Have a special baby in your life you want to treat with a personalized baby gift? Great idea! One survey found that 62 percent of Americans enjoy a personalized gift, and 58 percent of people will tell others about their gift if it’s personalized. If you’re taking the time and money to purchase a baby gift, don’t you want it to be loved and enjoyed for years to come?
You can find customizable baby blankets just about anywhere online or in stores these days, so how do you make sure yours stands out and is appreciated? We’ll guide you through what to look for so you can give a gift that shows your thoughtfulness and delights both baby and parents alike.
Why Are Personalized Baby Blankets the Perfect Baby Gift?
When it comes to choosing the perfect gift for a new baby, a personalized baby blanket should be at the top of your list. Sure, you can get a precious outfit or tiny baby booties, but a baby won’t soon grow out of a baby blanket. Not only are customized baby blankets practical and useful, but they also make for a thoughtful and sentimental gift that can be cherished for decades.
Many parents appreciate receiving a baby blanket as a gift, as it is a practical and useful item for their baby—from newborn through toddlerhood and beyond. Believe it or not, Build-A-Bear commissioned a study that discovered 40 percent of adults still sleep with a stuffed animal or their baby blanket. Your baby blanket may just be the gift that truly keeps on giving!
Any parent will tell you that you can never have too many blankets. They’re kept in cribs, draped across nursery chairs and ottomans, folded on a shelf, in strollers and cars, diaper bags, living rooms and parents’ rooms. A personalized baby blanket is usually one they display for all to see.
Beyond aesthetics, a soft and cozy blanket will provide comfort and warmth for the baby, making it a thoughtful and considerate present. A personalized baby blanket is a unique way to show your love and care for the new arrival. Whether you choose to embroider the baby's monogram, name, initials, or even their full name and birthdate, the blanket will be a special reminder of you.
What to Look for in a Customized Baby Blanket
When choosing a customized blanket for a baby, you’ll find there are plenty to choose from, and you may not know where to start. From the fabric and color to the design and size, there is quite a bit to consider before purchasing. Relax. We’ve got you (and baby) covered. Here are a few tips on choosing a baby blanket every parent and baby will love.
Blanket Fabric
First, consider the material of the blanket. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin are ideal for a baby's delicate skin. Organic muslin is lightweight, breathable and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for summer months, especially if the baby has sensitive skin. Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin to be certain it’s truly organic.
Cotton knit blankets are soft and typically mid-weight, making them perfect for mild temperatures, like spring and fall months. Fleece blankets are warm and cozy, making them ideal for colder months. You can also find reversible blankets with cozy fleece on one side and breathable organic muslin on the other.
Additionally, all of these materials are easy to wash and maintain, which is essential when it comes to baby blankets. Keep the parents in mind and choose a fabric that is machine washable and dryable so they can clean the blankets with other laundry without adding any special steps.
Overall, choosing a baby blanket made from cotton knit, organic muslin, or fleece ensures that your little one stays comfortable and cozy all year round.
Quality
Personalized baby blankets will get plenty of use and will be washed countless times, so you want to opt for a quality-made blanket that will hold up through at least the toddler years. The best customized baby blankets will be heirloom quality, meaning they can be passed down to siblings or even grandchildren.
These types of blankets are often made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that they will withstand years of use. Additionally, classic designs never go out of style, making them a timeless and versatile choice for any nursery. Investing in a high-quality baby blanket can also provide peace of mind, knowing that the little one is snuggled up in something safe and comfortable.
It is always best to choose a blanket from a reputable brand. When purchasing online, be sure to check the return policy and read reviews from other customers to ensure the quality of the product. In-store, you may have the advantage of feeling the texture and seeing the colors of the blanket in person before making your purchase. Ultimately, the decision of where to purchase the blanket should be based on your personal preferences and convenience.
Baby Blanket Size
Next, think about the size of the blanket. A smaller blanket may be perfect for a newborn, while a larger blanket may be more practical for a toddler. But blankets also range in size based on how you plan to use them. You’ll likely find baby blankets have specific names to let you know their size and purpose.
Baby security blankets, also known as loveys, are small, anywhere from 12 inches by 12 inches or as large as 20 inches by 20 inches, and made from soft and cozy materials like fleece or lighter weight knit or muslin. Some baby security blankets even have a stuffed animal head attached to them, making them irresistibly cute and cuddly. They are meant to provide comfort and a sense of security to babies and toddlers. These smaller blankets are ideal for personalization.
Crib blankets, on the other hand, are larger than security blankets, around 30 inches by 40 inches, and made to fit a standard-size crib mattress. They are often thicker and warmer than security blankets and are meant to keep babies warm while they sleep.
Stroller blankets are designed to be used on the go and are usually the same size as a crib blanket but more lightweight. Some come with straps or clips to attach to a stroller or car seat, but those can be cumbersome. With their generous size, stroller blankets are easy to tuck around the baby without straps. For outdoor stroller rides during the spring and summer months, choose breathable materials like cotton knit or muslin. For fall and winter, opt for fleece blankets.
Christening shawls are perhaps the largest blanket type. At around 38 inches by 44 inches, the soft, cozy blanket is intended to envelop the baby in comfort to promote a feeling of security. These blankets are typically white and are perfect for adding a monogram with the baby’s name and christening date.
Design
When selecting a baby blanket as a gift, you may be drawn to an ornate blanket, but it's important to consider the recipient's preferences and needs. Matching the blanket to the baby's nursery can be a thoughtful touch if you know their colors or theme, or you can choose a more universal design as a safer option. Delicate prints often work well if you want more than a solid color.
Most parents will appreciate simple, classic designs they can mix and match with outfits, moods or seasons. Ultimately, the most important factor is selecting a soft and cozy blanket that will provide comfort and warmth for the baby.
Cost
The cost of quality, personalized baby blankets can vary depending on the retailer and the level of customization. While it’s tempting to simply compare prices online and in-store to ensure you're getting the best deal, you often get what you pay for when it comes to personalized baby blankets. Opt for brands that provide beauty and quality at a fair price.
Personalization
Not all baby blankets can be personalized, but many brands offer the option to customize the baby blanket with a monogram or name for an extra special touch. It's important to check with the specific brand or retailer to see if personalization is available for the blanket you are interested in. Personalization can make a baby blanket even more meaningful and can also make it a thoughtful and personalized gift for a baby shower or newborn.
Look to purchase a baby blanket from a retailer that offers personalization to save you the time of dropping off and picking up the blanket from a local monogramming place. The retailer should allow you to choose the personalization type, font and thread color to ensure that the blanket is truly one-of-a-kind. Keep in mind that they may have specific placement of the personalization based on the blanket type. For example, a blanket with stitching or a whimsical print may only have one option of where to place the monogram.
Consider Adding Items to Your Gift
To make a baby blanket gift extra indulgent and luxurious, think about adding other baby items. You don’t have to spend a lot to make your gift even more wonderful. Something as simple as a plush toy or a baby book is perfect. Want to spend a bit more? Select a coordinating outfit or personalized bath wrap. Adding these items can help to create a more complete and thoughtful gift that the new parents will appreciate.
Pretty Packaging Makes Your Baby Gift Memorable
Special gift wrapping for a baby gift can definitely add an extra touch of thoughtfulness and care to the present. Spending a few extra dollars to have the retailer package your personalized baby blanket in an elegant gift box helps your gift stand out, and makes it apparent the package is a gift.
Overall, a personalized baby blanket is a gift that will be treasured for years to come. By choosing a soft, high-quality blanket and adding a personal touch, you can create a thoughtful and practical gift that will be cherished by both baby and parents alike. Shop the perfect personalized baby blankets at Elegant Baby.