The Best Colouring Picnic Blanket for Kids in the UK — What to Look For

If you've been searching for a colouring picnic blanket for your children, you've probably noticed that the options range wildly — from paper colouring sheets and cheap polyester mats to genuinely beautiful, reusable activity blankets that children want to use again and again. As a London-based maker of kids' activity blankets, here's our honest guide to what actually matters.

What Is a Colouring Picnic Blanket?

A colouring picnic blanket — also called a colour-your-own blanket or colour-in blanket — is a large fabric mat printed with black and white illustrations that children can colour using washable markers. The idea is simple: instead of a plain blanket to sit on, children have a giant creative canvas to play with outdoors.

The best ones are machine washable, which means the designs can be coloured, washed clean and started all over again — making them genuinely reusable, not a one-time novelty.

Reusable Colouring Blanket vs Paper — Why Fabric Wins

Paper colouring sheets and disposable mats are still hugely popular — and we understand why. They're cheap, widely available and children love them. But they come with real limitations: one use, then straight in the bin. Not ideal when you're trying to reduce waste, and not great value over time either.

A fabric colouring picnic blanket changes that completely. Wash it at 30°C and it comes out ready to colour again — making it a genuinely eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to paper. For families who picnic regularly, or who simply want a screen-free activity that lasts more than one afternoon, a reusable colouring blanket is a far smarter investment. You can also keep your little ones' scribbles as cherished souvenirs.

Cotton vs Polyester — Why the Fabric Matters

Most colouring blankets on the market are made from polyester. It's cheaper to produce, which is why you'll find them on Amazon for under £20. But polyester has real drawbacks:

— Washable markers don't glide as smoothly on synthetic fabric

— Polyester feels less comfortable to sit and lie on outdoors

— Many polyester versions are hand-wash only — far less practical for busy parents

— They tend to feel flimsy after repeated washing

Our colouring picnic blankets use a 100% cotton top layer — soft under little hands, beautifully receptive to washable markers, and machine washable at 30°C. Paired with a waterproof PU backing, they also keep children dry on damp British grass. Because British weather, as we all know, rarely commits to a full sunny afternoon.

Two Sizes — Because Every Adventure Is Different

We offer our colouring picnic blankets in two sizes, each designed for a different kind of outing.

The large colouring picnic blanket:

It is the family classic  (approximately 150 x 150cm) — generous enough for two or three children to colour together, perfect for the park, the garden, the beach or a big indoor playdate on a rainy day. It doubles as a proper picnic blanket for the whole family while the children are busy creating.

The small colouring picnic blanket:

It is compact and travel-friendly (approximately 70 x 100cm)— ideal for restaurants, long journeys, trips to the grandparents or spontaneous adventures that need something lightweight in the bag. Small in size, not in fun.

Both sizes come with washable markers presented in an organza pouch — ready to colour the moment you unroll them, and beautiful enough to give as a gift straight out of the bag.

Where to Use a Colouring Picnic Blanket — More Than Just Picnics

The name says picnic, but the reality is far more versatile:

— Parks and gardens — the classic. Spread it out, let the children colour while the grown-ups relax.

— Beach days — the waterproof backing handles sand and damp ground beautifully. For everything you need to know about taking your blanket to the beach — sand, pebbles, prints and all — read our full guide to the best waterproof picnic blanket for UK beach days.

— Indoor playdates on rainy days — roll it out on the living room floor and let them go wild.

— Restaurants and cafés — the small size slips into any bag and buys you a peaceful lunch.

— As a creative table covering — perfect for messy play sessions at home.

— Long journeys — something to look forward to in the car or on the train.

A Colouring Picnic Blanket Makes the Perfect Gift

If you're looking for a birthday present or Christmas gift for a child aged 3 to 10, a colouring picnic blanket ticks every box. It's creative, screen-free, reusable and something the whole family ends up enjoying together.

Each Petiotes colouring blanket arrives with washable markers in an organza pouch — no wrapping required, no extra shopping needed. It's genuinely gift-ready from the moment it arrives.

For families who love the outdoors, it also pairs beautifully with our printed waterproof picnic blankets — a stylish blanket for the grown-ups, a creative canvas for the children.

What to Look For When Buying a Colouring Picnic Blanket — Our Checklist

— Machine washable — not just hand wash. Real family life needs a machine.

— Waterproof backing — essential for UK parks and gardens where the ground is often damp.

— Washable markers included — so the fun starts immediately.

— Generous size — choose based on how you'll use it most. Large for family picnics, small for travel and days out.

— Fully reusable design — the illustrations should wash out completely so the blanket can be used dozens of times.

— Age-appropriate themes — the theme genuinely matters to children. A jungle for little adventurers, a princess castle for imaginative play, a seaside scene for beach lovers.

— Cotton over polyester — for comfort, quality and washability.

Frequently Asked Questions — Colouring Picnic Blankets

Can the colouring wash out completely?

Yes — machine wash at 30°C and the design comes out ready to colour again from scratch (using washable markers of course!).

What markers do you include?

Each blanket comes with washable, child-safe markers in an organza pouch. We recommend using only washable markers to ensure full wash-out.

What age are they suitable for?

Designed for children aged 3 to 10, though younger children enjoy them with supervision.

Can they be used indoors?

Absolutely — they work brilliantly on the living room floor on rainy days, as a creative table covering, or for indoor playdates.

What's the difference between the two sizes?

The large (approx. 150 x 150cm) is ideal for family picnics and garden days — spacious enough for several children to colour together. The small (approx. 70 x 100cm) is compact and travel-friendly, perfect for days out, restaurants and journeys.

Do you offer personalisation on colouring blankets?

Our colouring blankets are not personalised — but if you're looking for a personalised gift, our printed picnic blankets can be personalised with custom initials.

CONCLUSION

A great colouring picnic blanket is one that lasts — that survives dozens of washes, keeps children genuinely engaged, and works just as well in October as it does in July. Made from cotton, backed with waterproof lining, and designed around themes children truly love, that's exactly what we set out to create at Petiotes.

Looking for more handcrafted gifts for families? Explore the full Petiotes collection — from personalised wash bags and cushions to our handcrafted Christmas baubles.