How To Thrift The Perfect Holiday Blanket

From cozy throw blankets to vintage patchwork quilts, you can thrift for the perfect holiday blanket and save money on extra warmth and coziness throughout the coldest months of the year. If you want a blanket that is actually holiday themed, something with Christmas trees and Santa Clauses, now is the time to be on the lookout. However, if your cozy blanket dreams don't require these themes, you might be able to find the perfect cozy quilt any time of the year. Interestingly, some vintage and handmade quilts could actually be worth a lot of money. Some vintage patchwork quilts sell for over $100 on eBay.

While throw blankets seem like the wise choice for a blanket draped on the back of your couch, even quilts look good hanging out in the living room, and they offer so much comfort and warmth that you may be able to save some money on the heating bill if you're staying snuggled up in one. No matter what type of blanket you're looking to thrift for your personal warmth this holiday season, there are some things you will want to look for, from ensuring your blanket is in good condition to determining if it's worth the price tag. Be sure to follow the one rule that will help you thrift better: Look at the condition.

While you're perusing thrift stores for the perfect holiday blanket, keep in mind that you can buy a brand-new throw blanket for as little as a few dollars. This means you want to look closely at the construction and fabric of the blankets you're considering thrifting. If they seem cheaply made, they probably are and might have cost the same as new that you'd be buying them for used. Character blankets from your favorite holiday films may be the exception in this department if you really have a passion for that particular movie or character; remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure, and just because something might not be the best bargain doesn't mean it isn't a rare find that is worth the cost to you.

Once you know this is a blanket or quilt you want, be sure to look it over fully. You want to make sure the blanket doesn't have a bunch of pilling, stains (especially those that probably won't come out), and rips or holes. While some rips can be fixed, especially in handmade blankets like quilts, keep in mind that these types of blankets can lose a lot of their life as the years go by, leaving the fabric weak — so much so that sometimes the material can start to disintegrate. Once you get your blanket or quilt home, it's important to clean it correctly, which usually means a delicate wash cycle in cold water and hang-drying.