Latest news with #outdoor
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi launches £10 garden essential that's perfect for lazing in the sun – and even has carry-on bag for festivals
IF you have any festival trips lined up this summer, Aldi has a bargain buy that is sure to elevate your experience. Your tent is sure to become the camping ground hot spot with this £10 item. Lounge around with your friends and enjoy a budget glamping experience with this unique outdoor essential. The Crane Air Lounger is currently available from the Specialbuy section for just £9.99. And just like pop up tents, this item has revolutionised the camping experience. Don't worry about assembling bulky chairs or lugging around air pumps. You won't need anything extra to set up this "comfy off the floor" seat. Easy set up Simply inflate it by holding the opening and swiftly dragging the lounger back and forth to collect air. Then roll over the opening to trap the air inside and secure with the buckle. When inflated, this lounger measures 150 centimetres, allowing plenty of space to pan out with your friends. And it comes with a carry bag, making it ideal for festivals and camping. Shoppers can choose from either blue or grey with this budget buy. Here's how to do festival looks on a budget - and save the planet Festival essential And with Glastonbury kicking off a summer of festivals, why not elevate your camping experience? Whether or not your campsite is windy, this buy will be easy to set up. And if your lounger is not firm enough, or feels like it is deflating, simply unclip and roll it up a few more times. So if the ground is too wet or muddy, this lounger can help you stay clean and dry. And it can also be easily wiped down before you pack it away for your next outing. Other summer buys Aldi shoppers have been racing to pick up other festival gear from the middle aisle. And a 69p festival essential you can pick up from Home Bargains right now. Of if you prefer to camp in your own garden, this Aldi buy is sure to elevate your night under the stars. The Sun has tried and tested a variety of camping gear so you don't have to. Plus, a breakdown of the best deals for festival gear this summer.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl's £30 Middle Aisle garden gadget bargain is £20 cheaper than a B&Q one
LIDL is bringing back a sell-out garden gadget in days and it's cheaper than B&Qs alternative. The budget-friendly supermarket will soon be restocking the Grillmeister Barbecue Pizza Oven, a hot weather favourite amongst shoppers. Available for the bargain price of £29.99, it'll hit your local store's Middle Aisle from Sunday, July 6. The oven can be used on charcoal or gas barbecues and the Lidl claims its perfect for creating pizzas with a delicious crispy base. The design features a removable pizza stone and integrated thermostat. For comparison, B&Q stocks a George Foreman alternative priced at £49.99, making Lidl's gadget a fantastic £20 cheaper. Lidl's dupe will be available for a limited time only. This garden gadget is part of Lidl's exclusive Middle of Lidl outdoor event, which will also feature a wide range of items, including garden lights, outdoor tables, and even gazebos. If something catches your eye be sure to get to your local store quickly on July as shops will only receive limited stock and when it's gone, it's gone. You can find your closest Lidl supermarket by visiting When shopping Lidl's special deals, it's always a good idea to compare prices with other retailers to ensure you're getting the best value. You can use online tools like or Google Shopping to help with this. I tested all the high street pizza ovens - this one at over half the price of Lakeland's is the best Prices can vary depending on the model, size, and retailer, so comparing options is essential before making a decision. For example, Ooni is a leading brand for pizza ovens, but their models range from £299.99 to £799.99, making them a significant investment. Lastly, remember that a deal is only worthwhile if you genuinely need the product. Buying something just because it's on offer doesn't necessarily mean you're saving money. How to compare prices to get the best deal JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal. There are plenty of comparison websites out there that'll check prices for you - so don't be left paying more than you have to. Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers. Here are some that we recommend: Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results. Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one. CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of. How can I save money when shopping at Lidl? Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open. Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more. Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze. Everyone knows about the "Middle of Lidl" – it's here where you'll find a load of random stuff you didn't realise you needed, at decent prices. But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the "Middle of Lidl" on the supermarket's website in advance. The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
CTV News
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
You Deserve A Better Beach Chair — Here Are 11 Of Our Absolute Favourites For 2025
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. If you plan on spending most of your summer by the lake, a good beach chair is a non-negotiable. Superior to lying out on a towel, they offer extra support and save you from getting covered in sand. To help you find your perfect match, we've searched high and low, digging into reviews and investigating the latest releases to hunt down the best beach chairs on the market. These top picks have sturdy frames, comfortable seats, and come with bonus features like drink holders and detachable bags. From budget-friendly to bougie, we've covered all the bases, so you're bound to find something worth hitting 'Add to Cart' on. Here are the best beach chairs you can get in Canada in 2025: Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
CNN
18 hours ago
- CNN
REI's 4th of July sale is an outdoor gear and apparel jackpot with up to 50% off
If your summer plans involve hiking trails, backyard hangs or finally figuring out how to set up that tent, REI's 4th of July sale is the kind of holiday event worth sending in that early RSVP. Now through July 7, the outdoor retailer is setting off steep savings. Stretch your dollars (and your legs) by taking advantage of up to 50% off the best REI products, including everything from trail-tested apparel to camping must-haves and adventure-ready footwear. Consider it your cue to stock up on outdoor essentials, gear up for a future expedition and get outside for the long weekend with 4th of July deals at REI handpicked by our editors. Hoka Men's Clifton 9 Road Running Shoes Since Hoka revamped its fan-favorite Clifton running shoe with a new edition, the 9s have been selling for much less. They're still a top pick too, with our associate testing writer Joe Bloss praising the pair's comfy, plush footing and sturdy base. Cop a pair in three on-sale colors. Mountain Hardwear Men's Basin Trek Shorts Touting a water-repellent finish, these hiking shorts pair easily with your next great adventure. Pack them for boat jaunts, beach days and hiking trips. Its handy back zipper pocket also keeps essentials secure even on the toughest terrain. Three colors are 35% off at REI. Merrell Men's Moab 2 Decon SE Hiking Shoes For years, Merrell has made some of our favorite budget hiking gear, and this REI sale just underscored that sentiment. These hiking shoes hail from the Moab line, which makes some of the best hiking boots our editors have tested. The price of its camel-colored option is slashed in half, but you can also go neutral with the discounted all-white pair. REI Co-op Men's Trailmade Shirt Hiking shirts can be a bit drab, but this Trailmade button-up is shaking up that belief. For 30% off, choose from three colorful on-sale patterns to bring more fun to your walks. It boasts a stretchy nylon-spandex fabric that can help wick moisture away. Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat Shade your face as you fish, hike or grill with this wide-brimmed sport hat. It's topped off with mesh to help keep air moving through, while the crown's hidden hook-and-loop pocket gives you storage for IDS. If the hat flies off on boats, its closed-cell foam construction is designed to stay afloat. Patagonia Women's Endless Run Shorts Hugging close to your skin, these Patagonia running shorts help streamline your exercises. You can also go hands-free, sliding phones into its side pockets or securing keys in its back pocket. It boasts a quick-drying fabric to help withstand your sweatiest seshes. Chaco Women's Mega Z/1 Wide-Strap Classic Sandals Molded to give you a more comfortable tread, these Chaco's suit your most adventurous summer days. Its thick, adjustable straps help prevent your feet from sliding around. I love this on-sale muted green color that goes well with hiking fits. Hoka Women's Anacapa 2 Freedom Hiking Shoes Great for tackling technical terrains like slick rocks and rooted trails, these hiking shoes from Hoka nail both comfort and protection. They're also one of the more stylish hiking shoes we've come across. Outfitted with Gore-Tex liners and an upper fabric that sheds water, they're as breathable as they are our review Prana Luxara Dress We love exercise dresses for their versatility amid stifling temps. This Prana pick similarly keeps things light and breezy with its stretchy UPF 50 fabric. Plus, its built-in shorts (with pockets!) make it a great go-to for errands, amusement park trips and more. REI Co-Op Women's Swiftland High-Low-Hem Running T-Shirt A good workout top never goes out of style. This basic from REI's in-house brand just went half off in eight colors, including bright pops of green to neutral greys. It's made from a ventilated fabric to help you keep your cool, coupled with a flattering high-low hem. Osprey 65-Liter Transporter Duffel Bag Standing out in our duffel bag testing, the Osprey Transporter features an atypical shape that still packs a decent amount of storage. Our CNN Underscored pros appreciated its comfortable backpack harness that simultaneously made it convenient to stow away. Coleman Skylodge 4-Person Instant Camping Tent No need to rough it on your camping trips. Bring out this tent — down to 25% off — that's equipped with pre-attached telescopic poles for a speedier setup. Once you're ready to break down camp, simply stuff it down, close the flaps, roll it up and clip it closed. REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad Your sleepaway snoozes just got much better with this discounted sleeping pad. It self-inflates to offer soft, plush padding measuring 2.5 inches in thickness. Pack it down into its included sack for convenient storage on the go. REI Co-op Trailmade Print Trekking Poles For under $50, bring more stability to your trail-going activities. The trekking poles, complete with rubber tips, are designed to improve balance on rocks, boulders and everything in between. It suits heights from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Packing down small and weighing only 1 pound, this chair will be a crucial piece of your camping trips. It supports body weights up to 250 pounds, complete with a sturdy ripstop nylon seat to help repel water. During REI's July 4th sale, it's 30% off. Amid all the best 4th of July sales already live, REI's sale has been a much-anticipated event. It hits the sweet spot of deep discounts and peak adventure season. With up to 50% off sitewide and outlet deals climbing to 60% off, it's a rare chance to score high-quality outdoor gear and clothing for the 4th of July — think hiking boots and moisture-wicking layers — for way less. REI Co-op Members can mark their calendars for July 4 through July 7, because those shoppers get an extra $20 off $100 during the peak holiday window, making it one of the most rewarding times of the year to stock up. CNN Underscored's deals editors look out for your wallet daily, scouring sales every morning. We tap a range of techniques and consider a variety of factors to determine whether a deal is worthy of coverage, such as price history checks, available coupon codes and competitor pricing. Our team, consisting of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo, is passionate about unearthing deals that we would be tempted to shop, and enjoy finding a great deal on a coveted item (especially one that's top-tested by our experts) because it means that we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
The best garden parasols and sunshade sails for every budget, chosen by our expert
Whether you're dining outside, relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, a well-placed parasol, umbrella or shade sail can transform your garden into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home. A carefully chosen shade can help protect you from UV rays (don't forgo a good sunscreen, though), creating cool, sheltered spots from where you can enjoy the outdoors without overheating or burning. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The right design can enhance the look of your outdoor space, too, adding colour and pattern and complementing existing garden furniture. It's also worth noting that many parasols are portable, making them perfect for the beach or park. With plenty of choice available before peak summer demand hits, now is the perfect time to invest, so you can make the most of every sunny day, at home or on days out. I have been writing about design and interiors for more than two decades. In that time, I've covered a huge number of design-related subjects, from kitchens to carpets to bathrooms, bedding and beyond. Here, I've scoured a multitude of suppliers to find the very best sunshades, umbrellas and parasols to suit a host of scenarios and budgets. Hyams outdoor umbrella From £1,395 at King Living The Australians know a thing or two about creating shade, as this uber-functional umbrella from Sydney-based brand King Living proves. With six preset tilt options and foot-operated 360-degree rotation for optimal shade, it comes with remote-operated, solar-powered LED lighting that can also be charged via USB. Outsunny square cantilever parasol From £83.69 at the RangeFrom £87.99 at Amazon Available in four colours, including an uplifting orange, this cantilever parasol has a sizeable fabric canopy and a playful wavy border. A simple handle mechanism makes it easier to open and close the canopy. Aluminium cantilever umbrella £999 at Kingsley Smythe Measuring 3 x 3m, this is one of the few cantilever umbrellas that comes in a fun striped fabric. Including solar-powered LED lights, 360-degree rotation and a heavy granite base, this umbrella comes in either cool and contemporary grey or this fresh green colourway. Free arm garden parasol From £1,199 at Kettler£1,369 at John Lewis This high-quality parasol is made from non-crease, shower-resistant polyester that offers UV50+ sun protection, too. The aluminium frame has spring-loaded spokes, which ensure the canopy sits tight against it, and the modern design includes LED lights and even a wireless speaker. Berkfield double parasol £189 at Debenhams£200 at B&Q Providing twice as much shade as a regular parasol, this double-canopy design is easy to wind up and down thanks to its simple crank mechanism. Rigid steel ribs, a sturdy steel pole and a cross base help to keep the umbrellas stable. Available in black, cream and this super-stylish burgundy. Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol £70 at Dunelm This generous parasol has a crank mechanism that makes putting it up and down a breeze. Made from 100% recycled, wipe-clean polyester, the elegant cream shade is trimmed with beaded tassels that add just the right amount of glamour. Portable tassel parasol with tilt £39.99 at Christow£39.99 at Amazon Guaranteed to add a touch of vintage style to any occasion, this budget-friendly parasol is lightweight and portable, and has a tilt feature so that it can be angled in any direction. Standing at two metres tall, it comes in six pastel shades and has a cotton tassel trim. Fabienne double top crank and tilt parasol £199.99 at Daals The double-top vent design of this lofty three-metre-high parasol allows air to pass through, reducing wind pressure and making the parasol more stable. Made from UPF50+ polyester fabric that also has a water-resistant treatment, it comes in six colours (although three are currently out of stock) and has a crank-and-tilt function. The Poppy £235 at Boho Parasol Hut With its feminine, ruffled edging, this pink striped parasol will add a touch of romance to any garden or patio. Collapsible for easy storage, the lightweight, beech wood design comes with a matching carry bag to make it easy to transport wherever you go. Suntime Shanghai wind-up tilt parasol From £68.99 at The Range This cheerful yellow parasol will bring a touch of sunshine to any outdoor space, whether the real thing is out or not. Made from durable polyester, it can be angled using the crank-and-tilt mechanism, while its pole and ribs are made from powder-coated steel, making it hard-wearing. Daphne octagonal parasol £785 at the East London Parasol Company With an Arabian-inspired valance decorated with light blue tassels, the print on this octagonal garden parasol gives a nod to wildflowers. Made from water-resistant canvas lined with cotton, both sides are printed, while the frame features a double pulley system and brass fittings. The Amalfi umbrella £199 at Business & Pleasure With a reclaimed laminated timber pole, this UPF50+ and water-resistant parasol has a Mediterranean style. It provides maximum coverage with a chic, minimalist look. The simple, fringe-free design makes it more lightweight, and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Sywawa couture garden parasol From £600 at Go Modern Smart and sophisticated, this parasol is made from hard-wearing Symacryl-coated fabric, which blocks out 97% of UV rays. Two layers of fabric are used to create the stitching detail, and the design is available in 12 colours. Designed to last, this shade is also suitable for commercial use. Artemis parasol £3,800 at House of Hackney Made from a soft-touch, linen-look fabric that's shower-resistant, anti-microbial and UV-protected, some of the proceeds from this classic outdoor House of Hackney umbrella go towards protecting forests, thanks to its partnership with the World Land Trust. George tiki beach parasol £35 at Asda Bring a touch of the tropics to your back garden with this fun, raffia-effect tiki parasol. It's height-adjustable, and a simple push-up-and-down function ensures it's easy to use. Comes with a practical carry bag, too. Simplicity parasol £925 at Plia This parasol is made from fabric used in the production of luxury yacht upholstery. Colour-matched to Farrow & Ball's paint shade Ammonite, it's mould- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. It's also resistant to colour change from UV light and chlorine. Premium waterproof sail shade From £64.99 at Zephyr Combining sun and rain protection, this shade has a smart, architectural look and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit your space. It's made from polyester and blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays, and by positioning one corner slightly lower than the rest, the rain will run off directly, preventing it from sagging. Tasselled canopy £95 Cox & Cox A more decorative take on the shade sail concept, this tasselled canopy can be hung between trees or across a pergola. It's made from a water-repellent polyester with chic, black cotton tassels, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere. Coconut fibre shade sail From £149.48 at Etsy Handmade by Indian artisans, this rustic-style shade sail is crafted from 100% natural coconut fibre – a water-resistant material that fares particularly well in adverse weather. Available in custom sizes, the loose weave nature of the fabric provides shade while still allowing air to pass through. Miasun portable beach tent £95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow Weighing just over a kilogram, this ultra-portable, tent-style shade provides about 3m² of cover to ensure the whole family is safe from the sun. It's easy to assemble and can be set up in three ways. Choose from nine cheerful colours and patterns. Beige rectangular sunshade sail £56 at Homebase Lightweight, tear-resistant and budget-friendly, this shade features stainless steel rings for secure attachment. Made from breathable knitted polyethene with a high UV50+ protection, it is perfect for use on camping trips, by pools, over patios or in gardens. It's easily cleaned, too, with a blast from a garden hose. Solaria furl shade £1,126.30 at Maanta This ingenious shade sail uses nautical technology and a high-quality furler that allows it to be manually retracted quickly and safely. The radial-cut sail allows greater distribution of tension, which makes it strong, durable and wind resistant. The right sunshade or parasol will depend on your space, budget and how you plan to use the area. It's worth noting that many designs, especially more traditional-style umbrellas, don't come with a base as standard, so you may need to buy one separately. Cantilever parasols offer excellent versatility and are ideal for larger spaces, such as patios, poolside areas or outdoor dining spots, where you want unobstructed room beneath the canopy. They can swivel, tilt and rotate, allowing for flexible shade coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. However, they're more expensive and require a heavy base, which can make them bulky and less portable. Tilting parasols can be more affordable and work well in medium-sized spaces, such as patios, seating areas and on decks. It's useful to be able to adjust the angles to block the sun from different directions, although the central pole can sometimes limit space directly beneath. They're also less stable in strong winds. Upright parasols are the most basic and cost-effective option, best suited for small patios, balconies and portable setups such as picnics. They're easy to store and set up, but lack the flexibility of a tilt or rotation function, offering limited directional shade. They also tend to be less stable in windy conditions, unless well anchored. Sail shades provide a sleek, architectural look and can cover large areas such as decks, playgrounds and patios without obstructing the space below. They're often more wind-resistant, but they need mounting points and are fixed in place, which means they don't adjust with the sun's movement, so correct placement is important. If you want your parasol or shade to last, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cantilever, tilting and upright parasols should all be cleaned by removing loose debris with a soft brush, then wiping the canopy with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Check any moving parts and joints regularly, tighten any loose screws and lubricate, if necessary, with an all-purpose product such as WD40 to keep mechanisms smooth. Always close and cover a parasol or umbrella, especially during windy or rainy weather, and store indoors – or use a cover when not in use for any length of time. To deep clean a sail shade, lay it flat and use a mild detergent with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling. Check attachment points and tension regularly, tightening as needed to prevent sagging. Claudia Baillie is a journalist specialising in design and interiors. Although her days are spent writing about high-end and contemporary furniture and spaces, she loves nothing more than a rummage at a charity shop or car-boot sale. She's the proud recipient of several industry awards, including a Red Carpet Award, which is literally for writing about carpet. She owns too many souvenir 'I Heart' mugs. One day, she would like to live by the sea and become an artist
