Snuggle Blanket With Sleeves

Despite repeated mocking from famous comedians, TV and radio shows and numerous YouTube parodies of the commercial, there seems to be no let up in the continuing growth of the ‘Snuggle Blanket with Sleeves’ phenomenon.  The products are marketed under various names, starting in the 1990’s with the Freedom Blanket, then the Slanket®, Toasty Wrap and, by far the most popular, Snuggie®.

What Is A Snuggle Blanket with Sleeves

The clue is in the name. Basically what we are talking about here is a blanket with sleeves, which is worn in reverse, with the opening at the back. And that’s it!

The phenomenon began in earnest early in 2009 when the Snuggie® brand became a pop culture hit. It is now claimed by some to be the “ultimate kitsch gift.”

A Phenomenon Grows

Such is the power of this phenomenon that Snuggies® are now regularly called into use for fundraising events such as pub crawls. There is a Facebook page devoted to “The Snuggie® Cult” and the product gets regular mentions on TV shows!

There is even an official Guiness World Record for sleeved blanket wearing: Over 22,500 fans at a Cavaliers game on March 5th 2010 wore custom-made, limited edition Cleveland Cavalier Snuggie® blankets.

Does It Work

The fact that so many have been sold has to be a testament to its’ practicality. According to the perceived wisdom,  blankets keep you warm but they can slip off, and they trap your hands. The Snuggie® Blanket provides the warmth whilst giving you the freedom to use your hands.

Recommended uses include as a travel rug in the car, for chilly office buildings, for cold movie theatres, at sporting events and other winter gatherings (although this tends to invite suggestions of similarities to Harry Potter conventions!)

So, what do you think of the snuggle blanket with sleeves phenomenon - Is it warm your space or waste of space?

The Last Laugh

Despite all the parodies and fun-poking, as of December 2009 more than 20 million Snuggies® had been sold.  New additions to the range include Snuggie® for Kids, Snuggie® for Dogs and the Designer Snuggie®.