PERSONALIZED BABY BLANKETS: THE PERFECT SHOWER GIFTS

Personalized baby blankets have become something of a gift-giving phenomenon. They provide an easy answer for the thoughtful gift giver hoping to find the perfect unique baby present.

It’s really a no-brainer because new parents are almost invariably delighted to receive one as a gift. Not willing to take chances, more and more parents are registering at stores and online in order to prompt friends and relatives and increase the chances of receiving one or more personalized baby blankets at the baby shower.

Personalized baby blankets are not only unique; they make a statement about the thoughtfulness of the giver. These blankets often become instant heirlooms that are saved and treasured long after baby is fully grown. The only drawback for the giver, of course, is that in order to be personalized properly one must know in advance the name of the baby and, if it is to be included on the blankets, the precise arrival date.

Personalized baby blankets are available in many shapes, sizes, colors, and qualities. The amount and style of lettering varies. Letters and characters are most often appliqud, knit, or embroidered. Gund makes mini personalized Beary baby blankets that come with an attached plush bear, featuring a nose and eyes that are hand-stitched.

Some personalized blankets are too small to allow for more than a dozen or so characters (the Gund personalized model described, for example, is only 12 by 12 inches and can be ordered with a maximum of 12 letters) while others may be 6 square feet or more and allow thirty characters or more.

Just be sure the blankets you order are available with the number of letters and characters you need. You don’t want to waste time by submitting an order for a personalized blanket that says, “JANE MACDONALD, BORN DECEMBER 25, 2006,” only to have the company get back to you days later informing you that you’ve exceeded their 20 letter limit.

A common mistake people make when ordering personalized baby blankets is designating colors without sufficient contrast. If you order a white blanket with yellow lettering you may be disappointed to find they blend so closely you can hardly read the personalization. And don’t forget it is unlikely you would be able to return it for that reason.