One of the easiest ways to enjoy the shining sun, a clear blue sky, and warm summer breeze is to set up a nice picnic. Whether it's at the beach, park, or your own backyard, picnics are an affordable way to enjoy the warmer months with family, friends, and even pets. To enjoy your picnic, one thing you're going to want is a reliable picnic blanket that fits your needs.
To help pick the right one for you, we've put together a list of our ten best picnic blankets that you can snag online from Amazon or Walmart. Our favorite pick is Yodo's Outdoor Picnic Blanket for its water-resistant backing, comfortable fabric, portable design, colorful options, and affordable price tag. Scroll down to take look at the rest of our favorites, as well as our handy Buying Guide!
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When picking the right picnic blanket, be sure to consider its material, size, and extra features. Here, we'll walk you through each of those categories so you can find the right blanket for you.
Different materials allow for different kinds of comfort and protection. To choose the right one for your picnic setting, pay attention to what its surface, lining, and backing are made of.
Picnic blankets often use different materials for their top and bottom surfaces. When it comes to the picnic blanket’s top surface, most are made with fleece, cotton and acrylic blends, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.
Among these fabrics, the most comfortable are fleece, as well as acrylic and cotton blends. Fleece is soft and plush, making it very comfortable to sit on. Not only is it great for colder ground due to its insulating properties, but it's also lightweight and quick-drying, making it a great overall choice for most occasions.
Acrylic and cotton blends are also a great choice, as they're not only soft and breathable but also durable and temperature-regulating.
If you’re looking for durable, water-resistant blankets, try opting for blankets with nylon or polypropylene surfaces. Blankets made with these materials are breathable and quick-drying, as well as water- and sand-resistant. This makes them especially great for beach visits where you’re likely to get some water and sand on your blanket.
One thing to keep in mind is that nylon and polypropylene may feel less comfortable compared to fleece, cotton, or acrylic. But what they lack in plushness, they make up for in durability, and some blankets even come with a cushioned layer for added comfort.
After you're done deciding on which top surface you'd like, we suggest taking a look at its bottom surfaces and lining as well. This will help make sure that you buy a picnic blanket that's best suited for the ground you'll be sitting on, whether that's some grass, sand, or ground.
For example, getting a blanket with waterproof backings and lining would be best for those who might picnic out on the grass or ground, where you may run into some dampness. Looking for plastic backings is another good way to ensure that your blanket is weather-resistant and tear-proof.
Cushioned linings are also a good feature to look out for, as those provide you with extra comfort against bumpy terrains.
Picnic blankets should be easy to pack and bring with you when you want to set up a picnic. Look for ones that can be folded or rolled down to a size that you can easily throw in your bag.
While some picnic blankets come with their own carrying bags, some others are even made with built-in straps and handles so that you can pack it down without the need for an additional bag.
If you plan to take your blanket to the beach, it would also be helpful to go for a sand-proof one. On top of opting for materials like plastic, nylon, or polyester to ensure some water and sand resistance, you can also look for blankets with small holes that allow sand to fall through.
Since picnic blankets are generally lightweight, you can also keep an eye out for blankets that come with weighted corners, reinforced rings, and ground nails, or ones with pockets you can fill with sand to weigh them down to the ground. These features will ensure your blanket stays in place even on windy days.
Picnic blankets come in a variety of different sizes, making them able to accommodate a range of gatherings. If you want one for yourself or one to two people, you can opt for a square blanket that is more or less 60 by 60 inches.
If you want a little more space or have tall family or friends, ones that are about 80 by 60 inches will work well. There are also ones that go up to 10 feet long, which are extra-large picnic blankets that can accommodate seven to eight people.
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With its fleece sitting surface and PEVA backing, this blanket offers comfortability and durability at once. With its compact size and large selection of colors, not only is this blanket great for any on-the-go occasion, but it also caters to those who like colorful designs.
While some reviewers reported that the blanket was on the thinner side and could attract dirt easily, most others liked how comfortable this blanket was. They also appreciated its water-resistant backing and how easy it was to set up and fold down after use.
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Though this compact blanket folds up into four and a half by five and a half inches, it opens up to a blanket as large as 70 by 55 inches. Equipped with corner loops and security stakes and made with water-resistant polyester and nylon, this blanket also provides great portability and durability.
Some reviewers reported that the blanket was not sand-proof, while a few said it got hot under the sun. Even so, most reviewers agreed that the blanket dried quickly and can be folded easily. They loved how versatile it was and how they could use it on the beach, park, camping, or hiking.
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This machine-washable blanket has a polyurethane-coated polyester backing to make it extra waterproof and sand-proof. They don't skimp on the top surface either, which is made with soft and warm fleece. Though up to three adults can fit on this large blanket, it’s still lightweight and can be easily packed into a strapped bag.
A couple of users noted that the blanket could be loud and crinkly with a lot of movement. Still, many were pleased with how warm and comfortable the blanket was and reported that it effectively blocked the wind out. A lot of them also liked that it was lightweight, waterproof, and durable.
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Though this extra-large blanket can sit up to seven adults, it folds down to four by eight inches and weighs only one pound. It's made with parachute nylon, which is durable, waterproof, and breathable. It comes with stakes and sand pockets, too, so you can weigh it down whether you’re at the beach or park.
According to some buyers, it was a bit hard to remove sand on the blanket. But besides that, a good number of reviewers were pleased by the stakes and corner pockets that helped anchor the blanket in place. They also loved how it was large but light, making it easy to travel with.
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Not only is this blanket’s vibrant and colorful print popular among kids and babies, but it’s also versatile and comfortable. Made with durable Oxford polyester on top and a waterproof and sand-proof PVC lining on the bottom, this blanket can be used at the beach, park, or even camping grounds or concerts. It also comes with a built-in handle.
Some reviewers said the blanket felt like a thin tarp, and others said it's not easy to keep clean. Even so, many more reviewers loved its unique print. They also appreciated that it folded up nicely into a compact pack with a secure Velcro closure and handle.
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This soft, durable, picnic blanket from Benevolence LA is handmade in Mexico using recycled acrylic and cotton blends. Incredibly versatile, this blanket can be used as a picnic blanket, yoga mat, or even as a cozy throw. The best part is, with every purchase, the company gives back to the Water Mission charity, which helps fight poverty and build sustainable water systems.
Many buyers were happy that the blanket was big enough for two to three people, but a couple noted that the blanket shed. However, more buyers liked that the blanket got softer after every wash, and said it's a great "car blanket" to keep handy for various purposes.
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If you want a weatherproof handy mat, go for this one made with polypropylene. It’s lightweight and designed with built-in handles, making it easy to travel with. Often more popular among beachgoers, this blanket can sit up to four people and can be cleaned easily due to its water-resistant surface.
Some buyers were unhappy that the blanket weave fell apart too easily. Still, the majority were pleased that the blanket was big and made with fun colors. They also reported that it held up well against water and sand, as they were able to shake them off with ease.
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This blanket is made of soft fleece and a comfortable sponge layer on its top surface, and a waterproof Oxford material for its back surface. Machine washable, able to sit up to eight adults, and equipped with built-in handles for easy transport, this blanket is eyecatching with its print and modern with its features.
A few reviewers said that the blanket was too thin for their liking. Still, most buyers were happy with their purchase and loved its classic print and how it was easy to wash and fold. Reviewers also said that it was durable and comfortable to lie and sit on.
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This picnic blanket comes with a built-in handle and zippered pocket for small essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet. With a soft acrylic top, foam layer for added comfort, and a waterproof PEVA backing, this lightweight blanket is great for protection and comfort.
Although some reviewers said that this blanket ripped easily and threads started to come undone after a few uses, the majority liked that it was convenient, lightweight, and folds up easily. They thought the zippered pocket was great to have; they used it to store their valuables and keep them hidden under the blanket.
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This extra-thick fleece blanket was made not only to keep you warm in colder temperatures but it’s also been quilted so that you can’t slip on it if you ever accidentally step on it. With a secret pocket for extra storage, carrying bag, and machine washability, this blanket is as reliable as it is easy to take care of.
Though this blanket is marketed as both a mat and throw, a few users have noted that it’s not warm enough to be used as a throw in colder temperatures. However, most others loved the high-quality materials used to make this blanket and said it was reliably waterproof, durable, and warm.
Here are some tips to have a dry, delicious, and mess-free picnic whether it's with adults or kids! There are tips on how to turn any blanket into a picnic blanket, other cool products to consider, and more.
Getting ready to go on a picnic with family and friends? Here are other picnic essentials you might be missing.
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