These two simple sub-£25 purchases have made a huge difference for me (and my car) during the heatwave in the UK this week
Two essentials I've spotted on sale in the Prime Day sale this week
As TechRadar's retail editor, I'm usually at the forefront of the site's Amazon Prime Day coverage. Every year, I sort through and write up literally hundreds of deals. I have a confession to make, however. I'm often too busy writing up recommendations for our readers that I don't even stop to buy anything for myself!
This year is different, however, as the extreme heat in the UK has finally spurred me into action taking advantage of the mega-sale. If you're also suffering from the heat, then here are two very, very useful purchases.
The first is a cheap sunscreen for your car. I've noticed these aren't that popular in England, but in hotter climates, they're a real mainstay wherever you go.
My car got so hot in the midday sun the other day that I almost burnt my hand on the steering wheel and front seat. On my way back from work, I picked up a cheap sunscreen and it's definitely made a big difference for comfort. The car is still hot, but there's no danger of contact burns or the like.
The only issue I've found with the cheap sunscreen I bought the other day is that doesn't really fit my windscreen snugly and it's pretty bulky when folded. I spotted this Spigen Sunshade for £18.69 (was £21) in the Prime Day sale today and I'm kicking myself I didn't opt for that instead.
My second purchase, which is in my cart right now, is this Warmco handheld fan for £21.97 (was £29.99). I've had an old no-brand hand-held fan for a few years now, but it's finally decided to kick it in (the worst timing, I know). I love these little fans because you throw them in your bag wherever you go - public transport, into work, on holiday. I've even taken these to festivals, where they're always a hit.
This Warmco fan looks a little high-tech compared to the one I've been using, but judging by the reviews, it's exceptionally powerful for its size. Personally, I'm looking forward to the upgrade, considering this thing can last up to 18 hours on one charge. It's not a blockbuster Prime Day deal, but I'm saving a few quid by getting this on sale, so I think it's a good investment!
My two essential heatwave purchases at Amazon
After burning my hand on my steering wheel, I decided to invest in a cheap reflective screen for my car. This Spigen shade comes from a trusted brand and looks a lot better than the cheaper options out there thanks to its snug all-purpose fit. It's much easier to store than the foldable versions (it comes with its own little bag), and has two possible sizes so you can really tailor it to your car.
This Warmco Portable handheld fan is in my cart right now. Again, we haven't reviewed it, but it does have good Amazon reviews and the price is right thanks to an Amazon Prime Day deal. According to the user reviews, this looks to be a surprisingly powerful little fan that's capable of 2.5 hours of operation per charge.
More of today's best Amazon Prime Day sales
- Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
- Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
- Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
- Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
- Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & De'Longhi
- Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
- Essentials: household goods from £5
- Fans: from £20
- Fashion: up to 50% off
- Gaming: up to 25% off SSDs & games
- Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
- Laptops: from £149
- Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
- Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
- TVs: from £129.99
- Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
- Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura
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Alex is TechRadar's retail editor, specializing in buying advice and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered major retail events in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.
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