Pick-me-up products: 30 under £30

By Jenny Brownlees

Whether it’s a new beauty buy or a kit to bake or craft, there’s no doubt a little retail therapy indulgence can perk us up – and boy do we need that now more than ever.

It may well feel like the world has ground to a halt, so bringing things into your space that entertain or spark joy is an ideal mood-booster.

Consider these buys a gift from you to you, or if you’re in need of an idea for a gift for loved one –birthdays are still happening, even if we’re not celebrating the way we usually would – these Quaran-treats are guaranteed to lift spirits. Whilst obviously material goods are no substitute for life being back to normal, if you were going to treat yourself to one thing this month, we’ve rounded up the goodies we think will put a smile on your face.

Many are ideal for passing the time until we can meet pals properly again, and lots are perfect for this gentle easing-out-of-lockdown period, (chic picnic blanket for a socially distanced outdoor meetup, anyone?)

Treats this way…

Missing your café coffee? Allow Tynemouth Coffee to bring their delicious wares to your home with their choice of aromatic coffees. You can buy this butterscotch, milk chocolate and almond blend in an abundance of forms from grind and filter to the beans themselves. Ideal for taking five in your comfy home café.

A wonderful way to keep the kids entertained whilst you sample their yummy creations. This set makes 20-25 doughnut-shaped biscuits that can be craftily decorated by your expert mini chef(s).

Thanks to lockdown, jigsaws have seen a real revival. A new trend for contemporary illustrated puzzles offer a wonderful escape – equal parts relaxing, brain-teasing and involving no screen time.

Looking after a houseplant has a wonderful effect on our mental health. If you’re looking for a green-leafed buddy that’s easy to care for, a Dieffenbachia is ideal. Their pretty patterned leaves like morning and evening sunlight and require watering once a week.

The INKEY List changed the skincare game in 2018, by creating science-led products that celebrate the power of a single ingredient – all for under £15. Now, they’ve done the same for haircare. Using results-driven ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid and Caffeine the potent products address concerns including dullness, thinness, dryness, greys and more. We have been using the Vitamin C Brightening Treatment to give our locks a boost until hairdressers reopen. And despite our notoriously precarious oily hair type, their Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment is the only moisturising oil that has ever left our locks nourished without being greasy.

The perfect throw-on-and-go dress, this will be our uniform for the sunny days ahead.

Irish writer Caroline O’Donoghue’s latest novel is set to be the book of the summer, pre-ordering now means a copy will land on your doormat as soon as it’s released next month, a future gift from yours truly. This darkly comic tale of self-discovery sees protagonists Charlie and her best friend Laura journey to her ancestral home of Clipim, an island off the west coast of Ireland. Laura hopes to connect with her father’s past before she loses him, Charlie clings to the idea of her Irish roots offering some kind of solace. When the girls arrive, Charlie begins to question both her difficult relationship with Laura and her father’s childhood stories. Before long, she’s embroiled in a devastating conspiracy that’s been sixty years in the making . . . and it’s up to her to reveal the truth of it. O’Donoghue’s sharp writing makes this beautiful character-driven tale raw and compelling, with a plot that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. Marian Keyes called Scenes Of A Graphic Nature, ‘Whipsmart and witty’ and we couldn’t agree more.

This vegan mix is a foolproof solution to make delicious treats, every time. A pre-weighed mix also offers an easy (and less messy) way to bake with small children. Simply add vegetable oil and water for 16 delicious brownie slices. No baking disasters here.

Beautiful stationery evokes the feeling of a fresh start for us – perhaps it’s that new-school feeling. Why not turn this into an activity, bringing back the art of letter writing by penning a note to friends and family? You might just make someone’s day.

A gift from you to you, or the perfect ‘little something’ for a loved one. These scalloped biscuits are as aesthetically pleasing as they are tasty.

Now more than ever, your home is your sanctuary. Cheer up your space with this pretty plant pot from Oliver Bonas – shelfie snap at the ready.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, park or countryside the lack of open bars and restaurants means a picnic is often required. We’re packing our lunchtime goodies in this stylish printed cool bag from M&S.

A relaxing craft project can be just the thing to ease the lockdown blues. We love this uplifting embroidery kit by Cotton Clara. The sunny yellow colour and powerful slogan will not only offer a no-screen activity, but will brighten up your walls.

As the forecast predicts a late-July heatwave, remember the skin on your scalp can also burn – protect it with this fashion-forward gingham hat, looking good as a by-product.

It seems these last few months being stuck at home has turned us all green-fingered. Tend to your outdoor space (however big or small) in style with this metallic toolset from Arket.