A blanket is a gift people keep for years, which makes the size a bigger decision than it looks. A throw that is too small for the sofa gets pulled over one shoulder and left. A throw that is too large for a stroller gets dragged on the ground. A good size is quiet and unremarkable: it fits where it lives, and the receiver never has to think about it.
This guide goes through the common sizes, shows what each is for, and explains how to choose between a fleece look and a sherpa look. It also covers a few practical points about wording, because a blanket is one of the few gifts where a longer line or a bigger name can look wonderful.
The three sizes you will see most
Blanket designs in the shop are offered in a small ladder of sizes. Always read the options on the product page, because not every design comes in every size, but the common sizes and their typical uses are:
- 30 × 40 in: a small blanket for a baby, a pram or a lap.
- 50 × 60 in: a throw for one person on a sofa or a chair.
- 60 × 80 in: a larger blanket for sharing on a sofa or for a bed.
Think of these as three different jobs rather than a small, medium and large. The smallest is for being carried. The middle one is for being wrapped around yourself. The largest is for being spread out.
Choose by where it will live
The easiest way to choose a size is to picture the exact spot where the blanket will sit. Is it folded over the arm of a chair? Draped across the end of a bed? Tucked into a basket by the changing table? Each spot has a natural size.
- A baby or a stroller. The smallest size is the right one. It is easy to tuck in, light to carry and sized for a small person. A baby’s name or a short phrase suits a piece that will be kept as a keepsake as well as used.
- A chair or the end of a sofa. The middle size is a good, general choice. It covers a person sitting down without sprawling across the room.
- A shared sofa or a bed. The largest size is for two people or for someone who likes to be fully covered. It also makes a handsome layer at the foot of a bed.
If you are not sure, think about how many people are likely to use it at once. One person wants the middle size. Two or more want the largest.
Think about the receiver’s habits
Some people use a blanket every day. Others keep one folded on display and use it only when guests visit. The size should follow the habit.
A person who reads, studies or works from a sofa will use a blanket constantly and benefits from a generous throw. A person who has a small apartment may prefer something that folds away without taking over. A parent will often want a small piece for the baby and a larger one for themselves.
Also consider how it will be stored. A large blanket takes up room in a cupboard or on a shelf. If the receiver already struggles for space, the middle size is the more thoughtful choice.
Fleece or sherpa
Our blanket designs may come in a fleece or a sherpa finish, depending on the design. The two have a different look and a different feel.
- Fleece has a smooth, even surface. Printed designs and names tend to look crisp and clear on it, so it is a good fit for wording that you want to read from across the room.
- Sherpa has a textured, woolly look that feels cozy to the eye. It suits a relaxed, homey style and is a popular choice for gifts that are meant to look as warm as they feel.
If your design has a lot of text, choose the surface that suits it best, and check the preview to see how the words sit. For gifts for a baby or for a person who likes a soft, traditional look, the textured option is often the one that gets picked. For modern interiors or for a list of names, the smooth one is a safe choice. Always read the product page for the finishes available on each design.
Make the wording fit the size
Bigger blankets have more room for words, but that does not mean you need more of them. A name at a bigger size can be handsome on its own. On a small blanket, a short name and a date are plenty.
Before you order, check the field for each line. Text is never shrunk to fit, and the field tells you before you add the item to your bag if a line does not fit. If you are choosing between two sizes and your wording is long, the larger size gives it more room. For help choosing the words themselves, our guide to writing words for a personalized gift covers names, titles and short phrases.
These gift ideas include made-to-order designs. Choosing finished artwork does not mean an item is in stock or ready for immediate delivery. Some selections use finished artwork; only choose custom text where the listing offers it. Check each product’s options and the shipping information before planning when to give it. The photographs illustrate gift-giving ideas; use each product’s listing to see its own design.
New Baby Button Blossoms Fleece Blanket
- Free gift
$54.95In stock
Berry Patch Kitchen Apron
- Free gift
$24.95In stock
New Baby First Nest Pillow
- Free gift
$34.95In stock
Pairing a blanket with something small
Berry Patch Kitchen Apron is another design to consider for this gift idea.
New Baby First Nest Pillow. NEW BABY FIRST NEST Pillow features botanical artwork showing one tiny cream egg in a carefully woven nest cradled by two green branches, warm and delicate. The lettering reads “NEW BABY FIRST NEST”.
New Baby Button Blossoms Fleece Blanket. NEW BABY BUTTON BLOSSOMS Fleece Blanket features gouache artwork showing three cheerful flowers with round button centers beside a tiny folded baby blanket, blue coral and gold. The lettering reads “NEW BABY BUTTON BLOSSOMS”.
For more ideas on putting a set together, read our guide to pillows and throws for a cozy home.
Giving a blanket as a keepsake
Some blankets are not only for warmth. A baby blanket with a name is often kept in a box for years. A family blanket with a household name becomes a fixture in the living room. A gift for a couple who have just moved in can make an empty sofa feel like home.
For these gifts, the wording matters most. A name and a year are better choices than a long phrase, because they stay true for a long time. If you are making a gift for a baby, check the spelling with a parent and leave the date out if you are unsure. Our guide to dates and numbers can help you decide.
Care and the long view
Blankets are used and washed more often than most gifts, so it helps to read the care information on the product page. We also keep general guidance in our product care notes, and in the post on caring for printed gifts. Passing the care information to the receiver, with a card, is a thoughtful finishing touch.
Check the preview before you pay
Because a blanket is large, a small error in the text will be large too. Read each line in the preview, check each name and the spelling of the family title. If you are ordering several for a group, such as a set of cousins, keep a list and check it against the preview for each order. For a reminder of how the fields work, the how to personalize page walks through each step.
FAQ
Which size is best for a baby?
The smallest size is easiest to handle and carry. It also suits a keepsake that is kept folded in a box.
Which size is best for two people on a sofa?
The largest size. It gives enough room to share and still reach the feet.
What is the difference between fleece and sherpa?
Fleece has a smooth surface that shows text clearly. Sherpa has a woolly texture with a softer, more traditional look. Check which finishes each design offers.
Can I add a photo to a blanket?
Not at the moment. Designs are templates with set options such as names, styles and colors.
Where can I see more cozy gifts?
Browse the blankets and pillows categories, or use the gift finder.
