Waterproof outdoor picnic blanket
Ideal for families and friends who enjoy al fresco dining or park outings, providing a dry and comfortable surface.
Outdoors & Adventure
Outdoor blankets
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
An outdoor blanket works for almost anyone who spends time outside: families who picnic in the park, friends who head to the beach, people who sit around a fire pit into October. The ones that get used are easy to fold, easy to clean and big enough for more than one person. As a gift, think about where it will actually go. A picnic blanket with a waterproof backing suits damp grass and weekend outings. A soft outdoor throw suits cool evenings on the porch or in the stands. Match the size and fabric to that place, and it will likely end up living in the car or by the back door.
Kind 1 of 8
A picnic blanket for park days
A picnic blanket is a large, flat blanket made to spread on grass or sand, usually with a soft top and a tougher backing. It suits families, couples who like eating outdoors, and anyone who goes to outdoor concerts or festivals. Before buying, check the size against how many people will sit on it, whether the backing keeps damp ground from soaking through, and how it folds or rolls. A carry strap or handle makes a big difference. A machine-washable top helps too, since food and grass stains come with the territory.
Oversized family outdoor blanket
Ideal for large gatherings, family outings, or group events, offering ample space for multiple people to relax comfortably outdoors.
Kind 2 of 8
Picnic mats that wipe clean
A picnic mat is thinner and tougher than a blanket, often woven plastic, nylon or coated fabric that wipes clean and dries fast. It suits people who want something to toss in the trunk and forget about, including dog owners who bring a pet along. Before buying, check how thin it folds, whether the surface stays put in wind (corner loops or stake points help), and whether it can be hosed off. Mats trade softness for toughness, so they're a better fit for rough ground than for lounging.
Pet-friendly outdoor mat
An excellent gift for pet owners, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface for furry friends to relax on during outdoor adventures.
Kind 3 of 8
Waterproof blankets for wet ground
A waterproof outdoor blanket has a coated or laminated underside that stops moisture from coming up through wet grass, dew or snow. It suits people who watch games from the sidelines, camp in shoulder season or sit outside in Canadian spring and fall. Before buying, check whether only the bottom is waterproof or the whole blanket is, whether the seams hold up, and how it should be washed. Some coatings don't handle a dryer well, so look at the care label if the person likes low-effort laundry.
Kind 4 of 8
Large beach blankets for the whole group
Large beach blankets are built to hold a group plus bags, towels and snacks, often in a fabric that lets sand fall through or shake off easily. They suit families with kids, friends who travel together and anyone who spends summer weekends at the lake or coast. Before buying, check the full dimensions, how much it weighs when packed, and whether it has corner pockets or loops to weigh it down in wind. A fast-drying fabric matters more than softness at the beach.
Sand proof beach mat
An excellent choice for beach lovers and sun worshippers, designed to repel sand and provide a clean, comfortable spot by the water.
Kind 5 of 8
Outdoor throws for cool evenings
An outdoor throw is a smaller blanket meant to wrap around you rather than sit on. Think fleece-lined shells, weather-resistant fabrics or wearable designs with a head opening. It suits people who sit by a fire pit, go to outdoor hockey or soccer games, or like their morning coffee on the deck. Before buying, check whether the outer fabric stands up to damp air and sparks from a fire, how warm the lining is, and whether it's a size one person can wrap up in without dragging it on the ground.
Fleece-lined outdoor throw
A cozy and practical gift for anyone who enjoys comfort outdoors, perfect for chilly evenings on the patio or around a fire pit.
Wearable poncho blanket
A unique and functional gift for those who love to stay warm and mobile outdoors, transforming from a blanket to a hands-free wrap.
Kind 6 of 8
Heated blankets for outdoor use
An outdoor electric blanket has built-in heating, either plugged into an outlet or powered by a battery pack or power bank. It suits people who spend a lot of cold-weather time outside: patio sitters, tailgaters and sports parents on early-morning sidelines. Before buying, check the power source and whether it fits how the person spends time outside, how long a battery lasts, how many heat settings it has, and whether the heating element comes out so the cover can be washed.
Kind 7 of 8
Packable puffy blankets and mats
Rumpl makes packable outdoor blankets and mats, many built like a sleeping bag or puffy jacket laid flat, with a durable shell that sheds light moisture. They suit campers, van travellers and anyone who wants warmth without bulk. The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is a tougher option for sitting on the ground. Before buying, decide whether the person needs a blanket to wrap up in or a mat to sit on, check the packed size, and see whether it comes with a stuff sack.
Rumpl Everywhere Mat
A colourful 52×75-inch ground mat with a waterproof base that folds into its own compact pocket.
Compact packable travel blanket
A versatile gift for adventurers and minimalists, offering warmth and comfort in a highly portable design for any journey.
Kind 8 of 8
Waterproof beach blankets for wet sand
A waterproof beach blanket keeps wet sand and damp towels from soaking through to the person sitting on it. It suits people who swim a lot, head to the beach early while the sand is still damp, or use the same blanket for rainy-weather picnics. Before buying, check whether the backing is fully waterproof or only water-resistant, how quickly the top dries, and whether sand shakes off rather than getting stuck in the weave.
How to choose outdoor blankets as a gift
- Picture where the blanket will be used most, whether that's grass, sand, bleachers or a patio chair, and choose the fabric for that spot.
- Check the unfolded size against how many people usually come along, not just the person getting the gift.
- Look for a carry strap, handle or stuff sack, because a blanket that's hard to pack tends to stay home.
- Read the care label; people who pick machine-washable, dryer-safe blankets tend to use them more often.
- For someone who camps or travels light, weigh packed size and weight ahead of plush thickness.
Usually safe to skip
- Decorative indoor throws labelled for outdoor use often soak up damp and hold on to sand, so they end up back on the couch.
- Very thin mats with no backing can feel like a letdown on cold or wet ground, especially for shoulder-season outings.
- Heavily printed novelty blankets can look dated fast; a solid colour or simple pattern tends to get more use.
Questions people ask about outdoor blankets
- What size picnic blanket should I buy for a family?
- Plan for space to sit plus room for food and bags. Two adults are comfortable on a mid-size blanket, but a family with kids will be happier with an oversized one. Check the unfolded dimensions rather than going by the label.
- Is a waterproof outdoor blanket worth it over a regular one?
- It usually is for anyone who sits on grass in the morning, goes to games in spring or fall, or camps. A waterproof backing keeps dew and damp ground from soaking through. If the blanket will mostly be used on a dry deck or indoors, a regular throw is fine.
- What's the difference between a picnic mat and a picnic blanket?
- A picnic mat is usually thinner and tougher, made to wipe or hose clean and dry quickly. A picnic blanket is softer and more comfortable to lounge on, often with a separate waterproof backing. Mats suit rough use and pets, and blankets suit relaxed afternoons.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
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All outdoor blankets picks
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