Beach Blanket

[mtrattner]

Going along w/ the beach theme of beach bags. We need a beach blanket. I have seen ones where they fold up with their own handles and the sand dusts off real easily.

So I would love all suggestions of what you all are using. I saw one at a baby specialty store but forgot the name. We just moved to a beach area so this will be getting a lot of use.

Thanks.

[julieakc]

I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-EMSL-Essentials-Blanket/dp/B0009RG8Y6/ref=sr_1_5/002-7761919-0233657?ie=UTF8&s=generic&qid=1174887276&sr=1-5

I like it because it is more mat than blanket, so it is less likely to blow if it's windy, or get messed up from movement. It can be wiped clean and folds very nicely. It's also waterproof, so it's great on grass that might be a big damp.

I also have an actual blanket one that I picked up at Taget a couple years ago. It is a blanket, so is lighter (weight wise), but not completely waterproof (discovered when I used it on what I thought was dry grass), but could be used as a blanket if needed for warmth.

[Ceepa]

I went searching for an outdoor blanket last year and posted questions here. try doing a search for a variety of suggestions.

I ended up getting the Tuffo blanket:

http://www.amazon.com/Multi-Color-Stripe-Throw-Blanket/dp/B000GB305A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5728396-2740937?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1174945897&sr=8-1

It soudns like the one you were describing. They run about $30, are a good size (but a bit snug with several folks and/or gear) and fold up with handles on its case. I love that there is some padding to it, but one side is nylon material so the wetness and sand come right off.

We've used ours a lot and it still looks great.

-Ceepa

[squimp]

There were some great ones at Target from Eddie Bauer last year.

[Melanie]

I have a Tuffo one and it's great. They're often on eBay or discount websites. I also bought a cute Target one last year, but the bottom is terry cloth so stuff sticks to it. :(

[DAKnits]

I just saw one in the Lands End catalog, you might want to look at it online. I also saw one in the Hanna Anderson catalog -- or maybe it was the Right Start catalog? Anyway, check those websites and you can compare them.

HTH!

EDITED TO ADD: I have this, in both the smaller size and family size. I love it! It's water resistant, not waterproof, but I haven't had an occassion to use it on a wet surface to really test out how wet it gets.

http://www.theneatsheet.com/

You can buy it here:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=79879&catid=9619&brand=24188&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=9619&trxp2=79879&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND

EDITED AGAIN TO ADD: I just got this blanket from Bed, Bath and Beyond for $15 with the 20% coupon and I LOVE it. I wanted it in red, but they only had the brown, green or blue, so I got the brown. It's not totally waterproof on the back, but it's a canvas material that's water resistant, and I think would protect you if you put it on wet grass. If the surface was any wetter, I don't think we'd be outside on the ground anyway!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14435700

All-Weather Travel Blanket

With a water-resistant shell, you'll grab this oversized blanket for all your outdoor events. When folded it's perfect for a seat cushion; unfolded it's a colorful blanket. Simply fold back into zipper closure and you have a seat cushion again. Has shoulder strap for easy transporting. 100% polyester. Measures 60" x 72". Machine wash. Imported.

[danagee]

I second the neatsheet. We've used it as a blanket outside and I also used it to protect the furniture as I painted ds room.
It's definetly light so you'd need weights to hold it down but it's very light, and easy to clean and transport.

Dana
ds 8/04 * dd 1/06

[DAKnits]

Both my neat sheets came with weights sewn inside of the corners of the blanket.... not sure if that's the new version, but I know the website advertises that the sheets have them.

[DAKnits]

I also found a bunch of blankets on rei.com ...

http://www.rei.com/product/699681?vcat=REI_SEARCH

This one is $24 and water-proof on one side, flannel on the other. Folds into a small 9 x 8 pouch which can fit in a diaper bag.

[mom2ethan]

I got this one last year. It's a great size and folds up very compactly. However, I've washed it quite a few times and now it's not waterproof any more. It's still better than a regular blanket, but it does let some moisture through if the ground is wet.

Susan