With the UK set to sizzle next week in a sweltering 33°C heatwave, households across the country are bracing themselves for sleepless nights, sticky commutes, and the retail rush for anything remotely cooling. But staying safe (and sane) in the heat doesn’t have to cost the earth…
Whether you’re sunbathing, splashing about, or simply trying to sleep through the sweat, the savings experts at VoucherCodes.co.uk have scoured the internet to bring you the cheapest heatwave essentials on offer – from fans and suncream, to paddling pools and pet cooling mats. Here’s how to prep your home and garden for high temperatures – without blowing your summer budget.
Cheapest suncream – don’t get burned, literally or financially
If there’s one thing you don’t want to skimp on in a heatwave, it’s SPF. We searched high street favourites for the cheapest full-size, SPF50 sun creams – and this summer, Aldi takes the crown.
- Cheapest: Aldi – Lacura SPF50+ – £2.99 (200ml)
- Asda – Protect Sensitive SPF50+ – £3.04 (200ml)
- Morrisons – Sun Lotion SPF50 – £4.50 (200ml)
- Sainsbury’s – Sun Protect SPF50+ – £5.50 (200ml)
- Boots - Soltan SPF50+ - £5.50 (200ml)
- Superdrug - Solait SPF50 Sun Lotion - £5.50 (200ml)
- Tesco – Piz Buin SPF50+ – £7.00 (200ml)
Cheapest fans – that won’t blow your budget
Whether it’s a desk fan for your home office or a pedestal fan to battle the bedroom heat, prices vary wildly. The best value? Sainsbury’s with a full-size desk fan under £18.
- Cheapest: Sainsbury’s – Challenge Desk Fan – £17.50
- Tesco – Igenix Pedestal Fan – £19.99
- Currys – Status Pedestal Fan – £19.99
- B&M – Blaupunkt Pedestal Fan – £20.00
- Argos – Bush Tower Fan – £30.00
Cheapest paddling pools – splashing good value
When temperatures soar, a paddling pool in the garden can be a game-changer – especially for children. B&Q leads with a full-size inflatable for just a fiver. Don’t forget to check out VoucherCodes' B&Q offers before purchasing!
- Cheapest: B&Q – Bestway Plain Inflatable Pool – £5.00
- Sainsbury’s – Funsicle Three Ring Pool – £6.40
- B&M – Summer Set Pool – £8.00
- Argos – Funsicle Two Ring Pool – £10.00 (or 2 for £15)
- Tesco – Children’s Blue Paddling Pool – £11.99
- Asda – Blue Paddling Pool – £12.24 (online only)
Cheapest parasols – shade on a shoestring
No shade? No problem. Parasols are perfect for gardens, patios, balconies, and beaches alike. Wilko offers the best deal with a full-size model for under £9 - don’t forget to check VoucherCodes.co.uk’s offers for an additional 35% off selected orders.
- Cheapest: Wilko – Leopard Print Parasol – £8.99
- B&M – Vancouver Parasol – £10.00
- Tesco – Harbour Housewares Parasol – £12.99 (online only)
- The Range – Metal Beach Parasol – £12.99
- Dunelm – Blue & White Striped Parasol – £8.40
Cheapest pet cooling accessories – keeping furry friends safe
Don’t forget the dogs! From cooling mats to collars, these pet essentials help keep our four-legged friends safe and comfortable. Home Bargains comes out top with a cooling vest under £2.50.
- Cheapest: B&M – Cooling Pet Collar – £2.50
- Wilko – Pet Ice Towel – £2.99
- Home Bargains – MyPet Cooling Vest – £3.99
- The Range – Pet Cooling Mat – £4.99
- Aldi – Large Cooling Mat – £5.99 (whilst stocks last)
- Pets at Home – Nylabone Freezer Toy – £8.00
Beat the heat for less
With the forecast set for scorching temperatures, now’s the time to get summer-ready without overspending. From Aldi’s bargain sun cream to Wilko’s under-£9 parasol, there are plenty of purse-friendly ways to keep cool and safe this summer.
Want more ways to save? Always check out VoucherCodes' before making a purchase for the latest discounts and exclusive deals on summer essentials.
*Prices correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
