The Ultimate Gift Guide: When to Give a Photo Blanket

"Is a photo blanket a good gift for..." Yes. The answer is almost always yes.

We've shipped blankets for every occasion you can imagine (and some you definitely can't). Here's when a photo blanket hits different than just another gift card.

1. Mother's Day (Our Biggest Day)

Moms love photo blankets. Like, aggressively love them. A blanket with her kids or grandkids? She's going to cry, guaranteed.

Best photos: Family photos, grandkid collages, or that professional family shoot you did last year.

Order deadline: 2 weeks before Mother's Day (trust us, don't wait).

2. Father's Day

Dads are tricky to shop for. Dad doesn't need another tie. But a blanket with his kids, his favorite fishing spot, or his vintage car? Now we're talking.

Best photos: Kids, hobbies, sports teams, or that epic vacation photo.

3. Weddings

Photo blankets make unexpected wedding gifts that couples actually use. Unlike that gravy boat they registered for ironically.

Best photos: Use their engagement photos or a sweet photo of the couple. Don't wait for wedding photos – you want to give this at the actual wedding.

Timing: Order 3-4 weeks before the wedding to be safe.

4. New Baby

New parents are drowning in onesies they'll use for 6 weeks. Grandparents want something with baby's face on it immediately.

Best photos: Professional newborn photos or that first hospital photo. A collage works too.

Pro tip: Add baby's name and birthdate using our text feature.

5. Graduations

High school or college graduation gifts that aren't cash? Photo blankets work perfect. Something for their dorm room or first apartment that feels like home.

Best photos: Family photos, childhood throwbacks, or friend group photos.

6. Anniversaries

First anniversary is paper (boring). Skip that and give a blanket with wedding photos.

5th, 10th, 25th anniversary? Use photos from throughout your years together. It's like a cozy timeline of your relationship.

7. Memorial Gifts

This one's heavy, but important. When someone loses a loved one, a blanket with their photo brings real comfort during the hard days.

Best photos: Choose a photo where they're smiling and happy. Celebrate their life.

Timing: There's no rush here. Send it when it feels right – a few months after loss is often when support has faded but grief is still fresh.

8. Retirement

After 30 years at the same company, nobody wants another plaque. A photo blanket with colleagues or career highlights? That's actually meaningful.

Best photos: Team photos, retirement party shots, or photos from memorable work moments.

9. Housewarming

New house, blank walls, no personality yet. A custom blanket adds instant warmth (literally and figuratively).

Best photos: Family photos or photos of their old house (nostalgia factor).

10. Valentine's Day

Couples blanket with your photo? Either romantic or slightly narcissistic depending on your relationship. We don't judge.

Best photos: Date night photos, vacation photos, or your engagement photo.

Order by: February 7th for delivery by V-Day.

11. Christmas/Hanukkah

Holiday shopping when everyone has everything? Photo blankets solve that problem.

Best photos: Family photos, pet photos, or holiday gathering shots.

Warning: Order by December 10th or you'll be paying for rush shipping (we tell you this because we care).

12. "Just Because" Gifts

Sometimes you don't need an occasion. Your best friend's going through a tough time? Surprise blanket with your friendship photos hits different.

13. Long Distance Relationships

College kids, military deployment, study abroad – photo blankets make the distance feel smaller. Something cozy with family photos from home.

14. Pet Loss

Losing a pet destroys people. A blanket with their dog or cat's face helps the healing process.

Best photos: Your favorite photo of your pet – usually the goofiest one where their personality shines through.

15. Teachers/Coaches End of Year

Teachers get a lot of candles and gift cards. Be the parent who gives something they'll actually remember – a class photo blanket.

Best photos: Team photos, class photos, or action shots from the season.

When NOT to Give Photo Blankets

Real talk: Is there a bad time? Not really. We've printed blankets for:

• Apology gifts (creative)
• Breakup gifts (awkward but okay)
• Pet birthdays (absolutely)
• Someone's cat's memorial (yes, really)

Gift-Giving Tips

Order early. Production is 2-3 days but shipping adds time. Give yourself 2 weeks minimum.

Include a note. We can add a gift message at checkout.

Photo quality matters. Send us your best high-resolution photo. Blurry phone screenshots won't cut it.

When in doubt, ask. Email us at support@thatblanket.co if you're not sure about timing or photo quality.

The Bottom Line

Photo blankets work for basically any occasion where you want to give something personal and meaningful. They're gifts people actually use (unlike that decorative bowl collecting dust).

Ready to make someone's day? Start designing your blanket now.