Here are some blanket types to wet your appetite: throw blanket, personalized baby blanket, down blanket, and fleece blanket. So, what other types of blankets are available in today's market? The variations will astound you. Did you state that you are chilly at bedtime? Well, it just so happens that Sunbeam produces and sells a warming blanket to meet your needs. For those that share sleeping space with a loved one, they even have in the marketplace an electric blanket with dual controls. This allows two people to share one electric blanket, but each will have individualized temperature settings. Talk about no more sweating for the person that prefers a cooler temperature. Whew, what a relief! And, the technology has become so advanced that Sunbeam's warming blankets have sensors; think of a thermostat built inside the blanket that adjusts to your body heat. Another option available is a remote control, this allows cordless capabilities; no more cords getting tangled.

For those that want warmth while watching television alone in your living room, there are warming throws available. A throw offers the same luxury, comfort, and warmth as a blanket; however, a throw is much smaller in dimensions and meant for one person. No more having to buy a twin sized blanket, now you have throws available. A throw also makes for a great home décor accent, with so many patterns and textures available for throws; they make excellent accent pieces for any room. Just think of a scarf and how it accentuates your wardrobe; the way a scarf dresses up a coat, a throw can dress up your sofa, oversized chair, or simply had expression to your bedroom décor. And, for those that might not prefer electric to warm one up; well, both blankets and throws are available with down. What? Down? No, not 'down with that' type down; down is filler that is used to help create "warm pockets" when under a blanket/throw. The down is often goose feathers but for those that have allergies to feathers, down alternatives are available too.

Now that we are warm and cuddly, let's examine baby blankets. Ah, look at cute how they are and talk about soft! The blanket for a baby more times than not will have the ability to be personalized; this makes for a nice family heirloom to have. The options available for a baby's blanket is just about as vast as for adults; cashmere, flannel, chenille, fleece, knit, traveling, mini, two-tones, receiving, toddler, infant, etc. When selecting a blanket for a baby, one should keep in mind the function; how will the blanket be used? For example, if the function will be for companionship during a car ride for the baby then a mini blanket or a travel blanket might be best suited for the road. However, let's say that you are seeking a blanket to be used every day in the nursery; then, a receiving blanket would work best. These blankets more times than not are 100% cotton and are machine washable and can be thrown into the dyer. Talk about being practical, especially for those newborns.

As mentioned early, blankets or throws can be personalized. The personalized blanket is the perfect gift for anyone, anytime, and for that special pet too. Yes that is right! You can purchase throws or blankets for that pampered pet and have it personalized with your pet's name. The items that are used for the personal touch are often one's name or monogram. And, let's say you have a stable and show horses competitively; more times than not, stables have both the horse's name and stable name placed onto the blanket. When it comes to monogramming, personalizing a blanket or throw, be creative, how fun with it, and don't just limit it to a baby blanket. Why, who doesn't like the personalized touch no matter your age? If you aren't sure where to go to have a blanket personalized, there are stores that specialize in this and will assist you in selecting font size, font style, length, and style.

However, did you know that blankets being personalized could be traced back in history? Yes, that is correct. For instance, Native Americans had blankets that displayed their tribe; by using certain colors and patterns this would assist in identifying what tribe they were a part of. So, while we may think of personalizing with our initials or our name; this can also be achieved through patterns, designs, colors, numbers, etc.

There is another type of a Native American blanket that has a specific name; this is the Pendleton blanket. The Pendleton blanket was established in the early 1900's in a town located within Oregon, Pendleton. These blankets are demographic in nature; they are designed with the Northwest tribes in mind; in honor of folklore of these tribes. The first blanket from Pendleton was designed to carry the grace and honor of Chief Joseph, the chief of the Nez Perce tribe. This blanket's design became symbolic and was given the name Chief Joseph to honor this great leader. After the production of this one blanket, Pendleton went on to design and develop more blankets that honored other tribes throughout the region. As their popularity increased and they gained respect within the Native American culture, the opening of the Pendleton Woolen Mills occurred. Today, the mill is still in business and they continue to carry on the tradition of designing and producing Native American blankets that display honor, respect, courage, wisdom and leadership.