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If there’s one thing the Best Buys editors are good at, it’s shopping. We simply can’t resist sampling a new product or checking out tempting sales.
Our (frankly almost worrying) combined amount of shopping means that we have the lowdown on what products are actually worth your coin.
This July haul only contains items we’ve spent our own money on and have been seriously impressed by, which is why we want to share them with you!
Read more: Don’t miss out on the best sales happening now
Most of us love our kitchen gadgets but sometimes it pays to strip cooking back to its basics. And what could be more basic than a plancha, aka a griddle plate? Originating in Spain, it’s a simple piece of flattened cast iron, in this case ridged on one side and smooth on the other, that can be heated to very high temperatures.
Consequently, it quickly sears meat and fish and rapidly cooks the interior while retaining the juices — all done using very little oil. It’s a fantastically simple way to prepare a huge variety of meat, seafood, vegetables and even fruit. Scallops with chorizo and apple rings is a personal favourite recipe but there are endless possibilities.
You can use it at home if you have a gas or electric solid plate hob, on the beach using driftwood, or, best of all in my experience, while camping using a gas burner stove. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to store, it’s a great low-tech addition to any kitchen or camping set-up – just don’t drop it on your foot!
As I have a few trips planned this year, I was after a new backpack that was big enough to fit all my essentials but still compact enough to easily take on planes and trains. This Samsonite Securipak bag caught my attention as it’s ‘anti-theft’ — meaning it has a cut-proof body and pockets that can’t be accessed from the back. Since I anticipate standing in a lot of queues this summer, this feature was a massive selling point for me.
I took the backpack with me on a trip to Munich this month and was thoroughly impressed. I’m not a light packer by any means and, let me tell you, this backpack has plenty of room inside. I was able to fit my work laptop, toiletry bag, chargers, multiple books and so much more in the main compartment alone. It also has an integrated charging port and two internal water bottle holders, which were a lifesaver in the boiling weather.
The shoulder straps are padded and super comfortable to wear. Also, despite the large packing capacity, the bag fit easily under my seat on the plane. I’m honestly so pleased with this backpack that I’m going to start using it as my work bag too.
Buying barista-made coffees on a daily basis can add up quickly. That’s why I decided to start brewing my own at home. To make the process feel a bit more elevated, I invested in a pair of chic to-go mugs from Huskee for my partner and me.
Made from BPA-free, recycled coffee husk waste, these smartly designed mugs are incredibly lightweight and easy to tote around while on the go. As for keeping your coffee warm, I’ve found that they do a solid job of maintaining the temperature of any warm beverage while on my 45-minute morning commute.
What I love most is the 8-ounce size of these cool little mugs. They perfectly fit my morning cup of joe — without being excessive in size. A functional and stylish buy, what more could you ask for?
Always on the hunt for the next fun game to tote to the pub or have to hand when friends are over, I first heard of Pass the Pigs on a podcast. The premise is simple: Roll a pair of pigs like dice and rake in points based on how they land. Rolled a ‘Double Razorback’? That’s a cool 20 points. The humble ‘Sider’? That’s one point. Easy, right? But beware of ‘Pigging Out’ or letting the pigs touch. If that happens, you’ll lose all the points you’ve carefully earned.
When Pass the Pigs came through my letterbox, we set off for the pub with our new game in tow to test out. It took just minutes to get the hang of and we played for hours without realising it. What I love most about the game is that it’s super compact and easily played between as few as two people — something that’s often hard to come by.
We’ve since played it with friends and family of all ages and begun making up our own house rules. Almost every time we’re out now, someone’s asking ‘Shall we pass the pigs?’
Recently, focussing in the morning without a cup of coffee feels like an impossible feat. So these Starbucks pods compatible with Nespresso machines (Nespresso Vertuo excluded) have been a godsend.
The pack might seem a bit pricey — but with each pod only costing about 32p, the investment has saved me hundreds of pounds since I don’t need to go to a coffee shop every day.
With eight different flavours included, I often feel spoilt for choice picking out a pod in the morning. From their signature house blend to a sweeter blonde roast, the pods deliver the iconic Starbucks taste without the hassle of leaving the house.
When I saw my cousin wearing these leggings one day, I was instantly obsessed and knew I had to have my own pair. They’re buttery soft to the touch, comfortable thanks to their high waistband and, most importantly, completely opaque! Yep, the black material doesn’t turn sheer one bit when bending or stretching. The fabric is breathable and comes with a good amount of give that doesn’t grow baggy after a few wears.
They’re perfect for WFH days and running errands when I want something comfy and easy to wear. I’ve found they wash well too and don’t seem to shrink or go out of shape in the washing machine.
I will say though that they are super high-waisted. But this isn’t really a drawback, more of a funny surprise.
As a London local you’re always on your feet. Walking to tube stations, between platforms, through parks, down high streets – it’s actually pretty easy to rack up your 10,000 steps each day. But doing so is awful when you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes. That’s why I was so excited to finally grab a pair of Tevas. Well known for their comfortable fit and durability, they’d been in my sights for a while now. When I saw the flatform style on a friend, I couldn’t resist picking up my own pair.
Available in a few different colour waves and patterns, I opted for a classic black pair. Funky, fashionable and perfect with cute dresses, denim shorts and cargo pants… my days of blistered feet and tired soles are now over. Awesome summer shoe purchase!
The recent heatwave prompted me to search for a mini (yet cutesy) portable fan that could sit on my desk but also be carried around easily throughout the day. In my search, I found the Chillmax Air Go. It essentially doubles up as an air-conditioner and portable fan, which was everything I needed to stay cool during the scorching weather.
To get the device to work, all you have to do is fill the top tank with water. This then goes through a filter which sends out cool, humidified air. What a breeze!
It’s surprisingly powerful for such a small fan, and worked wonders when it came to keeping my face cool; it will definitely be staying by my side all summer long.
Prices updated on 29/07/2022. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.
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