Excitement's in the air

Your weekly shopping guide [View in browser]( [IndyBest]( [IndyBest]( [Steve Hogarty]( Lois Borny](, Production Journalist October 14, 2022 It could be the dawn of spooky season, or that creeping sense of excitement with Christmas just a few months away, but there's something undeniably exciting about this time of year. Doing what we do best, the [IndyBest]( team has been swotting up on all the latest and greatest products for those exciting times ahead, be it [tech launches](, [autumnal knitwear](, or kids' [puddle suits]( for wet and windy adventures. For those with their finger on the iOS pulse, Christmas came early last week with the release of Apple's new [iPhone 14 plus](, following the[iPhone 14]( and [iPhone 14 pro and pro max]( drops last month. But if the latest tech launches don't get your blood pumping, perhaps the beckoning of autumn will – if you're not hiding under an [electric blanket]( during Halloween this year, take a look at our list of online shops to know for affordable [costumes](. Looking even further ahead, we've been indulging in this year’s treat-packed advent calendars (well, someone has to do it) including Christmas countdowns from [Benefit](, [John Lewis]( and [Space NK](. And, FYI, Harvey Nichols' [beauty advent calendar]( debut might be one of the best we’ve seen.   An iPhone a day Does Apple ever sleep? Last month, it launched the [iPhone 14]( along with the [iPhone 14 pro and pro max](, shortly followed by the [AirPods pro 2](. And just last week, it was all about the final piece of the iPhone puzzle for 2022, the [iPhone 14 plus](. [Apple iPhone 14 plus]( Our tech writer, [David Phelan](, got his hands on the latest iPhone iteration, and the verdict is in: "If you’ve been looking for a large-screen iPhone but don’t want to pay the price for the pro max model, your wait is over." That big ol' screen aside, Apple claims the iPhone 14 plus boasts the best battery life of any iPhone. David put this claim to the test and found the battery "lasts and lasts, however hard you push it". It costs £949, which means it falls somewhere in the middle of the latest iPhone launches, but if you're after something cheaper, we've rounded up the [best budget smartphones]( too. [Read more](   Behind their Dumbledoors Whether it be [jewellery]( or [plonk]( hiding behind those doors this year's selection of advent calendars leaves plenty to get excited about. But for Potterheads, it doesn't get more magical than a [Harry Potter-themed countdown to Christmas](. [Harry Potter advent calendars ]( Our reviewer has been peeking behind hundreds of little doors to find the best [Harry Potter advent calendars]( for 2022. Whether you're after Potter-themed socks, on-brand mini figures or stationery this year, our magical edit will delight Potter-loving adults and kids alike. [Read more](   Something's brewing A really good cup of coffee starts with quality, freshly roasted whole beans, and if you want to support small coffee growers and roasteries with your morning cuppa, consider an [Independent coffee brand](. Armed with an [electric coffee grinder]( and [espresso machine](, our reviewer, [Millie West](, has been testing the best. [Best independent coffee brands]( Whether you're a dark or light roast fan, a sucker for a flat white, or a complete coffee bean newbie, these brands helpfully guide you through the process before delivering your selection straight to your door. [Read more](   Knitting pretty While we aren’t overjoyed with the colder weather, there’s something really comforting about shrouding ourselves in good quality knits. With [Breton jumpers]( still a popular choice among the fashion pack, our writer [Emma Henderson]( has been ringing in the autumnal vibes with [Beaufort & Blake](’s new knitwear line. [Beaufort & Blake]( The high street brand is known for British style, preppy designs and wardrobe staples – Emma tried the knitted vest, woolly jumper and a Breton-style thick-knit with a neck roll "so generous" she could do without a scarf. Plus, you can now get 15 per cent off full-priced items until 11 November with our code INDEPENDENT15. If you'd rather snuggle up in cashmere, however, check out writer [Eva-Waite-Taylor's]( review of [Rise & Fall]('s new pocket-friendly collection. [Read more](     Deals of the week The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our newsletter, we may earn commission. [Fire TV Stick]( Missed the boat on the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale? Don't panic, the [fire TV stick]( has 38 per cent off right now. [Get deal](   [Black Friday 2022 ]( The biggest sale of the year is yet to come. Get clued up on [Black Friday 2022](with our shoppers guide, including deals to expect. [Get deal](   Don't miss a thing Keep up to date with all the latest IndyBest news over on social... [Twitter]( [Instagram](   Thank you for reading. P.S. If you can spare two minutes we'd love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters.   [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email. You are currently registered to receive The Independent's IndyBest email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's IndyBest email, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Indy_Best_CDP). 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