Merino wool vests are fab. They are not at all like the scratchy wool garments many of us were forced into as children. Merino wool has long fibers so it doesn't itch the skin, but it does keep you really warm.
On the downside, Merino wool is tricky to wash - if you put your vest in the washing machine you will end up with a teeny-tiny version of the garment! Great to pass on to a child... So, always handwash your vest in cool water. For some wonderful reason, Merino wool garments don't get a sweaty smell after being close to your skin, so luckily they need very infrequent washing.
A Merino wool vest is an in'vest'ment, usually costing £25 - £45 (Amazon sells Merino wool vests as does the company Icebreaker). But a Merino vest will save you money (and help to save the planet) in the long term as you will be able to turn your heating down.
Other more affordable options are....
* Wear tights or long johns / thermal leggings under your trousers. I've written about some excellent child-size baselayer leggings and toddler tights here.
* Sit hugging a hot water bottle - my Peter Rabbit hot water bottle cover has been in use since I was about 6 years old (and then recently we found an un-used, pristine version in a local charity shop, which my eldest child now uses). Both are shown in the photo below. But please do NOT use vintage hot water bottle inners! The rubber perishes over time, leading to unexpected spills of very hot water - ouch! Other hot water bottle safety tips can be found here on a local government website.
If you are working from home in a cold spare room / garden shed then the hot water bottle hugging tip is a great way to save on heating bills and it will cheer you up - being cold for an extended period of time during every working day is really miserable (and costly if you find yourself turning the heating dial up and up).
Go on, show your age and ask for a vest / pair of tights / thermal leggings / hot water bottle for your next Christmas or birthday gift!