Even though Christmas is still more than two months away, this is the prime time to snap up some of the festive buys that sell out long before the holiday season – advent calendars are at the top of that list. And if you or your loved ones are a candle lover then I recommend the Yankee Candle wreath advent calendar for several reasons.
If you’re after an advent calendar that can offer a little more than just chocolate then this one is one of the best advent calendars, filled with 24 tealight candles in eight different scents, that also won’t break the bank.
And this year, there are two various designs of the wreath-shaped advent calendar available to choose from, each filled with slightly different candle scents. The first, which I myself have managed to get my hands on, is available to shop now with an RRP of £28.99.
Meanwhile the other, slightly more elevated-looking design is available only from Amazon for £41.16. It’s just been released today but it’s already attracted over 100 purchases in the past month through pre-orders.
Yankee Candle Wreath Advent Calendar 2025
Yankee Candle Advent Calendar 2025 Wreath
And considering the likes of the John Lewis scented candle advent calendar selling out in the space of two weeks last year, I wouldn’t wait around before bagging this one either, especially since it’s much more affordably priced. But which one are you going to go for?
Illustrated advent calendar version
(Image credit: Yankee Candle)
There are two main differences between the two Yankee Candle wreath advent calendars – the packaging design and the scents included. The slightly cheaper version comes with two different winter sport illustrations – one on the removable sleeve and the other on the actual calendar, featuring a fun ski slope scene.
It comes filled with 24 tealight-sized scented candles with an additional glass tealight holder on the 1st, same as the other design. But it’s the scents that might sway you – some are the same as in the other version but the ones that you won’t get in that one are Silver Sage & Pine, Amber & Sandalwood, Wild Orchid and Winter Night Stars (the latter being my favourite), three of each.
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(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
One existing customer wrote, ‘Excellent selection of candles for the whole festive period, perfect for the Christmas countdown, makes my home smell like I have just baked cookies, to the crisper scent of the Christmas tree, the cozy spice of cinamon, all add up to a perfect way to make my whole home smell like Christmas.’
I couldn’t have said it any better than that!
Red advent calendar version
(Image credit: Amazon)
The all-red, single-colour design of this more exclusive take on the Yankee Candle wreath advent calendar is interrupted solely by the logo and some snowflakes. The benefit of this packaging is that it looks a little bit more grown-up.
As for the contents, there are again 24 scented tealights with one tealight holder included. The scents that are the same as the other calendar are Christmas Cookie, Christmas Eve, Cinnamon Stick (another one of my festive favourites) and Black Cherry. But there are some exclusive scents to this version and those are Christmas Magic (blending notes of mandarin and eucalyptus with fir, pine and birch), Balsam & Cedar, Vanilla Cupcake and Warm Cashmere.
Rituals Wreath Advent Calendar 2025
If you’re into the idea of a wreath advent calendar, this Rituals take on the look is even bigger and better, complete with a ribbon so that you can hang it up and filled with some of the best self care goodies such as an overnight body mask or Ayurveda shower oil.
I would personally opt for the slightly cheaper option as you get exactly the same value but for less. But if you love some of the fragrances exclusive to the other design then I’ll understand if you go for that one instead.
We all know M&S homeware is as good as it gets, but the hottest pieces flying off the shelves right now isn’t the brands lamps or cushions, but cookware. And this M&S Floral Casserole Dish for £50 is the latest piece selling fast.
Last week, the bargain Always Pan lookalike from the brand, the All in One saucepan (which we reviewed), returned briefly only to sell out again without days. Now, M&S has unveiled its own take on the best cast iron cookware with heritage Le Creuset-style dishes that would look so good displayed on your hob.
I’ve wanted a Le Creuset dish in this style for so long, but the £309 pricetag was more than a little offputting. This affordable alternative is not only stunning but is bound to have that M&S quality too.
If you need an even bigger casserole dish, this huge 7 litre version will be the one for you. It’s already sold out in one colour (charcoal).
It’s the green version of the classic Casserole Dish (£38 via M&S) that’s unfortunately already sold out, though you can sign up for updates for when it comes back in stock, though the Oxblood is brand new, so stocks should hopefully last for a few days at least.
One of the things that most catches my eye about this collection is the shallow casserole dish (which I think is the most underrated Le Creuset shape too). It’s the first I’ve seen to replicate the floral style lid, which has proved a viral hit for Le Creuset in recent years.
(Image credit: M&S)
You can snap up both of these red M&S casserole dishes for under £100 (if you can catch them before they sell out) and as well as making fantastic everyday cookware pieces, they’d also make fabulous gifts as we near Christmas.
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Have you tried the cookware offering from M&S before? Let me know what you think of the quality of the pieces you already own.
I was excited when I spotted this contender for the best frying pan was available to buy last week, with a design to rival the M&S all-in-one pan and Lakeland Only Pan versions, and this deal gives you an even better chance to kit out your kitchen for less. Here’s a full look at the bundle deals and the different colours you can buy it in.
George Home
All in One Pan
This Sage green colour is a dead ringer for the bestselling shade of the Always Pan by brand Our Place, which has a much higher price tag of £125. With this set, you can grab a versatile frying pan, saucepan and turner for less than £50. If green isn’t for you, this set is also available in the lovely terracotta Clay or Black for the same price.
Made from cast aluminium, these pans are all dishwasher safe and have designs which allow for multiple uses. The frying pan in this set has higher walls than a usual frying pan and comes with an included steamer/colander attachment so that you can fry, poach and steam in it.
(Image credit: George ASDA)
As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances and Cookware Editor, I have the lucky job of testing out lots of different pans and this kind of shape is by far the one I find most useful. It also lends itself perfectly to cooking multiple portions at once.
(Image credit: George home)
I’m a sucker for a matching set, so being able to pick up this pan with a matching pastel saucepan is a big draw for me. Or, if you prefer your neutrals, Black is a great alternative to keep your kitchen looking refreshed and tidy.
Alternatives
However, if you’re in the market for a different colourway here are a couple other standout multi-tasking pans to try.
Our Place
Always Pan – Sage
The original Always Pan is expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment with an impressive non-toxic, non-stick coating. It is also available in 5 beautiful on-trend colours.
Lakeland
8-In-1 Only Pan – Sage Green
Available in three colours, Lakelan’s 8-in-1 Pan has been a bestseller and has rave reviews from shoppers online.
Ninja
Ninja Foodi 9-In-1 Possiblepan With Zerostick
The Ideal Home team is a huge fan on Ninja’s Zerostick pans and if pastel shades aren’t for you, this vanilla bean coloured pan has a smarter ‘chef-y’ look to it.
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If you’re feeling suddenly overwhelmed by masses of dead leaves in your garden (I know I am), you’ll want to get your hands on a machine that makes light work of clearing them.
Garden Force’s Leaf Chief from Amazon does just that – it’s a push grass and leaf collector with a whopping 100-litre capacity, and it’s got stellar reviews.
If you’re looking for an effortless alternative to a leaf blower, the Leaf Chief is one to watch. Here’s why…
Garden Force
Garden Force Leaf Chief
The Leaf Chief is a leaf and grass collector which sweeps up leaves, grass clippings and other garden debris using its 291 bristles. You don’t need to plug it in – it’s a manual machine that you simply push over a range of outdoor surfaces, from lawns to patios, paths and driveways.
The fact that it’s a manual collector is a huge bonus for me – it saves splurging on fuel or electricity fees in the future (that’s a perk of manual lawn mowers, too), making the £99.99 upfront cost worth it. It also means the Leaf Chief is really quiet, so you don’t need to worry about rousing the neighbours with a noisy leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
The long handle eliminates the need to bend down and collect every pile of leaves – instead, they’re all bundled effortlessly into the huge detachable storage collection bag, which can hold up to 100 litres of garden debris.
(Image credit: Garden Force)
Effortless is certainly the buzzword: according to Garden Force, ‘garden maintenance has never been easier’ with the Leaf Chief, and judging from the reviews, it certainly lives up to the claim.
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‘The machine itself is very light and easy to use,’ says one reviewer. Another, who lives on a road with large trees, claims, ‘It is the best I have ever tried.’
It isn’t just larger leaves that benefit from the Leaf Chief, though – according to one reviewer, it’s the perfect solution for pine needles, too.
‘[I was] originally sceptical about purchasing this as we have a garden full of pine trees,’ they said. ‘I needn’t have worried – [it] picked up the pine needles with ease in a fraction of the time it used to take.’
You can even customise the raking height by twisting the control dial on the front of the collector, ensuring the best possible sweep for the surface and debris size you’re dealing with.
(Image credit: Garden Force)
The only pain point is that the Leaf Chief isn’t suitable for sweeping wet leaves, with one reviewer claiming it ‘works better when leaves are dry’, and another mentioning that ‘wet grass with branches causes it to keep stopping’. A few reviewers say it works better on flat, even surfaces, too.
Despite that, I was impressed by the number of reviews celebrating how well it works. It even comes with a wall-mountable storage bracket, a brilliant garden storage idea for a shed.
Of course, you don’t need to clear every leaf from your garden – there are plenty of wildlife benefits to be had from a few piles here and there – but if you, like many of us this month, are finding that sweeping leaves is consistently topping your October garden jobs list, this collector is definitely worth the investment.
Alternative grass brushes
These grass brushes are worth a look at, too…
Gardena
Gardena Leaf and Grass Collector
This manual collector has a rotating sweeper and an ergonomic handle. Plus, it comes with a quality pair of secateurs!
Kärcher
Karcher S 4 Twin Push Sweeper With Brushes
The side brushes on this sleek grass collector allow you to sweep right up to the edges. It’s only suitable for pavements, paths and driveways, though.
VonHaus
Vonhaus Artificial Grass Brush 1800W
If you’ve got artificial grass, this electric grass brush is perfect for the job – it sweeps, refreshes and even stripes an artificial lawn.
I think the Leaf Chief is a real game-changer for tackling fallen leaves in the garden. I can’t wait to try it out!
Autumnal decor is often defined by rich reds, cosy fabrics and lots (and lots!) of pumpkins. But if you’re looking for something a little more subtle and timeless, The White Company has revealed their surprising bestseller this autumn – the stunning Marlow Marble Table Lamp (£175).
What has stood out about The White Company’s autumn/ winter collection this year is the brand’s commitment to its ‘signature clean girl aesthetic’ palette. Where other brands have embraced the year’s biggest home decor trends, such as chocolate browns and retro shapes, The White Company has stayed true to itself, remaining both calm and elegant.
The gorgeous Marlow Marble Table Lamp is an excellent example of this. Simple yet luxurious it’s an excellent choice for your lighting ideas this autumn. But you’ll have to be fast, as the rest of the Marlow Marble range has already sold out.
Marlow Marble Round Table Lamp
Beautifully understated, this stunning table lamp will add effortless style to your home. It’s a great choice if you want to create a chic home at minimal effort.
This year’s lighting trends have been both vibrant and retro. If there has ever been a year for statement lighting, 2025 is it. But if you wanted an antidote to these more maximalist styles, that’s exactly what this table lamp is.
Insiders at The White Company revealed to me that the Marlow Marble Table Lamp had been ‘a surprising bestseller’ from their latest collection. But taking a closer look at the lamp, I’d argue it’s easy to see why it’s been a hit.
The base of the lamp is made from pristine beige marble, which gives the base a smooth, sleek finish. If you’re looking to achieve an effortless, yet luxurious look in your home, marble is the way to do it. While elegant and timeless, marble is pricey, so considering the material, the Marlow Marble Table Lamp is a budget-friendly marble piece.
(Image credit: The White Company)
What I like about this lamp is that the marble does all the talking. The shade is made from linen material, creating a soft, diffused glow when the lamp is switched on.
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Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. When she’s not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash,…read more
There’s something magnetic about The Studio Blue Loft by Janina Kruplewicz. At first glance, it will feel calm and composed. Those clean lines and pale woods will have you feeling relaxed. But then, the electric blue hits you. It’s bold, it’s sculptural, and it’s full of personality. It brings life to every neutral surface it touches!
This home is minimalism reimagined. Not cold or sterile, but energized and expressive. Every texture, from the raw ceiling to the soft upholstery, adds sophistication. And right in the middle of it all, that punch of blue keeps things exciting. Let’s walk through this space.
The foyer of Studio Blue Loft sets the tone the moment you walk in: calm, minimal, and subtly artistic. Every line here feels intentional. The white door framed in black gives a crisp contrast, while the built-in wooden ledge stretches out, doubling as both console and sculpture.
And then there’s that ceramic stool in blue and cream: a small but striking detail that steals the show. It’s playful, almost like a signature mark announcing what’s to come inside: a space that balances minimalism with bold artistic energy.
Everything in the living room breathes, from the soft, sculptural sofas to the smooth flow of natural light pouring through sheer curtains. The palette stays grounded in warm neutrals and natural wood tones. But that electric blue coffee table instantly shifts the energy. It’s bold without shouting, artful without trying too hard.
There’s a sense of ease in how the space is arranged: open, airy, and beautifully balanced. The textural OSB wall brings warmth to the minimalist shell, while the graphic black-and-white feature wall adds interest.
The kitchen in Studio Blue Loft is a perfect example of how calm design can still make a strong impression. The light wood cabinetry grounds the space in warmth; the crisp white countertops and square-tiled backsplash keep things fresh and modern. Natural light floods the room, softening the geometry and highlighting the minimalist details (we’re eyeing the sleek, built-in appliances here!).
The bedroom at Studio Blue Loft, again, is minimal yet full of character. Everything here feels calm, almost meditative. The soft wood tones of the bed frame and floors warm up the concrete ceiling. The built-in ledge and the signature blue ceramic stool make a subtle reappearance, tying the bedroom beautifully to the loft’s overall design language.
IKEA has just launched a new sofa bed, the GRUNNARP, and it offers a lot for its £650 price tag.
As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve tested hundreds of sofa beds to create our guide to the best sofa beds on the market, and I think IKEA’s new launch is well worth having on your radar if you’re on the hunt for an affordable way to host overnight guests.
(Image credit: IKEA)
Why? For a start, the IKEA GRUNNARP sofa bed offers great value for money. Admittedly, a £650 investment isn’t cheap, but this is a three-seater sofa bed that transforms into a full-sized double bed, capable of sleeping two guests.
That’s unusual in sofa beds in this price category. A standard double mattress measures 135 x 190cm, and most ‘double’ sofa beds offer a lot less sleeping space than this. In contrast, the GRUNNARP provides a generous 142 x 200cm sleeping area once it’s fully extended.
(Image credit: IKEA)
Available in three colour options – grey, beige, and pink – the GRUNNARP also looks like a standard sofa, and a stylish one at that, so it’s an option you can use in your main living space without anyone knowing it hides a bed inside.
For comparison, you could opt for Habitat’s Kota 3-Seater Clic Clac Sofa Bed, which offers a similar amount of seating space for just £375. However, you don’t get a double sleeping area, and its build is a little… basic. It’s a useful budget-friendly option for a spare bedroom or home office, but you may not want it in your main living room.
The Habitat Julien Fabric 4 Seater Sofa Bed can seat four and features a double sleeping area, but it costs £850. That’s £200 more than the new IKEA GRUNNARP. Every other double-bed-sized sofa bed I’ve tested and can recommend costs *far* more than that, with prices generally around the £1500 mark and above.
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Plus, the GRUNNARP is also hiding another secret. There’s roomy storage space hidden under its bench seating. That means if you have a small home that’s short on cupboards, you have some much-needed extra room to stash the spare duvet, mattress topper, and bedding your overnight guests will need when they sleep over.
(Image credit: IKEA)
When it comes to how to store guest bedding, it’s amazing how much space an extra set of bed linen can take up, even with the best bedding organisation. For that reason, the GRUNNARP’s secret storage space is a real bonus.
Overall, this new IKEA launch offers stylish design – I love those rounded armrests –generous seating, a full-sized double sleeping area, *and* hidden storage, which I think makes it a great value buy.
Yes, this is IKEA, and that means you will need to assemble this piece of multifunctional furniture yourself. But if your home is anything like mine, with awkward delivery access, that could be another plus point. After all, it’s far easier to get flat-packed furniture through a narrow hallway or awkward entryway.
(Image credit: IKEA)
I’ve included three tried-and-tested alternatives below so you can compare for yourself, but to my mind, the GRUNNARP looks like a great buy.
Habitat
Kota 3 Seater Boucle Clic Clac Sofa Bed
The Habitat Kota 3 Seater Boucle Clic Clac Sofa Bed is a lot cheaper than IKEA’s GRUNNARP, but, in my opinion, it doesn’t make for quite such a stylish living room sofa. It’s also pretty bulky and doesn’t offer any hidden storage like IKEA’s new launch.
Habitat
Julien Fabric 4 Seater Sofa Bed
Like the IKEA GRUNNARP, this is a sofa bed I’d be happy to have centrestage in my living room. You’d never know that the seat pulls out and the backrest folds flat to become a double sleeping area. However, there’s no hidden storage, and, it’s more expensive.
Innovation Living
Cubed 140 Sofa Bed
Need a more compact option? The Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed offers a double sleeping area and comes flat-packed for those with awkward access, it also has a much smaller footprint than the IKEA GRUNNARP. However, you’re unlikely to fool anyone into thinking it’s a normal sofa, and it’s a *lot* more expensive.
Taking one of the top spots in my best vacuum cleaner guide, the Shark Stratos is a bestseller for a reason. However, Amazon’s Big Deal Days event end at 23:59 on 8 October, and I have no doubts that this particular deal is going to be very popular. So, you’ll have to act fast if you want to snap it up.
Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro with Anti Hair Wrap Plus IZ420UKT
This top-rated cordless Shark vacuum has been slashed by almost 40% this Amazon Big Deal Days. It offers up to 120 minutes of run time and a 0.7L dust bin capacity.
The Shark Stratos really is the vacuum that does it all and arguably one of the best Shark vacuums you can buy today. Not only has it been crowned the ‘best for everyday’ vacuum cleaner that I and the Ideal Home team have ever tested, but I’ve officially named it the number one cordless vacuum cleaner in our guide.
And while it may be one of Shark’s oldest cordless stick vacuums, it’s the kind of model that doesn’t need any upgrades or changes, as it’s that good. In fact, this particular model has two batteries, which means you can enjoy up to 120 minutes of fade-free suction, and it offers Shark’s best-ever hair pick-up thanks to its anti-hair wrap technology.
We gave it a glowing 5-star review for those exact reasons, as well as its impressive suction power that seriously won over our expert tester, Molly.
(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)
She raved, ‘Though it’s slim and lightweight, as soon as you hit the power button on the handle, you feel this vacuum roar into life. Using it in stick mode on carpet initially, I was impressed by the visible lines this left, where it had really gotten into the depths of the fabric and pulled up dirt.’
And while this particular model – coupled with the impressive Amazon Prime Day discount – will undoubtedly suit any home, there’s no denying that it’s an absolute steal for pet parents.
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That’s because the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT is designed to be a pet model, coming complete with a motorised pet tool, anti-allergen brush, crevice tool and multi-surface tool to help you vacuum pet hair and clean those smaller nooks and crannies in your home. Plus, it comes with a handy bag to keep the extra tools safe.
(Image credit: Shark)
It also features impressive anti-odour cartridges that can protect against dust bin odours and leave your home smelling extra fresh while you’re cleaning. The Clean Sense IQ technology also senses the dirt in your home and automatically adjusts its cleaning power to leave both your carpets and hard floors spotless.
All in all, it’s a solid vacuum that I believe is well worth the investment at full price. So, the fact that it’s discounted by almost 40% right now is a huge perk on top of an already great deal.
However, it’s worth noting that while many deals over the next couple of days will be available to non-Prime customers, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to snap up the best of the best Big Deal Days deals.
(Image credit: Shark)
You can sign up here if you’re not already a member, and you can even sign up for a free 30-day trial, so you don’t technically need to continue being a member once the deals event is over (as long as you haven’t previously used the free trial). Just don’t tell Amazon I said that…
And if this Shark vacuum deal isn’t quite what you’re after, there are so many other discounted vacuums on Amazon right now. Below are some of my favourites.
Alternative Amazon Prime Big Deal Days vacuum deals
Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
As this older model has recently been replaced by a newer version, I’m not surprised to see that this Dyson vacuum has been discounted this Amazon Prime Day. But while it may be old, it’s still a goodie. You can read my review of it here.
Shark PowerDetect Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner
If you’d prefer a corded Shark vacuum, this model is also on sale for the Amazon Prime Day event. With unlimited run time and a 10m cord, it offers impressive and practical cleaning for the home.
Remember, Amazon Prime’s Big Deals Day ends on the 8th October, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to snap up one of these deals!
It doesn’t get much more autumnal than pumpkin decor, and the piece on everyone’s wish list is, of course, the Le Creuset Cast Iron Pumpkin Casserole. But if you don’t want to spend £299 on one piece of cookware, may I introduce Argos Home’s 2.1 Litre Stoneware Pumpkin Casserole Dish (£12).
Pumpkin-shaped cookware is a popular choice for many kitchens due to its seasonal kitsch aesthetic, and there’s no denying Le Creuset does it best, producing some of the best cast-iron cookware on the market. However, this high-ticket item is pricey, which is why we’re always seeking more affordable pumpkin dutch oven alternatives.
Argos’ pumpkin casserole is five-star rated and an affordable alternative to elevate your seasonal cooking, with many of the same perks as the Le Creuset version. This is everything you need to know.
Argos Home 2.1 Litre Stoneware Pumpkin Casserole Dish-Orange
This cute little pumpkin casserole is an amazing price, and looks great, too. It has a 2.L capacity, and is large enough to serve a small family.
Le Creuset
Cast Iron Pumpkin Casserole
You can’t beat Le Creuset on quality so if you can afford to invest in this stunning dish, you should.
Affordable Le Creuset dupes are nothing new. For example, I’m actively excited to see Aldi and Lidl Le Creuset alternatives hit their respective middle aisle every few months. But Argos’ pumpkin casserole may be the cheapest I’ve ever seen.
At £12 for a 2.1L capacity, I’d argue this pot is excellent value for money. It’s large enough to use as a serving dish for the whole family, and is both oven and dishwasher-safe. Its bright orange hue is very similar to the iconic Volcanic colourway, and while the stalk isn’t the same stunning gold as a Le Creuset pumpkin dish, it’s still both pretty and detailed.
While the Argos pumpkin casserole is limited by comparison, its price is unmatched, and the glowing reviews to back it up show it’s a worthy investment.
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‘Lovely looking pumpkin casserole/serving dish. It states on the bottom that it is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, though I’ve not tested these out. I use it as a serving dish for soup or casserole. It’s an ample size to house enough to serve a family, and as autumnal decoration, it looks fabulous in my kitchen. Very pleased,’ said one.
‘Absolutely lovely. Beautiful colour and lots of room. Thank you, Argos.’
As much as I love the look of a Le Creuset pumpkin casserole, I can’t envision myself spending hundreds of pounds on a piece of cookware that only seems to make an appearance during the autumn and winter months. But I can see the merit in spending £12 on the Argos Pumpkin Casserole, which looks just as stylish at a fraction of the cost.
