I have to say, the moment I got the Baloo Living Weighted Throw Blanket, I was pretty impressed. The packaging was very well thought out. The cardboard shipping box was perfectly sized for the throw inside, so nothing shifted during transit and it arrived in excellent condition. Inside, the throw came in a sturdy, almost designer-like canvas shopping bag. It reminded me of the kind of presentation I’ve seen with some of my Brooks Brothers pillows and duvet inserts. That little detail gave the whole experience a more premium, luxury, polished feel.
The throw itself is incredibly soft. The cotton cover feels silky smooth, almost like high-end silk rather than standard cotton. It felt luxurious from the very first touch.
The throw weighs 12 pounds, which is the only weight it comes in. Since this is a throw blanket and not a full-size bed blanket, the weight is not selected based on body weight or mattress size like you might select for a larger bed sized weighted blanket. The 12-pound weight felt comfortable enough for relaxing on the couch or layering over yourself in bed. When I first picked up the shipping box, I was surprised by how heavy it was, but once I opened it and felt the throw, I remembered the weight made perfect sense. It was evenly distributed, and the overall construction looked excellent. The baffling squares and other stitched quilted design were uniform and well filled, and the stitching was clean and precise. I did not notice any loose threads or signs of poor craftsmanship.
One thing I noticed while handling the throw was the presence of loops not only on all four corners, but also halfway along each of the four sides. That clearly shows it is meant to be used with a matching cover. After checking, I found out the cover is sold separately. While it would have been a nice gesture for the price, or even if they charged a bit more, packaging the cover with the throw would have made for a super premium combination. I did see that they do offer a bundle package, which is a good option, but including the cover as standard would have added extra value and convenience. It would be so much easier to clean the cover than throw this 12lb washable blanket in the washer and dryer.
Using the throw thus far, only a few nights in, has been a great experience. I don’t tend to sleep warm, but even so, the cotton cover did not add any extra heat. The glass bead filling was completely silent and stayed evenly in place. The weight gave me a calm, grounded feeling, and I could actually feel that I slept more deeply and woke up feeling more rested. I think for those who tend to move frequently during sleep, this throw may help reduce nighttime movement and minimize tossing and turning, leading to a more restful night.
It is also easy to manage. I had no trouble folding it or moving it around when needed. I have not had to clean it yet, but the fabric feels durable and well-made, and I expect it will hold up well over time.
One thing to note is that the throw is made in China. I know some people might be cautious about that, but in this case, it really doesn’t feel like a stereotypical mass-market China-made product, although it would be great if it were made here in the USA. The quality, attention to detail, and presentation are all excellent.
Compared to cheaper weighted blankets I have tried before, this throw stands out in every way. It does cost more, but the comfort, materials, and overall experience are on a completely different level. If I had to choose again, I would still go with the Baloo. It feels and performs like a premium product and certainly is worth more than what I call those “Amazon Specials.” I have no doubt that their mattress-sized weighted blankets are equally as impressive.
If you are looking for a weighted throw blanket that looks great, feels amazing, and actually helps you relax and sleep better, this one is a solid choice. Just keep in mind the cover is sold separately, which is the only thing I would change, and perhaps being made here in the USA.
Update*** I had the opportunity to order the cotton throw duvet cover. It took a minute to figure out how to put it on the throw and easily make it look even and nice. This throw is worth every penny. I suggest doing it as a bundle as it barely adds to the cost, rather than ordering them separately, as the cover does not come with the weighted blanket.
Having said all that, the cover is exquisite. Not sure how they do it, but the cotton cover feels like silk. Cool and crisp. I happened to get the blue, but it is just awesome. Finally, it’s great when a product actually performs as advertised. Kudos @BalooLiving, your product really does match the promise it is advertised to be.
Maverick