Home & Comfort
Blankets
8 kinds worth knowing, 15 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Blankets make easy gifts for people who like being comfortable at home: a mom who reads on the couch, a grandma who is always a little cold, a new homeowner filling a living room. The ones that get used are the ones that fit a real habit. A heated blanket suits someone who is always chilly in the evening. A throw blanket suits someone who leaves one draped over the sofa arm. Think about where it will actually live, like the couch, the bed, the car or the cottage. Then pick the fabric and size for that spot. How it feels matters more than how it looks in the package, so choose soft, washable and the right size over anything trendy.
Kind 1 of 8
Heated blankets for people who are always cold
A heated blanket has thin wires woven through soft fabric and plugs into the wall, so it warms up in minutes. It suits anyone who keeps the thermostat low, feels cold in a drafty room or likes a warm spot on the couch in the evening. A throw size, like the Heated Throw Blanket, works well for the sofa. Before buying, check the cord length against where the person usually sits. Also look at how many heat settings it has, whether there is an automatic shut-off timer and whether the controller unplugs so the blanket can go in the washer.
Electric warming heated blanket
Offers adjustable warmth and comfort, ideal for staying cozy during chilly evenings or for those who often feel cold.
Kind 2 of 8
Weighted blankets with a heavier, snug feel
A weighted blanket is filled with small glass beads or pellets sewn into pockets so the weight spreads evenly. Some people love the heavy, tucked-in feeling for reading, napping or winding down at night, and others find it too warm or confining. It is a better gift when you know the person already likes one or has asked for one. The Weighted Blanket (15 lb) suits many adults. Check that the weight feels right for the person's size, that the cover comes off for washing, and that the size fits a single sleeper rather than a whole bed.
Therapeutic weighted blanket
This blanket provides gentle, even pressure to promote relaxation and a sense of calm for individuals seeking comfort.
Kind 3 of 8
Throw blankets for the couch
A throw is a smaller blanket meant for the sofa or an armchair, big enough to cover one person's lap and legs. It is one of the safest picks for a host, a mother-in-law or a new homeowner, because it adds warmth and a bit of style to a room. A chunky knit, like the Chunky Knit Throw Blanket, looks good folded over a chair, and a cashmere blend feels soft and dressy. Before buying, think about the colours in their living room. Check the care label too, since chunky knits and cashmere blends often need gentle washing.
Decorative chunky knit throw
This stylish blanket adds a touch of modern texture and warmth, making it a beautiful accent piece for any living space.
Luxurious cashmere blend throw
An exquisite and incredibly soft blanket that offers sophisticated comfort and a touch of elegance to any refined living area or bedroom.
Kind 4 of 8
Electric blankets sized for the bed
Many people say "electric blanket" when they mean a full-size blanket that goes on the bed, not a small throw for the couch. It warms the bed before bedtime and suits people in cold houses, basements or older homes. For couples, look for dual controls so each side can have its own setting. Before buying, check the size against their mattress: twin, double, queen or king. Also see whether the controls light up so they are easy to read in the dark, whether there is a shut-off timer, and whether the blanket is machine washable.
Kind 5 of 8
Baby blankets for new parents
A baby blanket is a small, light blanket used for the stroller, the car seat, tummy time on the floor or cuddling on the couch. It is a thoughtful gift for new parents or a family expecting a baby, and it often becomes a keepsake. Soft organic cotton is a popular choice because it breathes well and gets softer with washing. Before buying, check that it holds up to frequent machine washing. Pick a simple colour or pattern, and skip loose trims, tassels or add-ons.
Soft organic cotton baby blanket
A gentle and breathable blanket designed specifically for infants, providing comfort and safety for sensitive skin.
Kind 6 of 8
Blanket hoodies to wear around the house
A blanket hoodie is an oversized pullover lined with sherpa or fleece, with a hood, sleeves and usually a big front pocket. It stays in place when you get up for a snack, which a regular blanket can't do. It suits teens, students, and anyone who works from home in a cool room or watches hockey from the couch. The Wearable Blanket Hoodie (oversized sherpa) is a typical example. Most come in one size, so check the length and sleeve fit for shorter or taller people. Also check that it is machine washable, since it will get worn a lot.
Kind 7 of 8
Wool blankets for the cottage and truck
A wool blanket is warm, sturdy and made to last for years. It suits people who spend time at a cottage or cabin, go camping, keep a blanket in the car for winter, or like a classic plaid on the foot of the bed. The Camp Plaid Wool Blanket fits that outdoorsy, traditional style. Some wool feels scratchy against bare skin, so think about whether they want it for a bed or for outdoor use. Before buying, check the wool content and whether it needs dry cleaning or can be hand washed.
Natural wool utility blanket
A robust and naturally warm blanket, excellent for adding an extra layer of insulation on a bed or for outdoor adventures.
Kind 8 of 8
Fleece blankets for everyday use
A fleece blanket is light, soft, warm and easy to wash, which makes it the one people grab every day. It suits almost anyone, from kids and teens to grandparents, and works for the couch, the dorm room or movie night. Plush and sherpa styles feel extra cozy, and a reversible one gives two textures in one blanket. For something playful, the Tortilla Burrito Blanket is a round fleece novelty that gets laughs and still gets used. Before buying, check the size and whether it holds up in the dryer without pilling.
Tortilla Burrito Blanket
A round blanket printed like a giant tortilla. Roll yourself. Become the burrito.
Plush fleece throw blanket
A versatile and incredibly soft blanket perfect for adding a layer of warmth and comfort to any couch or bed.
Reversible sherpa fleece blanket
Offers dual-sided comfort with one side featuring smooth fleece and the other soft, sheep-like sherpa, perfect for ultimate snuggling.
How to choose blankets as a gift
- Picture where the blanket will be used, like the couch, bed, car or campsite, and choose the size and fabric for that spot.
- Look at the care label before buying, because a blanket that has to be dry-cleaned often ends up sitting in a closet.
- Match the colours to their home, or choose a neutral like grey, cream or oatmeal when you are not sure.
- Choose a bed-size blanket only when you know the mattress size. A throw fits any home.
- For someone who is always cold, a heated or sherpa-lined blanket usually beats a thin decorative one.
Usually safe to skip
- A large, loud novelty print for someone with a carefully decorated home usually ends up in a closet instead of on the couch.
- A scratchy wool blanket for someone who wants to wrap up on the sofa usually misses. Save wool for the cottage or car.
- A weighted blanket for someone who has never tried one is risky, since many people find the weight too warm or confining.
Questions people ask about blankets
- What is the difference between a heated blanket and an electric blanket?
- Most people use the two names for the same thing: a blanket with built-in wires that plugs in to make heat. "Heated blanket" often means a throw for the couch, and "electric blanket" often means a bed-size blanket. Check the size before buying.
- What size throw blanket makes a good gift?
- A throw about 50 by 60 inches covers one adult on the couch and folds neatly over a chair. For someone tall, or for two people sharing the sofa, go a size bigger.
- Is a blanket hoodie better than a regular blanket?
- It depends on the person. A blanket hoodie stays on when they get up and leaves their hands free for a book, laptop or phone. A regular blanket is better to share, for napping and for draping over the couch as decor.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All blankets picks
Showing 1–15 of 15
Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0
A thin water-resistant sitting surface for parks, festivals and spontaneous travel stops.
