In the words of Hungarian humorist George Mikes: continental people have sex lives, and the English have hot water bottles.
And why not? Who doesn’t love cuddling up with a hot water bottle on a frosty evening? Out of life’s small pleasures, there are few comparable to the feeling of sliding into bed when you’re feeling a chill, to be greeted by the warmth of pre-toasted sheets.
Largely inexpensive, hugely useful and available in an array of colours, styles, shapes or sizes: the trusty hot water bottle is a reliable companion throughout the winter, while also being capable of putting a smile on your face. Who needs a sex life anyway?
The origins of the hot water bottle go as far back as the 16th century. Early iterations such as the metal bed warmer were filled with hot charcoal and embers from the fire. They were then placed between sheets and a lid was placed on top of the copper pan to prevent the bed setting on fire. Another example was the earthenware foot warmer, a large ceramic bottle, filled with hot water and stoppered with a stone cap or cork.
We’ve thankfully moved far away from the health and safety breaches of the hot water bottles of the past. Today’s versions are safely enclosed in rubber, and dressed in fashionable sleeves and pockets, good for warming you up without running the central heating all night as well as helping with workout aches and period pain.
Whether you like yours in a novelty design and colourfully decorated, wrapped in neutral shades of luxe material, or obscenely fluffy and adorned with pom poms, there’s a hot water bottle out there with your name on it.
See our edit below
Anya Hindmarch Eyes intarsia wool-blend hot water bottle cover
Anya Hindmarch makes the humble hot water bottle iconic by adding a simple pair of inquisitive peepers to match the rest of her Eyes collection. The cover is made from warm, soft wool that’s good at holding its heat, keeping you toastier for longer and finished with oversized hand-stitching to mimic a charming homemade feel.
Buy now £175.00, Net-A-Porter
Fenwick Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle
You’ll feel like Little Bo Peep with this hot water bottle in your arms, so fluffy it could be a tiny little lamb. The deep plush is achieved through insulating sheepskin for the chilliest of winter days. Naturally hypoallergenic, it will stay in your hands all winter long.
Buy now £59.00, Fenwick
Elizabeth Scarlett Hot Water Bottle
Keep chilly nights at bay with the help of this fabulous hot water bottle with a cover inspired by the beauty of an African safari. Made with strokably soft velvet and covered in chic embroidery, it comes in a rich forest green hue to add to the sumptuous design.
Also available in dainty bee print.
Buy now £28.00, Elizabeth Scarlett
Piglet in Bed Oatmeal Hot Water Bottle
You may think of a hot water as only something your nana would shop for, but there are plenty of chic designs to bed down with - if you know where to look. Sleep specialist Piglet in Bed has this cosy design made from a mix of Italian Merino lambswool and cotton, crafting a twill jacquard fabric you won’t want to stop touching. Fill her up and stay snug as a bug all night long.
Buy now £45.00, Piglet in Bed
M&S Penguin Hot Water Bottle
Snuggle up with the cutest penguin pal when the temperature drops. With a gorgeously fluffy texture and a pouch for easy access when refilling, this adorable hot water bottle will brighten up even the drizzliest of winter days.
Buy now £22.50, M&S
Cashmere Hot Water Bottle
Teens will love the preppy colours of this cashmere hot water bottle. Available in red and pink, blue and green and more tempting tones, the item promises the toastiest night in at home.
Buy now £85.00, Not Another Bill
Faux fur extra long hot water bottle
There may be a considerable amount of kettle filling needed for this extra long bottle but it’s a perfect option for those who’d like to mould theirs around their body for maximum comfort. The sleeve comes in soft faux fur for extra warmth and cosiness.
Buy now £22.99, Lakeland
Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle
Providing a double whammy of heat and warmth, this bottle is ideal for particularly frosty times. Just imagine snuggling up with this heated up sheepskin.
Buy now £60.00, The White Company
Navy Cashmere Mini Hot Water Bottle
Add a mini hot water bottle to your collection which is ideal for keeping in the car or in the office. This delightful navy cashmere rendition features some vibrant stripes, making it a cute, colourful gift choice.
Buy now £42.00, Wolf and Badger
Burberry Check Wool Hot Water Bottle
Cosy up with a luxury hot water bottle designed with winter wind-downs in mind. Norwegian-woven wool holds warmth close for a supremely snug experience.
Buy now £290.00, Burberry
Oliver Bonas Ida Flower Yellow Hot Water Bottle
Oliver Bonas’ kitschy cute hot water bottle is a girlish yet elegant option. It’s clad with sunny yellow florals and finished with a mint trim, perfect for those who favour a cottagecore aesthetic.
Buy now £10.56, Oliver Bonas
Dunelm Teddy Bear Charcoal Long Hot Water Bottle
When we say long hot water bottles are a game changer, we really mean it. The noodle-shaped heated essential can be wrapped around the stomach, neck or back to soothe aches and pains. Tie-up options are available via Amazon for those times when you need to potter around the house hands-free.
Buy now £14.00, Dunelm
Percy Pig Hot Water Bottle
Members of the Percy Pig fan club will adore this hot water bottle. Suitable for children and adults alike, we couldn’t have an edit without at least one novelty option.
Buy now £19.50, M&S
