Lily Smith

Small patios, balconies and compact gardens can be made more usable through a combination of cleaning, weather-resistant paint, vertical planting and hanging planters. The guide recommends compact shade solutions, solar or rechargeable lighting, foldable and hanging furniture, outdoor cushions and weather-resistant rugs to improve comfort without consuming floor space. Portable barbecues and tabletop fire pits are suggested for suitable gardens, with explicit warnings that they are unsafe on balconies. Mirrors and multifunctional accessories can further enhance the sense of space.

A roundup of 11 popular summer lifestyle products, covering cooling sleep products, walking sandals, picnic accessories, beauty, camping gear, travel equipment, barbecues, period pants and reusable water bottles. The selections emphasize affordability, practicality, comfort and sustainability, reflecting readers’ interest in outdoor activities, travel and staying cool during heatwaves.

Comedian and writer Rosie Jones discusses her shopping habits, favorite foods, clothing, beauty products, household purchases and memorable experiences. She favors colorful clothing, quality toiletries, coffee delivery and experiences over luxury goods, while emphasizing how accessible products such as a cup carrier and adapted tricycles support her independence as a person with cerebral palsy. Her recommendations range from Denby crockery and Aesop perfume to Yorkshire Tea, Abba Voyage and a meal at Rosi at the Beaumont.

Readers share practical ways to stay cool during the UK heatwave, including blocking sunlight with blinds, using fans and portable coolers, cooling the body with showers and mists, wearing UV-protective hats and breathable clothing, applying SPF, staying hydrated, adjusting exercise routines and seeking air-conditioned spaces such as cinemas or pubs.

A collection of reader recommendations and expert picks highlights practical travel essentials ranging from luggage and toiletries to accessories that improve comfort, organisation and style. Items praised include durable cabin bags, versatile sun protection products, kid-friendly travel tools, portable entertainment, and sleep aids. Brands such as Tripp, Dyson, Stokke and Anker receive positive notes for reliability and performance, while various fashion and skincare products earn mentions for enhancing comfort and convenience on holiday.

Caroline Hirons discusses her shopping habits, highlighting practical purchases such as a Hisense tumble dryer, regular grocery trips to Marks & Spencer, and reliance on Ocado for essentials. She expresses strong brand preferences, from Calvin Klein underwear to Frame denim, and regularly buys select beauty products from Garnier, By Terry, Chanel, and Vieve. Hirons enjoys browsing Net-a-Porter, values vintage beauty items and Johnson Brothers pottery, and often splurges on vinyl records and concert tickets. She notes her frugal tendencies with everyday items like petrol and recounts finding a valuable vintage Chanel handbag in Tokyo.

June purchases centred on summer essentials, from breathable mattresses and SPF to sandals, shorts and travel accessories. Reviewers highlighted standout items including a sonic toothbrush, a cooling hybrid mattress, a compact Dyson hairdryer and durable gardening gloves. Fashion picks such as a dropped‑waist dress, mesh sandals and mid‑thigh shorts proved popular, while practical buys such as an app‑blocking device and a travel version of the Catan game also drew interest. Several food and home products, including a highly rated spicy peanut rāyu and breathable pyjamas, rounded out the month’s most‑loved items.

Readers and editors share practical barbecue upgrades, including reliable grills, versatile pizza ovens, and helpful tools such as chimney starters, grilling baskets, patty moulds, and meat thermometers. Recommended condiments, cookbooks, and drinks help elevate meals, while games and music enhance the social atmosphere. Cleaning tips and additional product selections round out guidance for improving outdoor cooking experiences.

Karen Carney discusses her shopping habits, favourite brands and everyday purchases, highlighting her preference for Reiss clothing, vegan food options from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, and gadgets such as her iPad. She describes valuing shared experiences over material gifts, enjoying Lego for relaxation, and frequently buying items like biscuits and coffee pods. Her recent splurges include a Burberry backpack and a Yves Saint Laurent cap, while her ideal vintage find would be a classic 1987 watch. She emphasises simple spending choices, focusing on meaningful moments with family and friends.

A curated selection of 43 items offers ways to enhance the late May bank holiday, covering home comforts, travel essentials, drinks, gardening tools, outdoor gear, beauty products and fashion. Experts provide tested recommendations, highlighting affordability, performance and seasonal suitability across categories ranging from duvets and suitcases to sparkling rosé, pizza ovens, hiking boots and summer wardrobe pieces.

Australian-born designer Banjo Beale discusses his shopping habits, favourite clothing brands, food sources on the Isle of Ulva, and the stories behind meaningful gifts exchanged with his husband, Ro. He highlights preferred retailers such as Toast, Eribé and Mellis, frequently used gadgets including his iPhone and Dyson vacuum, and items he regularly purchases such as olive oil. Beale also reflects on his design inspirations, his love of vintage finds and the practical clothing needed for island life, offering a personal look at the items that shape his daily routines.

Readers highlight camping gear that significantly improves outdoor trips, praising durable tents, lightweight setups, weatherproof clothing, insulated flasks and comfortable mattresses. Accessories such as compact pumps, chair-conversion kits, shelters, washing lines and simple entertainment items enhance comfort and convenience in unpredictable British weather. Additional recommendations include summer wardrobe updates and top-performing hair dryers tested for quality and value.

Readers recommend a variety of sustainable subscription products aimed at reducing household waste, including deodorants, detergents, water filters, toothpaste tablets, nappies and personal‑care refills. Contributors praise the environmental benefits, packaging reductions and convenience of these services, while some highlight budget‑friendly supermarket alternatives. Additional sections provide product picks, running advice and lifestyle features from The Filter newsletter.

Henry Holland discusses his shopping habits, reflecting on favourite stores, recent purchases, meaningful gifts and daily essentials such as food deliveries and coffee-making. He highlights brands he relies on, items he regularly buys, personal splurges like hiring a trainer and long‑cherished vintage finds. The conversation showcases his mix of practical choices, design interests and fashion‑focused collecting habits.

Readers and writers share 18 practical strategies for improving sleep, ranging from affordable routines such as decaf tea, soothing podcasts, and mental maths to a variety of sleep-enhancing products including pillows, duvets, white-noise tools, sleep music, and sunrise alarm clocks. Personal experiences emphasize creating calming pre-bed environments, using supportive bedding, and adopting audio-based relaxation techniques. Several specific items tested by Guardian reviewers are recommended for enhancing rest and easing nighttime anxiety.

A collection of screen-free ideas helps parents keep children entertained during a rainy half‑term, offering indoor activities such as scrapbooking, baking and games, as well as outdoor options including nature trails and weather‑proof clothing. Guidance is also provided for smoother long journeys, with suggestions for travel-friendly games and audio entertainment. Additional curated product picks and related lifestyle advice round out the recommendations.

A wide-ranging selection of long-lasting Valentine’s Day gifts for 2026 highlights personalised jewellery, fragrances, home comforts, activity-based presents, sex toys, food and drink treats, and unique experiences. Recommendations emphasise thoughtful, durable, and practical choices suited to different interests, from cosy nights in to outdoor adventures, with products sourced from a variety of UK retailers and independent makers.

A curated selection of 31 Galentine’s Day gift ideas offers options ranging from self‑care items and accessories to hobby kits, sweet treats and home comforts. Emphasis is placed on thoughtful, fun and empowering presents suited for celebrating friendship on 13 February, with variations across price points and interests.

Ben Fogle discusses his shopping habits, highlighting his preference for vintage items, secondhand clothing, antiques and strong coffee. He praises several favourite shops and products, shares memorable gifts he has given and received and reflects on both successful purchases and regrets. His choices emphasise craftsmanship, nostalgia and practicality in everyday life.

Dawn O’Porter discusses her shopping habits, highlighting her passion for skincare, food, and vintage fashion. She praises specific beauty and wellness products, shops frequently online, and values independent stores. Skincare tools, makeup, and food represent her biggest splurges, while she avoids spending on eyebrow products. She also shares favourite brands, routines, and her appreciation for vintage clothing and personal grooming essentials.

Readers and contributors share practical ways to lift mood during January, including using bright flowers and colourful clothing, taking winter walks, practising small acts of tidying, and incorporating comforting self-care rituals such as long showers and scented candles. Pets, particularly dogs, are highlighted as sources of daily joy, and additional recommendations include guides to secondhand fashion, skincare products, and cosy winter essentials.

A curated selection of clothing, heating devices, bedding and outdoor gear is recommended to help people stay warm during the UK’s cold snap. Reviewers highlight products ranging from pyjamas and slippers to electric blankets, heaters, raincoats and running accessories, emphasizing comfort, durability and value across indoor and outdoor winter needs.

A wide range of last-minute Christmas gifts available across the UK includes cultural experiences, theatre tickets, museum memberships, food and drink subscriptions, craft and design workshops, beauty treatments, charitable donations, and delivery-ready items. The guide highlights options that can be bought online or delivered before Christmas, offering choices suited to arts lovers, food enthusiasts, children, homebodies, and recipients who prefer experiences over physical gifts.