We know better than to take good weather for granted, especially with a weekend approaching. So with the forecast set to fair, it’s time to get outside (before it inevitably starts raining again).
Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, an impromptu camping trip or a gardening session, we’ve rounded up some of our bestsellers and the warm weather essentials you’ve loved to help you make the most of the sunshine.
Warm weather essentials
Get out into the garden
Spear & Jackson Razor Advantage bypass secateurs
£18.95 at Tooled Up
£7.99 at Amazon
There’s still plenty of time to get your garden ready for summer, and investing in a great pair of secateurs will help you make light work of any tough stems. Our gardening expert Matt Collins chose this Spear & Jackson pair as his favourite budget pick in his roundup of the best secateurs, finding them simply designed and hard-working.
Niwaki hori hori knife
£29.66 at Sarah Raven
£32 at Burford Garden Co
Amateur and professional gardeners alike can’t get enough of the Niwaki hori hori gardening knife. Whether you’re digging, cutting, weeding or planting, this versatile tool was one of your favourites from our summer gardening guide.
The Cradley deluxe green watering can
£55 at Haws
£58 at Amazon
Now that watering the plants is a daily activity, why not treat yourself to a beautiful new watering can? This classic style from Haws is an avid gardener’s dream, with a long spout to help you reach deep into flower beds.
Summer wildflower collection, five packs of seeds
£4.99 at Suttons
£3.89 at Amazon
Grass lawns get a bad rap, but it is possible to make them greener, as Matt Collins shows in his guide to creating a more eco-friendly lawn. Why not make your garden a haven for nature with a bee-friendly mini meadow? Lay down turf for an instant transformation or sow summer wildflowers into the bald patches of an existing lawn.
Bird watching book
£14.99 at the Guardian Bookshop
£8.98 at Amazon
Next time you’re sitting in the park or garden, take some time to appreciate all the wildlife that crosses your path. Birdwatching can be a great mindfulness activity, and this illustrated book will help you identify all the species you spot.
For more ways to clear your mind, check out our guide to screen-free activities
Kärcher K 2 Classic pressure washer
£90 at Argos
£89 at Amazon
If your outdoor space is still looking a bit messy after winter, take advantage of the sunny weather by giving your patio, driveway or garden furniture a good clean with a pressure washer. The Kärcher K 2 Classic was rated the best budget buy in our expert reviewer Andy Shaw’s roundup of the best pressure washers.
Outdoor LED table lamp
£75 at Burford Garden Co
£79 at Heal’s
Add a bit of ambience to warm summer nights in the garden with this rechargeable outdoor light. It has a nifty handle for hanging and three different light modes: neutral white, warm white and candle-style flickering.
For more, check out our guide to the space-saving tricks that make small spaces feel bigger
Octagonal tassel parasol
£149.99 at Daals
If you’d rather relax in the shade than catch some rays, this lovely boho-style parasol comes in various patterns, printed either on the top or underneath. This one has the print on the bottom, meaning the pattern shouldn’t fade in the sun – plus, you can enjoy it while sitting underneath it.
Shade sail
£15 at B&Q
This shade sail is a versatile way to provide respite from the sun, even in the smallest of spaces.
Royalcraft Venice bistro garden table and chairs
£148.99 at Robert Dyas
£199 at Marks & Spencer
Level up your alfresco dining with a classic bistro set. This lovely table and chairs, available in olive green or cream, would suit even small spaces because they can be folded and stored easily. Merchant & Found is also a great place to find vintage bistro sets.
Elevate your outdoor space with our pick of the best garden furniture
Get outdoors
Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable
£24.99 at Belkin
From £24.99 at Amazon
A warm weekend is the perfect time to schedule a last-minute camping trip. Keep all your battery-powered devices topped up with our expert reviewer Pete Wise’s favourite budget pick from his roundup of the best battery packs.
Strawberry and pineapple kombucha
£4.25 for 4 x 330ml cans at Ocado
£29.99 for 24 x 330ml cans at Hip Pop
Intune CBD drink
£6.25 for 4 x 250ml cans at Ocado
£18.75 for 12 x 250ml cans at Amazon
Picnics in the park need not lead to a pounding head by 5pm. We’ve got plenty of alcohol-free options in our roundup of the best tinned drinks, from award-winning kombuchas to refreshingly fruity CBD sparkling drinks.
Recycled stainless-steel water bottle
From £35 at Ocean Bottle
£35 at Ryman
Keep your drinks cool on the go with this insulated water bottle made from recycled stainless steel. And each sale of an Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles that would otherwise have been destined to end up in the ocean.
Sport Shield liquid roll-on chafing protection
£17.99 at Decathlon
£19.99 at Amazon
Create a barrier between you and any unwanted friction burns with marathon pro Kieran Alger’s go-to anti-chafe cream, whether you’re going for a gruelling run or just walking to a picnic.
For more, check out our guide to marathon essentials
Boules set
£30.99 at John Lewis
£31 at Argos
Get the kids outside and have some fun with this classic lawn game, which has been having something of a resurgence.
Paddling pool
£29.99 at B&Q
£35 at Argos
When it’s sweltering outside, a paddling pool can keep the whole family cool and happy. This 9ft rectangular pool is sure to keep the kids entertained.
Wooden quoits garden game
£25.26 at Amazon
Whether you’re having a summer party, barbecue or a quiet weekend at home, this wholesome garden game is great fun for all the family. It’s also easy to pack up and take to the park to keep the kids entertained for hours.
Keep cool
Lékué ice cube tray
£17.50 at John Lewis
£19.99 at Lakeland
Treat yourself to an ice-cold drink with this handy ice cube tray. The lid doubles up as the ice tray, and the sleek design makes it great for entertaining. It was also a bestseller from our guide to gifts we buy on repeat, so it would make a lovely present for a loved one or yourself.
Rechargeable fan
£12 at John Lewis
Whether you want to keep cool while at home or on the go, this fan has you covered. It’s small enough to be portable, and its handle doubles as a stand to make it a desk fan.
Monster ice lolly mould
£12.99 at John Lewis
£12.99 at Lakeland
This lolly mould is a wholesome pastime and a fun way to keep cool. Get the kids involved with creating some inventive flavours, and reap the rewards after a few hours in the freezer.
Sandstone Red Pembroke stripe linen blend duvet cover
From £139 at Piglet in Bed
From £139 at John Lewis
Pillowcases
£45 a pair at Piglet in Bed
£45 for a pair at John Lewis
Fitted sheet
From £89 at Piglet in Bed
From £109 at John Lewis
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We asked experts for their advice on what to look for when buying bedding, and linen was recommended as great for hot sleepers. “Linen wicks moisture away from your skin more effectively,” says textile expert Sarah Denise Cordery. This set from Piglet in Bed is not only beautiful, but also made from a linen and cotton blend that is breathable and will help you stay cool in the summer months.
Avène thermal spring water spray
£5.75 at Boots
£5.75 at Look Fantastic
On a blistering day, there’s nothing more refreshing than the feeling of sea spray against your skin. But if you’re not near the coast, this cooling face mist from Avène is a close second best. Suitable for sensitive skin, this spring water spray is a soothing antidote for itchy or uncomfortable skin.
Pet shade bed
£16.99 in store at Aldi (available from 18 May)
Hot weather is even more taxing for pets, and they may need a helping hand to keep cool. This pet bed from Aldi is elevated off the hot ground and has a shade to protect them from the sun. It also comes with a travel case to keep your pet cool on outdoor ventures.
Pick easy-breezy summer clothing
Winnie sunglasses
£30 at The White Company
£29.95 at Amazon
In need of some new sunnies? This A Kjærbede pair is a timeless style. Jess Cartner-Morley selected these for her May style essentials after lusting after a similar pair worn by Chloe in the White Lotus series 3.
Ikesia sandals
£215 at Ancient Greek Sandals
£215 at Next
These sandals are “just the right balance of chic and practicality,” says Jess Cartner-Morley. Ancient Greek Sandals are made from soft leather in various styles and colours, so you can pick a pair that suits you.
For more, check out Jess Cartner-Morley’s May style essentials
Butter yellow sandals
£74.95 at Salt-Water
“Butter yellow, we are told, is the colour of spring 2025,” says fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley. These classic Salt-Water sandals are an easy way to embrace the trend. Vinted is also an excellent source for nabbing some secondhand Salt-Waters at a bargain price.
For more women’s fashion updates, check out our guide to spring style essentials
Red linen-blend top
£47 at Nobody’s Child
Red linen-blend trousers
£65 at Nobody’s Child
This co-ord is so wearable, and the linen will keep you cool on hotter days. If you’re yet to try the co-ord trend, Ellie Violet Bramley advises going for a block colour as it’s a “less intimidating gateway” than a kitsch print.
Uniqlo Airism dress
£34.90 at Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s Airism range is known for its breathable qualities, perfect to keep you feeling fresh in the heat. This cotton dress comes with a built-in bra to give you full coverage without having the worry of bra straps showing.
Rainbow linen jacket
£180 at Boden
£180 at John Lewis
“This jacket is an instant spring wardrobe shaker-upper,” says Ellie Violet Bramley. Add an instant injection of colour to your look with this fun and bright linen jacket.
Barrel leg trousers
£34.90 at Uniqlo
For those sunny days not quite warm enough for shorts, loose-fit trousers will be your best friend. This viral pair from Uniqlo is a dreamy combo of casual enough for every day and smart enough for the office.
Linen-blend light striped trousers
£24.99 at H&M
Pinstripe is definitely having a moment this season. This pair of linen-blend trousers would be a hard-working staple in your warm-weather wardrobe.
Antler overnight bag
£125 at John Lewis
£125 at Antler
If you need a new bag for weekends away, this one from Antler is genius. A favourite of Jess Cartner-Morley’s thanks to its handy strap that can be slotted over the handle of your suitcase. “This keeps it sitting securely on top of your luggage without everything falling over in chaos,” she says. A great option for short stays or hand luggage for longer trips.
For more, check out Jess Cartner-Morley’s March style edit
Simple white organic T-shirt
£14.90 for women’s at Plain and Simple
£14.90 for men’s at Plain and Simple
You can’t go wrong with a good-quality white tee. This one from Plain and Simple is affordable and made using ethical materials and practices.
White Stan Smith trainers
From £85 at Adidas
From £75 at Pro Direct
White trainers are a style staple and none have stood the test of time quite like Adidas Stan Smiths. Menswear editor Helen Seamons rates them as one of the only 22 items you’ll ever need in her men’s capsule wardrobe edit.
Colourful standard swim shorts
£60 at Harvey Nichols
Whether you’re hitting the lido or running errands, these easy-to-wear swim shorts come with an elasticated drawstring waist and are perfect for sunny days.
Jetty cord cap
£40 at Finisterre
Keep the sun at bay with a hat. This unisex cord baseball cap is a colourful twist on a classic style.
Floral cotton sun hat
£28 at Lucy & Yak
This cute hat from Lucy & Yak would make a fun statement piece for a festival, but also wouldn’t look out of place for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach.
Sunny-day skincare and beauty
Altruist sunscreen SPF50
£22 at Victoria Health
£19.99 at Amazon
I know you’re probably sick of hearing it, but it’s worth repeating – wearing sunscreen is not only important for your health, but is one of the most effective anti-ageing tools. Altruist is a brand founded by dermatologists, and its sunscreen is “some of the best-value high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen on the market,” says beauty columnist Sali Hughes.
For more, check out Sali Hughes’s guide to the best sunscreens for every need
Garnier Body Repair body lotion
£2.99 at Superdrug
£2.99 at Amazon
Keep your skin looking hydrated with a nourishing moisturiser. Skincare expert Caroline Hirons says this Garnier body repair lotion is her “most used skincare product of all time”, even after trying hundreds of luxury and budget products. “I cover myself in the stuff every morning, and it smooths and conditions my skin without any stickiness,” says Hirons.
For more, check out skin, hair and wellness essentials the experts can’t live without
Natural gradual tan
£34.99 at Three Warriors
£34.99 at Oxygen Boutique
Get that summer glow without having to roast in the sun for hours. Gradual tan is the safest way to get a tan, both because you avoid the harmful UV exposure that comes with a natural tan and it’s less prone to disaster than overnight self-tanners. This one from Three Warriors is “the creme de la creme of tan”, says wellness writer Hayley Spencer.
For more, check out beauty treatments you can do at home – and the ones you really shouldn’t, according to the experts
Nails Inc orange polish
£9 at Nails Inc
£7.20 at Amazon
Add a pop of colour to your spring looks with some bright nails. This statement orange shade from Nails Inc will add cheer to any outfit.