is a premium-quality sherpa fleece hooded blanket, one pair of incredibly fluffy slipper socks and a cosy hot water bottle. Nights in don’t get much better than this.
Artistic personalities will be delighted with our dreamy multi-coloured Snuggy. Coming in both standard and lightweight versions, this fluffy hooded blanket will keep you warm all year round. The pattern looks as though it has been dabbed on by an artist’s paintbrush, providing endless inspiration with its swirling colours and patterns.
Always on the move? Love to work up a sweat? If the words ‘fitness fanatic’ resonate deeply, the Snuggy Lite is your go-to choice of hooded blanket. Providing the perfect balance of comfort and flexibility, it’s the ideal companion for post-workout stretching and relaxation. The single layer of teddy fleece provides warmth but keeps you from getting too hot – so you can also wear it to exercise on a chilly day!
For those who prefer the company of animals, this cute Snuggy with a cat design is a must-have. It’s super-sized and super comfy, and even has room for your four-legged to snuggle up with you. If you’re more of a dog person than a cat one, you can instead opt for one of our adorable hooded blankets for dogs!
Is there anything more zen than a clear blue sky? Just picture lying on your back outside, gazing up at the boundless sky on a clear day, meditating on the secrets of the universe. It’s enough to send anyone into a tranquil state of inner peace. But meditation is made a lot easier when you’re relaxed and comfortable – which is what this sky blue hooded blanket is a master at achieving.
Ok, so hooded blankets might not be the trendiest item around, but any fashionista knows that it’s all about the styling anyway. This leopard print Snuggy provides the perfect stylish base for you to make the look your own – and trust us, once you’ve worn a Snuggy out once, you’ll find there’s no going back!
Prefer the minimalist look? In that case, check out our simple but sophisticated grey hooded blanket.
The two best things about coming home from the club have got to be the kebab you pick up on the way and the comfy PJs you put on as soon as you step through the door. So, we decided to bring the two together and create our kebab hooded blanket!
Wear it around your friends to have them howling with laughter at your ideal post-night-out attire… But if you’re looking for a hooded blanket for your party animal pal and you want something a little more – ahem – sophisticated, a wine bottle pattern Snuggy is sure to do the trick.
Showcase your love of all things that come from the earth with a strawberry pattern Snuggy. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts or countryside dwellers who spend their free time in the greenhouse, marvelling at the natural world. If that sounds like you, imagine yourself surrounded by the great outdoors while wrapped up warm in your strawberry Snuggy!
Pink and purple have long been the domain of girly girls (not that that should stop anyone else from wearing the colours!). If you are indeed a girly girl or want to treat a feminine friend to a new Snuggy, you won’t go wrong with a pink or purple hooded blanket.
You can shop the whole Snuggy range of hooded blankets now. Don’t forget that if you’re buying for more than one person, you can save money with a family pack. You get two adult-sized hooded blankets along with two that are the perfect fit for kids, and you can mix and match different colours if you don’t want a matching set!
]]>Lined with sherpa fleece and topped with a big hood, Snuggys envelop you in comfort. Once you’ve tried one on, there’s no going back! And if you find yourself falling in love with your Snuggy, then you’re certainly not alone…
Loads of celebs have been spotted rocking a Snuggy, which brings us to the point of this blog! We’ve curated a list of 21 celebrities who are known to be Snuggy fans. From reality TV stars to actors and models, these famous faces love to be cosy and afraid to show it.
Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey is no stranger to comfort – she’s been spotted more than once wearing a hooded blanket. Here, the actress can be seen rocking a matching Snuggy with her adorable daughter.
Reality TV personality Chloe Ferry isn’t afraid to show off her laidback style. The Geordie Shore cast member is frequently seen wearing her hooded blanket, exuding cosy vibes. Don’t forget you can also get your hands on the pink fleece joggers that Chloe is wearing here.
Model and social media influencer Ellie O'Donnell is often seen snuggled up in a hooded blanket. Pictured here with her sister Daisey, she proves that style and comfort can go hand-in-hand!
Someone able to do the impossible and make their Snuggy look glamorous is Belle Hassan. The Love Island alum is a fan of relaxation and knows that wrapping yourself in a hooded blanket is the best way to achieve it.
Looking super cosy in her Snuggy is Marnie Simpson, star of Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach. The TV personality is often seen enjoying downtime in a hooded blanket.
Power couple Olivia and Alex Bowen met in 2016 on the second series of Love Island. Having built a family together, Olivia and Alex love to relax at home while decked out in their Snuggys.
As an ex-footballer, Jake Quickenden no doubt appreciates downtime more than most. The X Factor star can be seen here enjoying some family time while matching adults' and kids' hooded blankets.
This Geordie Shore star embraces relaxation in a hooded blanket, which will also keep him toasty warm throughout the bitter northeast winter. You can get your hands on his stylish grey Snuggy here - but you'll have to be quick!
As a reality TV personality and entrepreneur, Charlotte Crosby keeps her days busy. Evenings are therefore super important for chilling out, and Charlotte knows that a Snuggy is a fast pass to relaxation.
The second Charlotte on this list is Charlotte Dawson, Les Dawson's daughter. Famed for her appearances on shows like Celebs on the Farm and Love Squad, Charlotte likes to spend her downtime wrapped up warm in a Snuggy.
Star of the third series of ITV's Love Island, Sam Gowland is a fan of laidback style. He's been photographed wearing a hooded blanket, exuding effortless comfort.
Reality TV star and model Cara de la Hoyde is pictured here with husband Nathan Massey, who were both contestants on Love Island. Cara and Nathan love to spend their evenings at home, wrapped in their hooded blankets.
Love Island contestants and Snuggys are clearly a match made in heaven - the ITV show has yet another entry on our list. Elma Pazar, who spent a week in the villa in 2019, looks stunning in her blue hooded blanket.
Love Islander turned singer Cally Jane is no stranger to comfort. Here she is decked out in full Snuggy get-up, emanating cosiness with its ultra-soft material.
Influencer and reality TV contestant Kady McDermott oozes laid-back luxury in her Snuggy, proving that comfort and style can go hand-in-hand.
Reality TV personality Jack Fincham understands the importance of downtime and knows that if you struggle to relax, a Snuggy is your best friend! Often photographed wearing his, Jack confirms that comfort is paramount no matter the occasion.
Georgia (Gee) Steel is a social media influencer and television personality. Gee like to embrace relaxation by wearing her hooded blanket. In this photo, she's opted to pair hers with fluffy socks and a hot water bottle for the ultimate in comfort.
Chloe Patton is one of the stars of Teen Mom UK. She winds down from her busy family life by snuggling up warm and cosy in a hooded blanket.
Original 'The Only Way Is Essex' cast member Amy Childs has fallen in love with her hooded blanket and even got a cute matching Snuggy for her daughter.
Laura Tott is best-known for her appearances as a waitress on Channel 4 show First Dates. She's now a registered paramedic, however, and keeps herself cost following long shifts by wearing her Snuggy hooded blanket.
Another TOWIE star who can't get enough of their Snuggy is Lauren Goodger. The Essex native is pictured here looking like she's reached peak cosiness in a gorgeous pink hooded blanket.
If there's one thing our list proves, it's that celebs know a thing or two about comfort! Follow in their footsteps by choosing your very own Snuggy hooded blanket - they're the ultimate cosy accessory. We promise you won't regret it.
In this blog, we’ll outline the best way to wash your Snuggy and any other tips and tricks for keeping it feeling like brand new. Let’s get started!
At Snuggy, we’re all about crafting premium quality products that wrap you in comfort and provide the ultimate cosy experience. Our hoodie blankets are made from flannel fleece with a super-soft sherpa fleece interior to create a luxurious, sheepskin-like feel.
Despite their exceptional softness, Snuggys are extremely durable and manufactured to last. Each one is hand-crafted from sumptuously thick materials that can withstand heavy usage.
You can rest assured that your Snuggy can be thrown in the washing machine time and time again without falling to pieces. Still, it doesn’t hurt to take good care of it!
If you look after your Snuggy properly, it will last for years. We’ve designed them this way deliberately to avoid waste – which is good for the environment as well as your wallet.
Our company ethos revolves around comfort, quality and sustainability. Our versatile Snuggy hoodie blankets deliver on all three of these qualities, and taking good care of yours will ensure things stay that way.
Unlike some other brands, our hoodie blankets can be washed as much as you like with no fear of causing damage. Here’s how you can keep yours clean and fresh for every wear.
We’re on a mission to save the planet, which means our Snuggys are too. Cleaning yours at a low temperature (we recommend 30 degrees), not only conserves energy but also preserves the fabric’s quality. It’s a win-win for you and Mother Earth.
Washing your Snuggy inside out helps to keep its fleecy fabric in good condition, so you can enjoy its softness for longer. We also recommend washing with similar colours to keep its vibrant aesthetic intact.
Harsh chemicals aren’t great for your skin or your Snuggy. You can preserve the fabric’s integrity by opting for a mild detergent – and don’t worry, it will still come out of the machine as clean as a whistle.
The super-soft sherpa fleece that lines our hoodie blankets can be sensitive to heat. To prevent unwanted shrinkage or pilling, it’s best to tumble dry your Snuggy on a cool setting. Alternatively, you can air dry it – just make sure it’s hung up away from any radiators.
Because Snuggys don’t deal well with heat, we also advise that you don’t iron yours. The type of material that we use and the way that it is woven make it naturally resistant to creasing. Yours should be wrinkle-free and ready to go as soon as you get it out of the dryer.
Every Snuggy comes with a care label telling you how to wash it and any unique considerations for the specific design. Always defer to the instructions on the label, as they will be the most accurate for your Snuggy.
To keep your Snuggy in prime condition, here are some additional tips.
Softness is the hallmark of a Snuggy. To keep it that way for as long as possible, avoid using fabric conditioner when washing. The fibres are incredibly absorbent, and this can cause the fabric conditioner to leave residue – which might make your hoodie blanket feel crusty after a while. A definite no-no!
If you want to ensure that your Snuggy stays super-sized and super-cosy, keeping it away from heat is a must. This means washing at low temperatures, tumble drying on cool and not storing it near a heat source!
For best results, wash your hoodie blanket on its own or with similar materials. It’s especially important that you take care to avoid washing it with items that contain zips or Velcro. Doing so will help to minimise snagging and preserve the structural integrity of the fabric.
When not in use, store your Snuggy in a cool, dry place that’s away from direct sunlight. This will prevent damage and discolouration, ensuring your Snuggy stays as visually appealing as the day you got it.
Our hoodie blankets come with a big pocket on the front to carry around your phone, snacks, the remote – whatever accessories make life more convenient. But be careful not to overload the pocket with heavy items, as too much weight could lead to unintended tearing.
The Snuggy experience doesn’t end with our hooded blankets. You can also inject some cosiness into your life with lounge sets, weighted blankets and a range of cosy accessories – including fluffy slipper socks and hot water bottles.
All of our products are crafted with the same dedication to quality and comfort that our hoodie blankets exemplify. Together, they provide the ultimate cosy experience.
]]>When your head does finally hit the pillow after a long day, racing thoughts can make it difficult to fall asleep, no matter how tired you are. Finding ways to relax and unwind before bedtime is therefore key to getting a good night’s sleep.
In this blog, we’ll look at 9 relaxing accessories that will help you to create a cosy and peaceful environment so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Our hooded blankets are a must-have accessory for anyone who loves to wrap up in something cosy. Crafted from flannel fleece and with an ultra-soft sherpa fleece interior, it’s impossible to not feel drowsy when you’re all snug inside one.
The hood helps to block out noise and create a world of your own to escape into. There’s also a large pocket so that you can carry everything important with you – not having to move to get snacks is a game changer!
If you’re the kind of person who likes to feel toasty at night, sleeping in a hooded blanket can provide an extra layer of warmth. They’re oversized and have specially designed wide arms to make sure movement isn’t restricted, so you can curl up into whatever position is comfortable.
One of the ultimate bedtime accessories has got to be the trusty sleep mask. Not only do they shield you from unwanted light, but they’re also a handy way of discouraging you from looking at your phone or checking the time when you’re trying to unwind.
Our sleep mask makes up part of our Snuggy Sleep Bundle is made from mulberry silk, the smoothest and most durable type of silk in the world. You won’t even notice you’re wearing it, never mind getting woken up because it’s either digging in or slipped off!
Infused with amino acids and made with moisture-preserving technology, you’re guaranteed to wake up both looking and feeling well-rested.
Creating a calm and cosy atmosphere is one of the simplest ways to help you relax before falling asleep. Putting on meditation music and lighting a scented candle both go a long way but, above all else, mood lighting is what’s important for building a soothing ambience.
Bright lights should be avoided altogether – instead, you want to aim for a warm, golden hue. Fairy lights are the perfect tool for the job, casting a soft glow over whichever space you choose to put them in.
The wind down to bedtime is all about making yourself feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. In winter especially, this can mean putting on some extra layers so that you’re as snug as a bug.
If you’re looking for other ways to stay warm and toasty, our fluffy slippers and socks are just the ticket. The super-soft microfibre material offers comfort like your feet have never felt before, keeping them (and you) cosy all night long.
If you’re a chronic pillow flipper, then a silk pillowcase could be one of the best investments you make. Silk helps to regulate body temperature in numerous ways so that even if you’ve been relaxing in bed for a while, your pillow will retain its coolness.
Any kind of discomfort can make it difficult to fall asleep – not just being too hot. Allergies, skin issues and fabric sensitivity can all keep you up at night, as well as making you anxious while you’re trying to unwind.
A silk pillowcase can also help with these problems. Silk is an incredibly gentle, hypoallergenic material, so any itching or irritation is kept at bay. And there’s an added bonus – silk produces less friction than other materials, so wrinkles and bedhead are more easily prevented.
If you struggle with anxiety or have trouble calming your mind before sleep, a weighted blanket might be the perfect solution. Designed to stimulate the sensation of a gentle hug, these blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
The additional weight induces a feeling of being safe and secure, helping you drift off to sleep without worry. Along with those suffering from anxiety, neurodivergent people can find great comfort and sensory relief from using a weighted blanket.
One of the biggest benefits of weighted blankets is that they’re an effective tool for a lot of people who struggle with sleep in a serious way. Symptoms of insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS) and other sleep disorders can all be negated with the use of a weighted blanket.
There’s something incredibly comforting about snuggling up to a hot water bottle on a chilly night. They keep you warm and ease your aches and pains while simultaneously promoting relaxation.
You can pop one in your bed half an hour before going to sleep to make it a more welcoming environment, or keep it with you to soothe you while you watch TV.
The five senses each play a part in regulating the nervous system, and yet we don’t utilise them all when it comes to bedtime. You probably pay attention to fabrics, eye masks and ear plugs, but what about smell?
By using a sleep spray, you can hack your sense of smell to promote a better night’s sleep. This natural remedy is aromatherapy for your pillow, made with calming fragrances like lavender, rosemary and lemon.
Gently mist it over your pillow before bed and get ready to fall into a deep and peaceful slumber.
Bed tents are often seen as a fun accessory for children, but they can be useful for adults, too. They create a sense of privacy and shelter from the demands of the outside world, providing you with your own personal sanctuary within your bedroom.
When you sleep inside a bed canopy pod, distractions are reduced, overstimulation is avoided, and your brain learns to associate climbing into the bed tent with going to sleep. This symbolic sleep cue can help to keep anxious thoughts far away and ensure a tranquil descent into sleep.
]]>But with the increase in options on the market, choosing the right one is now harder than ever. To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide to the different types of weighted blanket, including how to choose the perfect one for you.
Weighted blankets are made by sewing tiny weights into the filling. Multiple types of weights can be used but the most common are plastic poly pellets. These small plastic beads offer a durable filling that creates limited noise when the blanket is moved.
Glass beads are another popular filling for weighted blankets. They offer some additional benefits to plastic bead fillings – glass retains its temperature for longer, so the blanket will stay cooler, and they’re almost completely silent.
Steel shot beads are heavier than both plastic and glass, so this type of weighted blanket is more likely to make noise when moved. However, the heaviness also makes steel beads the ideal filling for extra heavy weighted blankets, and can help to ensure even weight distribution.
Heated weighted blankets combine the unique benefits of both heated and weighted blankets. They’re equipped with heating elements to keep you toasty warm, and have small weights sewn in to provide deep pressure stimulation. They really are the ultimate cosy accessory for winter!
Cooling weighted blankets are the perfect aid for those who struggle with sleep. Anyone prone to tossing and turning all night knows that overheating is one of the biggest sleep disruptors – and cooling weighted blankets can keep this at bay.
The human body naturally lowers its internal temperature in the run-up to bedtime, so using a cooling blanket can trick it into falling asleep faster, while the weighted effect promotes a more restful sleep.
All weighted blankets require internal pockets of some sort, as this is how the weights are secured and distributed across the material. Quilting is the most popular way of doing this, but some blankets use other techniques, such as what’s known as channel construction.
The channel construction method involves dividing the blanket into vertical tubes or channels. Horizontal stitching is then sometimes used to reinforce the channels. This gives the blanket a smoother, more streamlined appearance.
Some people decide to forego the consumer route and, instead, make their own weighted blanket at home. Taking either an existing blanket or making one themselves, these people then stitch rice, dried beans, grains or sand into the blanket to weigh it down. We don’t recommend doing this, as weighted blankets can be dangerous if not made to proper safety standards.
Weighted blankets come in all sorts of materials, but a lot of people choose cotton ones because of their breathability and comfort. Weighted blankets made of 100% cotton are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies are sensitive skin.
Fleece and minky materials are another popular choice for weighted blankets. Their soft, plush fabric provides extra comfort, and when coupled with the calming factor of weighted blankets, things don’t get much cosier.
With sustainability being one of the topics of the moment, more and more people are turning to organic weighted blankets. Made of materials like bamboo or organic cotton, they reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and are a great choice for those who want to minimise their exposure to chemicals or synthetic materials.
They’re less common than some of the other types on this list but waterproof weighted blankets are available to buy if you know where to look. They might not be the cosiest, but they’re extremely practical and come in super handy for things like camping, or for children who experience night-time bedwetting.
Dual-sided weighted blankets are designed to have a different pattern or texture on one side. This can be just for fun (two blankets for the price of one!) or can serve a more practical purpose. For example, if one side is made from a soft fleecy fabric and the other from a cooling fabric, the user can pick which side is most comfortable to them at any particular time.
Most weighted blankets are double bed size or slightly smaller and are designed so that one person can wrap themselves up comfortably. If you share a bed with your partner and both want in on the action, you must be best seeking out an extra-large weighted blanket that you can both enjoy.
Some weighted blankets come with a removable cover, which makes washing a walk in the park. The removable duvet cover slides on and off – so you can even buy multiple ones and switch up the appearance of your weighted blanket!
Now that you know how many different types of weighted blanket are out there, you’re probably more confused than ever! But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re looking into buying a weighted blanket, here’s a handy checklist to help you choose the right one for you:
Our weighted blankets are made using ultra-silent micro glass sand beans that are encased in a polyester pocket. During the manufacturing process, we use advanced technology which, combined with the glass beads, creates a cooling blanket with optimal airflow. You’ll remain at a comfortable temperature overnight and will wake feeling extra refreshed as a result of the soothing deep pressure stimulation.
]]>We’re here to talk through everything you need to know about weighted blankets for kids, so you can make a more educated decision on whether to buy one for your child. But first, let’s get the basics out of the way.
Weighted blankets are regular-sized blankets that are designed to be heavier than usual. They’re typically filled with small plastic or glass beads, and can weigh 2-15kg. This weight is intended to give them therapeutic qualities, providing a calming feeling thanks to the ‘deep pressure therapy’ effect.
Various studies seem to indicate that weighted blankets are effective at lowering anxiety, and they have a range of other reported benefits including tackling insomnia, relieving stress and providing sensory relief to autistic people.
The short answer is yes, children can use weighted blankets as long as they’re past a certain age. But the guidance is very clear that weighted blankets must not be used with babies or toddlers. Since they can weigh up to 15kg, they pose a serious risk to infants that can’t be ignored.
So, the full answer is that, as long as your child is no longer a toddler (which the NHS defines as being 4+ years old), you can use your own discretion to decide whether they can use a weighted blanket.
The NHS has some further guidance on weighted blankets that can help you make that decision. Most importantly, they state that the maximum blanket weight should not exceed 10% of your child’s body weight.
Here’s a handy table to illustrate what that looks like in practice:
User Weight |
Maximum Blanket Weight |
3½-4 stone |
5.5lbs 2.5kg |
4½-5 stone 25-32kg |
6.6lbs 3.0kg |
5½-6 stone 32-38kg |
7.9lbs 3.6kg |
6½-8 stone 38-51kg |
9.9lbs 4.5kg |
8½-10 stone 51-64kg |
13lbs 6.0kg |
10½-12 stone 64-78kg |
15lbs 7.0kg |
12½ stone 78kg + |
17.6lbs 8.0kg |
So children can use weighted blankets as long as they’re no longer toddlers, but how safe are they? To be able to answer this question, we first need to look at what potential risks weighted blankets pose. They include:
In all of these cases, sticking to the 10% rule mentioned above is a good way of mitigating the risk. As long as the blanket you choose for your child isn’t more than 10% of their bodyweight, they should be protected against all of the main risks.
It’s worth reiterating here that the 10% rule is not applicable to babies and toddlers. The guidance is clear that children under the age of 4 should in no circumstances use weighted blankets.
There are also some categories of people that shouldn’t use weighted blankets, no matter what age they are, including people who have:
Following the 10% rule will help you to minimize all of the main risks, but there are extra precautions you can take to make it even safer for a child to use a weighted blanket.
The NHS recommends the following:
Abiding by these guidelines will mean you’re maximizing how safely your child can use a weighted blanket, meaning they can get the benefits without the risks.
You can go a step further by taking the following precautions:
Some children will be excited to use a weighted blanket from day one, in which case this won’t be an issue. Others, however, might be less interested at first. But introducing a weighted blanket in the right way can help them overcome their reservations.
Here are some general tips to follow when you’re introducing a weighted blanket to your child’s routine:
Common sense prevails here. Just make sure that you’re not pushing your child into something they don’t want to do. A weighted blanket can offer benefits, but it’s not the right choice for every child.
If you are looking to buy one, browse through our range of weighted blankets. They’re suitable for both kids and adults, come in multiple colours, and are machine-washable!
The NHS recommends that children above toddler age (4+) can use weighted blankets, while those under the age of four should not. However, it also depends on how much your child weighs. Use the weight chart above to see if a weighted blanket would be suitable for them and, if so, how heavy it should be.
Yes, provided that your child is above toddler age and has no medical conditions that would make using a weighted blanket a risk, they’re fine to use one. While research hasn’t conclusively shown that weighted blankets can help autistic people with sleeping problems, one study found that both autistic children and their parents preferred them to regular blankets.
Weighted blankets are not designed to be used overnight, even by adults, so they definitely shouldn’t be used overnight by children. General guidance is that they should only be used in 20-minute increments.
If your child doesn’t seem interested in a weighted blanket, or actively rejects one, you can always try again after a few days have passed. If they continue to reject the blanket after several tries, don’t try to force it on them.
]]>That could explain why Snuggys are all the rage at the moment. Cold nights make us want to hunker down under something soft and snug, and hooded blankets fit the bill perfectly. You might laugh the first time you try one on, but you’ll soon realise there’s no going back!
If you’re not sure exactly what a hooded blanket is though, then you’re certainly not alone. Let us explain and, if you’re still not convinced, we’ll lay out some reasons why you should consider getting one. It’s not all about slobbing out in front of the TV – there are some surprising other uses which we’ll get to in a minute.
When you hear the phrase ‘hooded blanket’ a picture undoubtedly springs to mind – and it’s unlikely to be far off the reality. A hooded blanket is, quite simply, a blanket with a hood.
Most hooded blankets are made of fleece, which feels just like wrapping yourself in a ball of ultra-soft cotton wool. They’re designed to cover your entire body, with sleeves and a hood keeping the material in place so your hands are free.
You’ll often find hooded blankets with a big pocket on the front. These are ideal for carrying around snacks, your phone or a book.
Loads of people wear hooded blankets quite simply because they’re comfortable. But they’re also way more versatile than you might think.
Let’s take a look at some of the different reasons to get a hooded blanket.
We know we’ve said this a few times already but it doesn’t hurt to drill it in: hooded blankets can’t be beaten in cosiness. They’re comfy, super soft, warm, fluffy, loose-fitting and lined with an incredible sherpa fleece fabric that makes them perfect for duvet days. It almost hurts to take one off!
With the cost-of-living crisis, many people are turning to alternative solutions to stay warm this winter. Hooded blankets for adults are a surprising but effective route to reducing your heating bills. The materials used are great at storing heat, while the hood has the added benefit of trapping warmth around your neck and head.
Children’s hooded blankets make a useful addition to any dressing-up box. Kids love messing around with different costumes and while a DIY ghost might not win any awards, they’ll still have a lot of fun. Small tip from us: hooded blankets hang from the shoulders, much like a cape, for any Marvel lovers out there!
Spending the night at a mate’s house can mean parting with your usual creature comforts, but a hooded blanket puts a stop to this. Whether you’re heading round to your friend’s for a pamper night or hosting a kids’ sleepover, everyone will feel right at home when wearing their hooded blanket.
No movie night is complete without a duvet or, even better, a Snuggy! Our range of hooded blankets come in sizes and patterns to suit all the family. Or get a hooded blanket family pack in matching colours for the ultimate Insta-worthy family pic.
Matching PJs have been around for years but hooded blankets are the Christmas tradition of the future. Kids find them fascinating while adults love how relaxing they are – just what both parties are looking for at Christmastime. Gift your friends, gift your family, gift yourself!
Dressing gown looking a bit ratty? Don’t worry – we’re guilty of neglecting ours too. If it’s time to invest in a new one, then why not consider getting a hooded blanket instead? They’re even comfier, come with much bigger pockets and there’s no loose cord to go missing in the wash.
Although it might be tempting, popping into Tesco with a blanket tied around you might garner some funny looks. But before you begrudgingly reach for your jeans and coat, remember that hooded blankets are part hoodie as well as part blanket. Get yourself a Snuggy and you’ll stay cosy without sticking out like a sore thumb.
Ok, so we’re exaggerating – putting a hooded blanket on isn’t going to make you want to start running marathons. But it will make getting up and moving about far easier than if you’re wrapped in a blanket. Moving for just a couple of minutes every half hour has positive health benefits, so your heart will be thanking you.
We’ve already mentioned hooded blankets being a fantastic way of keeping heating bills down over winter, but they can be enjoyed in every season. When you’re gathered around the BBQ or sitting outside on a summer evening, a hooded blanket can temper any slights chills (this is the UK after all!) and remove the need for a costly patio heater.
Our Snuggy Lite is ideal for warmer weather, offering all of the comfort and durability of the traditional Snuggy but in a lighter, more breathable material.
Hooded blankets are popular enough that there’s plenty of choice of retailers to buy from. However, a lot of these retailers prioritise cost over quality.
That might not sound like a bad thing, but hooded blankets are worn often and washed often, so durability is key and quality a necessity. Spending a little bit more on a well-made item that lasts will save you money in the long run.
Look for a hooded blanket that’s been thoughtfully designed, with useful features like pockets and wide sleeves for ease of movement.
If you want to get a matching set for all the family, retailers specialising in hooded blankets will have a much greater range of product sizes available (even including hooded blankets for dogs in some cases!). The same goes for the variety of patterns and colours on offer.
All of our Snuggy hooded blankets are cruelty-free, made with a flannel fleece exterior and luxurious sherpa fleece interior. Our motto is ‘kind to your skin, kind to your planet’, and we back this up with our commitment to using sustainable practices and packaging.
Shop our extensive collection of made-to-last hooded blankets now.
]]>Or maybe your child is a bookworm who loves nothing more than to curl up in their pyjamas and dive into a story. Whatever their personality type, all children need to be comforted. Cosy accessories create a relaxing environment which helps to do just that.
Whether you’re aiming to soothe your child or just fulfil their desire for a super fluffy blanket, these six cosy accessories will give you all of the inspiration you need.
A bed tent is a canopy-like structure that sits on top of your kid’s bed. It creates a cosy hideaway from the world, sheltering them from noise, light and other interruptions. When inside their bed tent, kids can get lost in the make-believe lands of their imagination or favourite books.
They’re also a great addition to the bedroom of any child who struggles with sensory issues or anxiety. Bed tents provide a feeling of being cocooned and protected, so children with autism and ADHD can relax and process the day’s events.
Read our blog post on the topic to find out more about how a bed tent can improve your child’s sleep.
People of all ages are fans of hooded blankets. But some of our happiest customers are children, who love to not have their movement restricted and can’t get enough of the sherpa fleece lining.
Kids hooded blankets are designed to envelop the child in a warm and soft fabric, while leaving them free to move about. They can snuggle up in front of the TV or a film, then run to the kitchen for snacks without having to shed their fluffy second skin.
We know that kids can have some unusual likes and dislikes, which is why our range includes everything from classic block colours like this child’s navy hooded blanket, to a cute cat-patterned hooded blanket and our super-popular unicorn hooded blanket.
Accessories don’t come much cosier than this – get one for your child and see how they refuse to take it off!
There’s nothing better than a pair of fluffy socks to keep tiny tootsies warm and cosy during the depths of winter. They can be worn during the day as well as the night because, whatever your age, climbing into bed just isn’t the same without a pair of thermal bed socks.
Snuggy’s fluffy slipper socks are suitable for indoor and outdoor wear. They’re made with microfibre, which makes them extra soft for an almost velvety touch. Microfibre fabric is also highly durable, lasting hundreds of wears and washes.
They come in a 7-pack for every day of the week, so your child’s feet can stay cosy 24/7. Just one word of warning – these socks are perfect for sliding across wooden floors, which will thrill your child even if you’re not best pleased!
If you want to bring a touch of cosiness to your child’s bedroom, look no further than this incredible sherpa fleece blanket. Whether they’re snuggled up reading a book or watching a film, a fleece blanket will keep them warm and snug.
This versatile accessory is a must-have for any child’s bedroom and when combined with a hooded blanket, there’s nothing more comforting. Much like a bed tent, your child can use it to build a blanket fort and create a cosy hideaway from the rest of the world.
At sleepovers, fleece blankets come in handy when there aren’t enough duvets and mattresses to go around. Your child or their friends can curl up either on or under a fluffy blanket for a wonderful night’s sleep. Their soft and snuggly texture will send even the most manic of children into a restful slumber.
Children who love animals also tend to love any accessory with animals on. Now, they can snuggle up with a soft and cuddly companion in the form of this animal toy blanket. The comforting blanket gives you the best of both worlds as it doubles up as an adorable toy animal.
Choose from a cute baby pink pig, a white and grey puppy or a loveable baby blue elephant. Both children and babies can enjoy the toy as it unfolds to become a super soft blanket. It’s not just cosy and warm – it’s also a fun and interactive way of getting them to use their imagination.
Compact and easy to pack away, the toy blanket is ideal for when travelling. Pack it up and take it with you in your car or on a plane to make sure your little one has a token of familiarity with them wherever they are.
The original cosy accessory has got to be pyjamas. What would we do without them?! If you’re looking for the perfect way to keep your child cosy at bedtime, a pair of children’s pyjamas with their favourite TV show or football club emblazoned on the front will go down a treat.
Whether your child’s a fan of Harry Potter, Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol or Pokémon, there’s a pyjama set out there that could be made for them. Make their birthday or Christmas extra special by buying them a pyjama set featuring their favourite character or team.
They’ll inject a bit of fun and personality into bedtime, making it less of a chore. Combine with other cosy accessories like a blanket, slippers or bathrobe for the ultimate cosy night in.
From nightmares to separation anxiety to fear of missing out, there are a million and one reasons why your child might be reluctant to go to sleep. And that’s not all you have to worry about – even if their eyes are shut, there are no guarantees that their sleep quality or quantity will be enough.
Research shows that a third of children aged 7 to 16 experience problems with sleep at least three times a week. If the child is struggling with a mental disorder, that figure goes up to two thirds. The problem is widespread – but what can you do about it?
Ensuring your child follows good sleep hygiene habits is the first step, but there are also some unconventional solutions you can try. One of these is to use a bed tent… but first, let’s explain what that is.
A bed tent is a tent-like structure that sits over a bedframe or mattress. Bed tents come in varying shapes, sizes and styles but are most commonly used for children. They provide a barrier from the real world, offering both privacy and an escape.
Bed tents might be thought of as a fun bedroom feature for kids, but they’re a lot more useful than that. Here are some of the ways that a bed tent can improve your child’s sleep.
Whether it’s fear of the dark or fear of monsters under the bed, feeling scared is one of the most common reasons why children struggle to fall asleep. With its raised sides and enclosed space, a bed tent can offer a sense of protection, helping your child to drift into a peaceful sleep.
No matter what age you are, unwanted light and sound can disrupt your sleep to a heavy extent. A bed tent provides an additional layer of sound and light insulation, preventing unwelcome disturbances.
Siblings who share a room often have trouble aligning their sleeping patterns. Using a bed tent provides each sibling with privacy, allowing them to fall asleep and wake up on their own terms.
There are no two ways about it – bed tents are cosy! For children with separation anxiety who have a hard time being parted from their attachment figure at night-time, this can be particularly relieving. The cosiness and comfort of a bed tent make it a lot easier to relax, forming a ‘safe space’ cocoon away from the stressors of the world.
If your child’s sleep issues stem from finding bedtime boring, a bed tent might be able to help. They add an extra level of novelty to any bedtime routine, making it a more enticing prospect for children who otherwise refuse to go to bed.
Children with autism, ADHD or other disorders involving sensory processing issues can have a hard time winding down to sleep. A bed tent can block out sensory stimuli, helping your child to have some much-needed downtime without any sensory overload.
As children often use their bedrooms as playrooms or to do their homework, it can be difficult for them to switch into sleep mode when entering their room at night. A bed tent essentially sections off an area specifically for sleep, helping to create a psychological association between getting into bed and falling asleep.
Kids might love their tablets and TVs, but we all know the dangers of screentime when it comes to overstimulation and sleep quality. Introducing a bed tent to their room can encourage children to wind down without electronics. Make sure they leave their devices outside the bed tent – they’ll be easier to resist when they’re out of sight.
Children fall out of bed more often than adults, especially when they are young and adapting to not being enclosed by a crib. A bed tent can bridge the gap between a crib and a normal bed, preventing your child from falling out of bed so much. Another plus is that they can deter children who repeatedly get out of bed when they’re supposed to be going to sleep.
An added bonus on this list is that bed tents, with their fortress-like appearance, can be hugely successful in promoting imaginative play. Play of any kind will tire out children, helping them to fall into a restorative sleep. But imaginative play is also believed to improve multiple core skills in children, from logical reasoning to emotional resilience. This alone can help your child to sleep better, as they will be able to soothe their own anxieties and fall into a restful sleep.
As we mentioned earlier, bed tents come in all shapes and sizes. To find the perfect one for your child, it’s important to look for the following:
If your child is having problems going to bed, falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be worth considering a bed tent. They can provide a sense of comfort, privacy and protection to children who are struggling. They also shut out distracting sensory stimuli and promote a positive view of bedtime.
However, a bed tent is not a substitute for seeking medical advice. Always speak to your GP if your child is experiencing ongoing or debilitating issues around bedtime.
]]>If you’re looking to buy your first children’s bed, or buy a new bed for a growing child, but feel overwhelmed with all the options available, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we'll break down the pros and cons of each type of kid’s bed so that you can make an informed decision that works for you and your family.
Cot beds look much like the cots that children tend to sleep in up until the age of two or three. The key difference is that they’re designed to convert seamlessly into toddler beds, with removable side and end panels. When these panels are taken out, the cot is essentially transformed into a small bed – short, low, and flat to suit toddlers.
They’re a great choice for parents looking for a bed that offers longevity. Unlike a normal cot, a cot bed doesn’t become redundant after a couple of years, with the removable sides meaning you can get much more use out of it. The downside is that cot beds are larger than cots – needing to be spacious enough to accommodate a toddler or young child – and might not be suitable for very small nurseries or bedrooms.
The term single bed when used to describe kid’s beds has a broad reach. It describes all sorts of beds, including plain bed frames and divans, novelty beds, platform beds, and trundle beds, provided they’re sized as a single. For reference, a UK single is generally 90cm wide by 190cm long, while an EU single has 10cm more in length.
Single beds are arguably the most obvious choice for children who have outgrown their cot, cot bed, or toddler bed. They’re suitable for four-year-olds and upwards, and offer massive longevity. The different types of single beds mentioned above offer variety, too. If your child is really into cars, for instance, a single novelty bed in the shape of a race car can make bedtime so much more fun. If you’re in desperate need of more storage, a single-platform bed is a great choice.
A staple of the shared children’s bedroom, bunk beds are still a popular choice because of the practicality they offer. They typically take the form of one single bed frame at roughly the usual height, with another stacked on top accessible with a ladder or shallow steps. They come in a range of different styles and materials, including options for wood or metal frames.
Bunk beds are a wonderful choice for situations where two children of roughly similar age share a bedroom, but there isn’t enough space for two separate bedframes. Aside from being a massive space-saver, though, they’re also more fun! Just make sure to figure out who’ll have the top bunk and who takes the bottom ahead of time to avoid any arguments.
The only real downside to bunk beds is that they’re not suitable for young children, as there’s a risk of them falling from the top, so take this into consideration when you’re making your decision.
While not strictly a bed, a bed tent is worth including on this list purely because of the benefits they offer to children who face any one of a variety of issues at bedtime. ‘What is a bed tent?’, you ask. Also known as bed canopies or bed pods, they’re just what they sound like – tents that sit on top of a bed frame. They’re available in diverse sizes, and suitable for use with your existing mattress.
They are designed to offer a range of benefits, including minimising ambient light and noise and helping to retain heat, but their real top benefit is that they can make bedtime much easier for children who struggle to fall asleep. Children can feel safe and protected in their bed tent and can even use it as a play den during the daytime.
To use one, you simply build the bed tent (which is a lot easier than erecting a regular tent!), take the mattress off your existing bed frame, put the bed tent on the frame, and put the mattress back on to weigh down the base of the tent. They’re suitable for singles, doubles, kings, and even bunk beds. Check out the range of Snuggy bed tents and find the size that suits your frame.
Finally, there’s loft beds. These look similar to bunk beds but trade the functionality of room for a second sleeper to instead offer more storage. Loft beds are designed with an elevated frame for the mattress, leaving plenty of room underneath for activities. You can use the loft bed space to store clothing, toys, or even a writing desk.
Loft beds have obvious benefits, in that they offer a space-saving solution for small bedrooms where storage is in short supply. However, they suffer from the same disadvantages as bunk beds, in that they’re not really suitable for smaller children who might be at risk of falling from the elevated frame.
Now that you know what kinds of kids’ beds there are to choose from, the only thing left is to determine which one is right for your child. The first step in doing that is to know what size bed they need. While there’s no concrete science to finding this out, the following table shows some general recommendations for what size bed is suitable for each age:
Bed type |
Dimensions |
Recommended age range |
Cot |
60cm x 120cm |
0-2 years |
Cot bed |
70cm x 140cm |
0-4 years |
Single bed |
90cm x 190cm |
4+ years |
Double bed |
135cm x 190cm |
4+ years |
Remember, it’s not just age range that factors into the right bed. It’s important you also make sure that whatever type of bed you choose will fit comfortably into your space, making it easy for your child to get in and out of bed.
With all of that out of the way, you’re free to choose the kids’ bed that will give your child the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep, night after night. If you’re looking for something to go with your new purchase, check out some of our sleep accessories or find the perfect hoodie blanket to make bedtime even more cosy.
]]>But, when you think about it for a second, you might be surprised to realise just how many different types of blankets there are. From bedspreads to Snuggys to electric blankets, each has its own unique features and benefits.
Let’s take a look at the different types of blankets and what they can be used for.
Fleece blankets are usually made from a blend of synthetic fibres like polyester and are what you might picture when you think of a blanket. Although they come in a range of sizes and patterns, they tend to be simple designs and have a soft feel. They’re also usually easy to care for, being machine washable and fast drying.
There are two main types of fleece blankets: polar fleece and microfleece. Polar fleece blankets are thicker and more insulating, making them the better choice for cold weather. Microfleece, on the other hand, is lightweight and breathable.
Lots of people choose to drape fleece blankets over their beds or sofas to add a homely feel to the room. They’re useful to have around, being easy to layer and adding warmth where needed.
They’re also often versatile enough to be used outdoors as picnic blankets, for example. During the pandemic, when we were spending large amounts of time outdoors in the cold, fleece blankets became invaluable, helping to make seeing loved ones bearable.
Buy Fleece Blankets from £19.99
Electric blankets use electricity to generate heat. They have a built-in heating element that is usually controlled via a thermostat, timer, or both. This means they can be adjusted to suit the preferred temperature of whoever is using the blanket at the time.
One of the biggest benefits of electric blankets is that they use less electricity than heating an entire room. If you are concerned about your energy consumption during winter, you should consider investing in an electric blanket to conserve energy and focus heat where it’s needed.
Some people are concerned that electric blankets might be unsafe, but this isn’t something to worry about. As long as you buy your electric blanket from a reputable retailer, it will have undergone a full safety check and be fitted with many safety features to make sure that this isn’t a problem.
It’s possible to buy electric blankets with additional features, such as a cold setting for balmy summer nights or a massage setting.
Weighted blankets have small beads or pellets sewn inside to weigh them down. These pellets are usually made from glass, plastic, or metal and are evenly distributed throughout the material.
The purpose of a weighted blanket is to provide a sense of comfort to the user. This is done through a process known as deep pressure stimulation, which gives the feeling of being hugged or swaddled in blankets as a baby.
People with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia and a whole host of other disorders can benefit from using a weighted blanket. They have a calming effect on the body, reducing anxiety, soothing the mind and promoting relaxation. For this reason, many people who are simply feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or a bit lower than normal choose to seek comfort from weighted blankets.
Buy Weighted Blankets from £49.99
Cellular blankets are made with a series of small, interconnected cells or holes woven in. These holes form a honeycomb-like structure that allows air to circulate freely through the blanket.
Cotton, wool and polyester are all popular materials for cellular blankets. Although, as these types of blankets are often used for newborns and babies, cotton is more often than not the preferred choice.
The reason why cellular blankets are used for babies is because the interwoven holes allow for airflow, even if the blanket is covering the face. This is a safety precaution that helps to prevent the baby from suffocating overnight.
Cellular blankets are lightweight and breathable, which also helps to minimise overheating. On top of this, they’re usually hypoallergenic, small and easy to carry around on the go.
Hooded blankets are a cross between a hooded sweatshirt and a blanket. They’re designed to give the wearer the warmth and cosiness of a blanket with the practical wearability of a hoodie.
Hooded blankets are often made of fleece but can technically be made of any fabric. They fit into the loungewear category of clothing and are sometimes adopted as a fashion statement.
Popular uses for hooded blankets are to wear at home, when travelling, or during sleepovers with friends. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, with some including pockets for carrying a phone or keeping hands toasty warm.
Bedspreads, sometimes known as comforters or coverlets, are blankets that are placed on top of a bed. Not to be confused with duvets, bedspreads are normally used in addition to a standard set of bedding.
It’s common for people to use bedspreads as a decorative item, as they come in a range of materials, patterns and sizes. Satin bedspreads are popular, as are woollen and cotton ones. You can find bedspreads to suit any bedroom design, from ultra-modern and minimal to cosy and traditional.
In addition to their decorative function, bedspreads also have practical benefits. They can be used as a dust protector when you are away on holiday, or to provide an added layer of warmth on particularly cold nights.
Blankets are versatile home items that can provide style, comfort and warmth. From lightweight cellular blankets to advanced electric blankets, there’s a blanket to suit every need and preference.
If you’re looking for a blanket to add cosiness or decoration to your home, take a look at our collection of fleece blankets and Snuggy hooded blankets for children and adults. You can even find a Snuggy for your dog!
]]>We also have an increased understanding of the importance of relaxation and self-care, leading to more people spending time at home and wanting to dress comfortably. With these shifting values, cosy and versatile clothing that can be worn both at home and outside has taken over.
Wearable blankets with sleeves offer the perfect combination of utility and comfort, finding the middle ground between a hoodie and a blanket. The arm openings make completing tasks like washing up, driving or working on the computer easy. The hood, loose-fitting body and soft fabric make the wearer feel like they’re wrapped up in bed.
We’ve put together a list of wearable blankets for every person and occasion. Here are the 10 best wearable blankets with sleeves.
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift idea, look no further than this snowflake-patterned Snuggy for kids. The festive blanket comes with a hood and arm openings, ready for nights spent at home watching Christmas films.
Imagine your child opening and putting on their new wearable blanket on Christmas morning – they’ll fall in love with its soft fleece interior and ice-blue snowflake design.
Buy for £34.99The strawberry mini hooded blanket is one of our favourites. The wearable blanket fits ages 0-4 years old and has a strawberry pattern on a pale pink background.
Your little one will have never looked cuter in the summery design. And they’ll have never felt cosier than they do when snuggled up against the luxury sherpa fleece lining.
The stretchy cuffs make rolling up the sleeves easy, so you can create the perfect arm length and won’t have to replace the Snuggy every few months as your baby or toddler grows.
Buy for £23.99Sit back and relax after a long day at work or looking after kids with this adult-sized wearable hooded blanket. It comes in a classic grey colour with a flannel fleece exterior and sherpa fleece interior, for extra cosiness.
If grey isn’t your style, then take a look at our range of available colours, including blue, pink and red. All of our Snuggy wearable blankets for adults have wide sleeves for free movement and a large pocket for carrying around your essentials (and by essentials, we mean snacks).
Buy for £69.99We believe that wearable blankets are for everyone, so we make our designs unisex wherever possible. This cat hooded blanket for kids is a great example, making it the perfect gift for both boys and girls.
Animal-loving children will go wild for this wearable blanket with sleeves, but it’s not just children who’ll enjoy it. Check out our wearable cat blanket for adults if you know a crazy cat lady (or man).
Buy for £34.99Wearable blankets don’t come much cuter than this pink mini fleece hoodie blanket. Available in sizes 0-1 and 1-4, your little one will look as if butter wouldn’t melt in this adorable getup.
They’ll love the soft, fluffy material – and you won’t be able to stop hugging them in it!
Buy for £23.99Wearable blankets might be ideal for relaxing in, but they can also bring about a laugh or two. Take this kebab adult hooded blanket, for example, which would make a great novelty present for your kebab-loving friend.
Or, if you know a friend or family member in university, they’ll be grateful for a fun, cosy hooded blanket to wear on hangover days.
Buy for £69.99Another great option for kids is the Snuggy bear kids fleece hooded blanket. The endearing friendly bear pattern is reminiscent of some of our favourite children’s TV characters, providing a familiar visual so that your little one feels comfortable.
Buy for £23.99Dare to be bold in this wine pattern hooded blanket for adults. It’s something a bit different, making a change from the block colour wearable blankets with sleeves that you see most often.
Add a bit of character to your hen party or girls’ night in by getting matching Snuggys for all your female friends. If you’re more interested in the wine than the bottle, how about this red wine-coloured Snuggy instead?
Buy for £69.99We adore this sky-blue hooded blanket for kids, which makes a great addition to any child’s bedroom. The vibrant colour suits both boys and girls and will brighten up the day of whoever puts it on. Just beware – they might never take it off!
As with all of our wearable blankets with sleeves, this Snuggy is cruelty-free, and has a huge front pocket and an oversized hood to keep the wear cosy and warm.
Buy for £34.99We couldn’t not talk about the best wearable blanket of all – our wearable blanket for dogs. Yes, your dog deserves a Snuggy just as much as you do.
Give your four-legged friend some comfort in return for all the comfort they provide you. You can even match your outfit to your pet with our adult navy hooded blanket!
Buy for £24.99As fun and cosy as wearable blankets might be, their practical uses shouldn’t be overlooked. They help to trap heat produced by the human body, forming a cocoon of warmth around the wearer.
As we grapple with soaring energy costs, wearable hooded blankets can help to keep costs down without sacrificing warmth during the winter months.
If you haven’t found a Snuggy that tickles your fancy in the above list, take a look at our full range of wearable blankets with sleeves. All of our hooded blankets are available in multiple colours and sizes, so you’ll be able to find the Snuggy that’s just right for you or your loved one.
]]>In fact, just 24 hours without sleep can affect your ability to drive more than being over the legal blood alcohol limit. After 48 hours, you’ll begin to hallucinate and after 96 hours with no sleep, you’ll likely experience symptoms of psychosis.
That all sounds pretty scary but, fortunately, even people struggling with sleep deprivation are usually able to get at least 1-2 hours per night. However, that’s not enough to live your fullest life, which is why getting enough high-quality sleep should be a priority for everyone.
But that’s not as easy as it seems.
The term sleep health refers to the framework for understanding our own sleep needs and how to meet them. Sleep health includes the quantity and quality of sleep we get, our sleep habits and routines, and any sleep-related illnesses that an individual could be suffering from, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.
Not getting enough sleep or enough high-quality sleep can leave you struggling to function. And the impact of poor sleep health goes a lot deeper than that, affecting the body at a cellular level. When your cells are unable to repair or regenerate, you are put at increased risk of diseases like cancer and dementia.
But if you’re struggling with sleep health, you’re definitely not alone. 71% of UK adults don’t get enough sleep each night, citing multiple factors such as stress relating to money or work, too much screen time before bed, and poor diet or exercise.
If you wondering how to improve your sleep health and the usual tips and advice don’t seem to be working, try introducing some sleep aids into your routine. Here are our top five accessories to improve your sleep health.
There’s a bit of confusion over what a bed tent is but it’s as simple as it sounds. A bed tent is any tent-like structure that sits on top of or around a bed. The reason why bed tents can be helpful to people struggling with sleep is that they create a cocoon from the world.
A bed tent will filter out noise, light and other sensory input. This gives your brain more room to process the day’s events and means you can relax easier. This is especially true if you get a blackout bed tent, which will minimise distractions when attempting to fall asleep and prolong rest if you are usually woken up by the sunrise.
The added bonus is that a bed tent creates a safe, cosy environment, perfect for falling asleep.
Sleep masks, also known as eye masks, are a borderline iconic sleep accessory – and with good reason. A sleep mask simulates darkness, encouraging your eyes to stay shut. When wearing one, you won’t be able to see your phone screen light up with notifications or light entering the room from a partner who comes to bed after you.
Having less sensory input and fewer distractions results in better quality sleep without any micro-interruptions. Sleep masks also protect your eyes while you sleep, so if you often wake up with sore, dry eyes, this is the accessory for you.
Sleep masks are particularly useful for people who travel often. When you get into the habit of wearing one to bed, your body will learn to associate the eye mask going on with you falling asleep. If you take the eye mask away with you, you’ll then find it easier to sleep in a foreign environment.
There’s a bit of a buzz around silk pillows, which is mostly due to their role in skin and haircare. Silk is moisture resistant, so it won’t suck the hydration from your skin or hair while you sleep. This means plumper skin, fewer wrinkles and smoother hair when you wake up. Which sounds good to us.
But what about sleep health? Well, one of the biggest benefits of silk is that it doesn’t store heat in the way other fabrics do. Flipping to the cool side is rendered pointless with a silk pillow and you won’t find yourself waking up hot and sticky in the middle of the night. When your body doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate its temperature, it can focus on getting better quality sleep.
If you’re bothered by allergies, sensitive skin or anything else that can leave you feeling itchy and uncomfortable, a silk pillow is a good option. The soothing fabric won’t irritate your skin, and it has hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties – so it won’t harbour any dust or bacteria that could aggravate your sinuses and keep you awake.
Using a night lamp for the hour or so before you go to sleep, rather than a bright ceiling light, helps your eyes adjust to the fact that it’s now night-time. This then sends a message to your brain, letting it know that the time has come to start winding down.
If you use your night lamp to read rather than go on your phone, even better. The soft yellow light from a lamp won’t disrupt your circadian rhythm (which dictates what time you sleep/wake up), unlike the harsh blue light that technology emits.
One of the most popular sleep accessories is a weighted blanket. These are often used as a therapeutic tool for many different disorders, including anxiety, depression and autism. Weighted blankets work through what’s called ‘deep pressure therapy’, which is the process of applying light pressure to the body to calm the nervous system.
Deep pressure therapy stimulates the release of serotonin (the happy hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone), as well as restricting the release of cortisol (the stress hormone). The effect of this is a relaxed nervous system, which in turn leads to your body having an easier time trying to fall and stay asleep.
If you’re worried about becoming too hot with a heavy blanket on you at night, try Snuggy’s cooling weighted blanket. Our manufacturing process uses advanced technology to create a blanket with optimal airflow that will keep you at a comfortable temperature all night long.
Find out more about the benefits of a weighted blanket.
]]>Some people also use the term ‘bed canopy’ to describe bed tents but, in theory, they are different things. A bed canopy can simply hang above a bed whereas a bed tent must enclose it in some way.
Bed tents can be appreciated by both kids and adults, although you might associate them more with children. They’re typically thought of as entertainment items but have many surprising practical uses, which is why it’s not uncommon to find adults using them for alternative reasons.
It’s generally not recommended to let children under three years old sleep inside a bed tent. At the other end of the spectrum, older adults with mobility issues might find a bed tent makes getting in and out of bed too difficult, so should proceed with caution if thinking about using one.
For the most part, bed tents are used for entertainment. They’re fun, providing a playful setting for sleepovers or make-believe adventures. And not only do they keep children occupied, but they also teach them about privacy and personal space.
Another reason why people use bed tents is to help with sleep-related issues. This includes problems falling and staying asleep, as well as for children who need encouraging to go to bed.
Bed tents are also often used to provide comfort to both adults and children. People with anxiety, autism and sensory processing disorder, for example, can use a bed tent to alleviate certain symptoms.
There are multiple benefits to using a bed tent. For children, they help to create a smoother bedtime. Sleep is important for everyone but especially children, who are growing quickly and need lots of high-quality sleep to ensure proper development. Bed tents can help make bedtime a more acceptable prospect for children who:
Another benefit of bed tents is that they’re lightweight and simple to set up, making them easily transportable. If you are away on holiday, visiting family or anywhere outside of your child’s normal sleeping environment, being able to bring your bed tent with you means you can make the transition a lot smoother for your child.
Much like weighted blankets, bed tents can benefit people struggling with sensory issues or anxiety disorders. By shutting out light and noise, they reduce unwanted visual and auditory stimuli, preventing the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed.
Some other benefits of bed tents include:
Bed tents are generally safe but, as with anything, should be used with caution around children. Check regularly for broken zips or rips in the material if your child is young, as these pose risks regarding choking or getting stuck inside. If your child likes to hide things, you should also check that they have not taken any dangerous objects into the bed tent with them.
If your child is toilet training or experiences night-time incontinence, it might be best to wait until these issues are resolved before introducing a bed tent, which could hinder them from getting to the toilet in time. Most bed tents come in waterproof material though, so it’s not too big a problem if you do decide to use one.
There is little to no risk of suffocation from commercially manufactured bed tents, which are usually made from breathable materials and have mesh windows for added ventilation.
Bed tents come in different designs, so you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting one up. Some go around the entire bed frame, some are secured by putting the mattress inside and some sit on top of the mattress.
If the bed tent is being used regularly, try washing it every time the sheets are changed but be cautious of using a tumble dryer. Most bed tents are made from polyester or other synthetic fabrics which can shrink when exposed to this kind of heat.
Bed tent is a general term to describe any tent-like structure that goes on a bed. It’s therefore quite a broad definition but the most common types of bed tent are:
When a bed canopy comes all the way down to enclose the bed, it can be called a bed tent. If the canopy is purely decorative, only framing the headboard, then it is a bed canopy.
Some bed tents come in novelty shapes or designs, such as a car or a dinosaur.
Bed tents for adults tend to have more subtle designs – for example, a block colour and rectangular shape. They’re also more commonly made from blackout material and have functional features.
Temporary bed tents can be made using items from around the home, such as a hockey stick and duvet. These aren’t so great for sleeping in but can be a lot of fun to build.
One of the more classic bed tent designs is a tunnel shape. This is one of the most practical shapes, offering easy access to the tent without compromising on privacy.
Bed tents made from mesh fabric tend to be see-through and are used more for decoration than anything else.
Some bed tents can be zipped up around the entire bed, including the frame and mattress, so that the occupant can truly create their own space.
Most bed tents come in multiple sizes, able to fit single beds, double beds and even bunk beds.
Other features that they can (but don’t always) include are:
Whether you’re experimenting with ways to get a better night’s sleep, trying to make bedtime more fun or looking for the perfect Christmas present for a child, the Snuggy Pod is here to make your life a little easier.
Available in single, double and king sizes, it folds down into a portable sleeping bag for ease of transportation. The Snuggy Pod is designed to be used with your existing bed and mattress, so there’s no need for any additional purchases.
Browse our selection of Snuggy Pods to see the full range of colours and features.
It might be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ but the holiday isn’t without its stress – namely present buying for your seemingly never-ending list of friends and family. Whether you’re searching for a gift for your homebody friend, sleepy teenager, or youngest child who just wants what all their friends are getting, our range of presents are perfect for cosy nights in.
Take a look through our 13 Christmas gift ideas to find cosy presents for everyone, at every budget.
If you want to go all out Christmassy, our Snuggy hooded blanket in red is a fitting way to get your giftee in the holiday mood. Lined with the softest white fleece, they might get mistaken for Santa Clause – but that’s what makes this the perfect alternative to the classic Christmas pyjama tradition.
The Ultimate Snuggy Bundle includes one Snuggy, a pair of fluffy socks, and a matching fluffy hot water bottle. Can it get much cosier than that?
The popularity of unicorns among little girls shows about as much sign of slowing down as the popularity of mince pies in December. Make your daughter or niece’s day with a unicorn Snuggy –this multi-coloured hooded blanket will go down treat with her and all her friends.
If you’re looking for the cutest Christmas gift of all, our animal toy blankets will end your search. Starting as a toy puppy, pig or elephant, these sweet toys then unfold into an adorable baby blanket.
Your little one will never look more angelic, thanks to both the blanket’s appearance and the effect that its super-soft fleece has on your baby’s willingness to sleep!
The Snuggy Lite is our thinner hooded blanket, made with a single layer of Teddy fleece. Suitable for festivals, camping, and staycations, it’ll get the present opener dreaming of summer nights with friends.
Available in different designs, from green checkered to leopard print, these Snuggys look cool enough that the wearer might be tempted to run their errands in one. Ok, so that might not be a great idea, but they’ll end up living in it every second they’re at home.
Weighted blankets have so many benefits that you’ll struggle to resist buying one for yourself. Known to soothe stress, improve sleep quality, and help with a whole range of neurological difficulties, they’re the ultimate comfort tool.
If you know someone who’s struggling to find a moment’s relief, give them the gift of relaxation this Christmas with a cooling weighted blanket.
You can’t go wrong with fairy lights, especially when buying for a female friend or teenage girl. We’ve Christmassified ours with a snowflake shape, making them the ideal festive addition to any room.
If you’d rather give a Christmas gift that can be appreciated all year round, these luxury fairy lights also come in a unique star or classic sphere shape. The 10-meter cable ends with a USB plug, so they can be taken from continent to continent – which is why these would make a thoughtful gift for frequent travellers.
At the higher end of the budget is our Snuggy Blackout pod, but we promise it’s worth it. The Snuggy Pod is a zip-up bed tent canopy that takes the old-school DIY duvet tent to the next level. Every child needs a hideaway, and this canopy will give yours the privacy to let their imagination run free, whether alone or hosting a sleepover with friends.
The Snuggy Pod can be added to existing single, double, or king-size beds, and is available in blackout material. Now we come to think of it – a private, comfy space where no light can get through? We’re adding the Snuggy Pod to our Christmas list.
Yes, it’s a hooded blanket. Yes, it’s for dogs. Need we say more?
Matching Xmas pjs are so last year – in 2022, it’s all about the mix & match Snuggies.
With four hooded blankets in every set, there’s a Snuggy for everyone in the family – a godsend when you don’t know what to get your sister, her husband, or their kids. Just choose from our range of colours and the job’s done. Now you get to sit back and relax.
For the friend who’s always tired, a few days off at Christmas just ain’t gonna cut it. Between all the excitement, parties, and late-night wrapping sprints, there’s very little time for catching up on sleep. So, get them a present that shows them you know exactly what they need once January rolls around.
Our bedtime bundle includes a divine-smelling sleep spray, plus a Mulberry silk pillowcase, eye mask, and hair scrunchie. From its hypo-allergenic properties to its anti-aging benefits to its ability to regulate body temperature, silk is the ultimate aid for a luxurious night’s sleep.
Imagine cosy jogging bottoms. Imagine the fluffiest Snuggy blanket. Combine the two – now you have our unisex Snuggy fleece joggers.
For a present that wraps its wearer in comfort head to toe, gift the joggers alongside the matching hoodie. Choose from pink, grey, or navy – or why not mix and match?
You can’t go wrong with an old faithful like a pair of comfy slippers. Your mum won’t even need to put her feet up after spending a day in these cloud-like wonders.
Wrapped in tissue paper and arriving in a proper shoebox, these faux fur slippers are some of the most sophisticated you’ll find.
Feeling overwhelmed by choice? Can’t figure out whether your nephew would rather have a hooded blanket or a set of Harry Potter pyjamas? A Snuggy gift card takes away the stress of getting the right item or colour, letting the giftee choose for themselves.
Sleep issues plague the majority of us, with 71% of adults not getting the recommended amount each night. Whether you struggle with the amount of sleep or the quality of sleep that you get, the experience can be very distressing.
Low-quality sleep impacts your ability to drive safely, manage your emotions, and keep your productivity where it needs to be. When you don’t get enough sleep, your relationships, health, and career all suffer – which isn’t much fun at all.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tricks on hand to help you improve your sleep and, hopefully, your life! Here are our top ten tips for a better night’s sleep.
Unless you’re one of the lucky few who can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, environment really matters when it comes to bedtime. Getting the temperature right, limiting noise, and creating a dark room can have a huge effect on your ability to fall – and stay – asleep.
If you go to a sleep clinic, one of the first things they’ll advise is to stick to the same routine every night. A good sleep routine also means no napping during the day and no screen time for the hour or so before bed. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day helps train your body to sleep during these hours, even if it doesn’t seem to be working at first. Stick with it and you’ll soon reap the benefits.
The ancient art of feng shui says that we should keep the bedroom for sleeping only (well, and one other thing). You might not believe in feng shui, but the principle stands up logically. Having a dedicated space for rest makes it a lot easier to compartmentalise and switch off from the other aspects of life. This might not be possible if you live in a studio or house share, though. In which case, apply the same concept to your bed – don’t work in it, don’t eat in it, and don’t stay up late watching films in it.
Getting enough sunlight exposure during the day is imperative to maintaining your body’s circadian rhythm, which is what’s responsible for keeping your body clock in order. Our circadian rhythms are also confused by the blue light that radiates from our phone and laptop screens. Looking at blue light too late at night can make it harder for your body to realise it’s time to sleep. You can combat this by turning on the yellow light setting when using technology in the evening. Most modern mobile phones now do this automatically, but your laptop might not – in which case you can usually download an app to take care of it for you.
Gentle stretching before bed can be an effective tool for those who struggle to wind down, and especially those with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Avoid anything too strenuous though, or you might accidentally send your body back into ‘activity’ mode. Intense exercise earlier during the day can, however, help tire you out for bedtime. The best time for exercise differs from person to person, to experiment to figure out what works best for you.
Making sure that your pillow and mattress are the right level of firmness isn’t just about comfort, it also has an impact on the quality of your sleep. If changing these doesn’t solve your problems, then it could be worth considering a weighted blanket as well. Consider switching to a hypoallergenic pillow if you find yourself waking up with a stuffy nose. A silk pillow is hypoallergenic and will work as a natural body temperature regulator, with the added bonus of keeping you cool at night.
Sleep cycles work in roughly 90-minute increments, ending with REM sleep. When you wake up from deep sleep, you can feel groggy and tired throughout the day. However, waking up near the end of a sleep cycle can make it a lot easier to get out of bed, even if it means less sleep overall. You might wonder how you’re supposed to control when you wake up in relation to your cycle. The answer is technology. There are apps, alarm clocks, and watches that can monitor your heartbeat to figure out which part of the cycle you’re in, waking you up at the optimum point within a set window of time.
Healthy eating is important for so many reasons, and sleep is no exception. Foods that contain serotonin, which is essential for melatonin production, might be especially helpful. These include salmon, chicken, milk, and rice, among others. Avoiding eating large meals near bedtime means your digestion won’t be working overtime while you sleep. If your growling stomach is keeping you up, have a small but filling snack, such as a piece of cheese, to curb your appetite until morning.
Yep, you guessed it – one of the primary culprits for a bad night’s sleep is alcohol. While you might find it easier to fall asleep after knocking back a glass of wine or two, it’s likely that the quality of sleep you get won’t be great. The same goes for coffee which, as a stimulant, has the reverse effect to making you fall asleep. Limiting your intake of the beverage past the early afternoon can make a huge difference to what happens when you hit the hay later on that night. If you want to curl up with a hot drink in the evening, the best choice is herbal tea. Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas all contain no caffeine at all, making them the perfect choice for a late-night drink.
We know, it’s easier said than done, but prioritising relaxation is potentially the biggest factor in getting a better night’s sleep. A nightly relaxation routine that doesn’t involve clockwatching will help you to avoid worrying while you’re trying to fall asleep, and can be as simple as a short yoga session or reading a chapter of your book. If you’ve been lying in bed for an hour and still no sleep, get up and do something different. When you return to bed, you’ll reset the winddown process – hopefully with better luck. Remove the pressure to fall asleep and instead remember that there are huge benefits to just resting your eyes and body. Focusing on rest over sleep can actually have the opposite effect, allowing you to relax and eventually fall asleep without trying.
Keeping a sleep diary will allow you to monitor what works, as well as what doesn’t. If you find that nothing works, it might be time to visit the doctor. You could be unknowingly suffering from a medical condition, such as sleep apnoea, insomnia, or any of the other multiple disorders that can ruin your sleep quality. Speak to your doctor about trying supplements – magnesium and melatonin are both well-known to help with a whole host of sleep issues. And if you’d rather not take any tablets, it could be worth looking into alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, which has been proven to have a positive effect on the symptoms of insomnia.
]]>Weighted blankets are a vital aid for many people who hope to reduce stress, improve sensory stimulation, or simply get a better night’s sleep. Although they’ve been around for years, it’s only recently that weighted blankets have become popular with the general population, having previously been used mostly by specific communities. But what exactly is a weighted blanket, how does it work and, most importantly, how can it benefit you? Read on to find out.
A weighted blanket is, as the name suggests, a blanket with weights inside. These are normally small beads or pellets made of glass, plastic or metal. Weighted blankets were originally developed as therapeutic tools to help calm and provide sensory relief to people on the autistic spectrum, others with dementia, or those suffering with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. However, their popularity has evolved and now people from all walks of life use weighted blankets to provide comfort or aid sleep.
Most weighted blanket designs involve internal quilting, as this means the pellets can be dispersed evenly throughout the blanket and held in place within the stitching. They usually weigh somewhere between 5 and 30 pounds (about 2-13 kilograms), and it's recommended to not use a weighted blanket that’s more than 10% of your overall body weight. There’s no standard when it comes to design – duvets and knitted blankets tend to be the most popular, but you can also find weighted blankets with specialist properties like fabric that either cools or heats.
Weighted blankets work by creating deep pressure stimulation, a therapeutic technique used to calm the nervous system. Deep pressure stimulation has been proven to reduce arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, even when utilised for only a short period of time. The sympathetic nervous system is what controls the ‘fight or flight’ response associated with anxiety, so any reduction in sympathetic arousal should mean a reduction in feelings of anxiousness.
It’s also thought that pressure therapy reduces quantities of the stress hormone, cortisol, while increasing production of serotonin and melatonin, which help to stabilise mood and improve sleep quality respectively. When you use a weighted blanket, you are essentially putting your body into its ‘rest’ state. This is why they’re such a good solution if you’re hoping to curb anxiety, promote sleep, or easily wind down after a stressful day at work. The same effects are evident with other forms of deep pressure stimulation, which range from massages to something as simple as a hug – they all leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
Weighted blankets are often used as therapeutic tools for a whole host of different disorders and health conditions. Here are some of the most common uses for weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets are what followed autism researcher Temple Grandin’s squeeze machine, which pioneered the concept of deep pressure therapy. It’s therefore not surprising that many autistic people find great comfort in using a weighted blanket. While the science isn’t yet fully understood, it’s thought that the autistic brain learns to focus on the deep pressure sensation rather than other sensory stimuli that can feel more unpleasant.
Weighted blankets can be a good solution for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because they give the brain something to do – process the incoming sensory stimulation. By distracting the brain with this background stimulation, people with ADHD can avoid getting distracted themselves from whatever task they’re trying to complete.
In people with sensory processing disorder, information from sensory sources gets jumbled up and stuck in the brain, kind of like a neurological traffic jam. As with autistic people, the brain is therefore overstimulated, which can lead to anxiety or meltdowns. A weighted blanket can provide the right level of stimulation to help the brain level itself out again.
By putting your body into its natural rest mode, a weighted blanket can have a hugely positive effect on the symptoms of anxiety. The ‘happy hormones’ released in the process and the ability to get better quality sleep can also mitigate the effects of depression.
One of the most effective uses of a weighted blanket is to aid those struggling with different sleep disorders. Studies have proven a decrease in insomnia severity when a weighted blanket is used at night, and many users report an improvement in symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), too.
Aside from the common uses just mentioned, there are plenty of other conditions for which weighted blankets can be helpful. For example, providing relief from symptoms of OCD, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. That being said, weighted blankets can also benefit those without neurological differences or mental illness. They are warm and cosy, making a great addition to any chill-out area, and are one of the most effective methods for soothing any general stress.
The pressure therapy effect is beneficial even if you are not feeling anxious or down. It still stimulates the release of serotonin and melatonin, meaning you’ll just enjoy a pleasant lift in mood, or deeper sleep. And there are knock on effects from this – relaxing and slowing down your heart rate is good for you, and getting a better night’s sleep can improve your daytime social interactions. You’ll also feel less groggy in the morning, which means an easier transition into the working day.
There are some people who weighted blankets might not be suitable for, though. If you have obstructive sleep apnoea then a weighted blanket can restrict air flow, and if you’re claustrophobic then they’re probably best avoided, too. Those with asthma, type 2 diabetes or low blood pressure should talk to a doctor before using a weighted blanket. You should also talk to a doctor if you are considering buying a weighted blanket for your child as, depending on their age and abilities, they could become trapped underneath.
Choosing the right weighted blanket doesn’t have to be difficult. To achieve optimum results, just make sure that you’re not going for a blanket that weights more than 10% of your overall bodyweight, and you’re pretty much good to go! If you think you’d benefit from a weighted blanket but are concerned about becoming too hot at night, our cooling weighted blanket is designed specifically with you in mind. Check out our range of weighted blankets for the full spectrum of colours.
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