The Best Picnic Blankets and Beach Mats for Every Need

The worst part about coming home after a day at the beach is the sand. It's the glitter of nature. It gets everywhere. If you hate sandy car seats or a tote full of sand, you need CGear's Sandlite Sand-Free Beach Mat. This blanket features interlocking, "one-way sift" technology that allows sand to fall through the blanket without being able to come back up. The mat comes in three different sizes, from solo to family-sized, and is available in cute prints and coastal colors.

Bring the classic gingham print of a picnic tablecloth to the ground with the grass-friendly Picnic Time Zip-Up Blanket Tote. It features a water-wicking polyester material that's ideal for sporting events, picnics, camping and more. Best of all? The blanket folds into a petite tote (complete with a pocket) to make transporting and carrying a breeze.

Most outdoor blankets are treated with a water-resistant coating, but that won't be enough to keep wet grass and mud from seeping through. Invest in a 100% waterproof blanket, and you'll never have to worry about wet or stained clothes. The YETI Lowlands Blanket is $200, a lot for a mat, but like other YETI products, it's tough and long-lasting. The bottom features a thick waterproof layer, and the quilted top is surprisingly soft and cozy for a sporty brand. Plus, the blanket comes with a carrying case that makes it perfect for travel.

While YETI's outdoor blanket is perfect for camping, it's fairly large and heavy. So, if you plan on backpacking, you'll need a lighter, more pack-friendly option. Meet the Rumpl Original. It's like a puffy jacket but in blanket form. The 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric is durable and resists snags and tears, while a DWR finish makes the blanket weather- and stain-resistant.

Tapestries and extra-large towels make great picnic blankets because they're lightweight and don't take up much space when packing. Sand Cloud towels are big enough to use as blankets, are sand-resistant and dry much faster than normal beach towels. They're also available in a wide selection of trendy patterns and bright colors. Read our in-depth review of the towel below.

Adventure is calling, and this portable lightweight blanket is the perfect item to bring along. A parachute nylon material makes it quick-drying, water-resistant and won't rot or mildew over time. The versatile blanket is large enough to fit multiple people, making it ideal for the beach, music festivals, picnics or sporting events. The best part? It's backed by a lifetime guarantee.

No need to worry if you spill a drink or accidentally place your blanket in mud. This versatile outdoor blanket is 100% machine washable and dryable. The top is made from polyester fleece that's super soft to the touch, while the nylon bottom blocks and keeps moisture at bay.

Sticky juices and muddy hands are no match for this durable indoor/outdoor blanket designed to handle messes. The water-resistant polyester fabric easily wipes clean, with snack crumbs and debris shaking right off. The inside is lightly padded for comfort, while an easy-to-fold shape, carry handle and shoulder strap make the blanket ideal for any activity.

Picnics with bottles of rosé, fresh fruit and cheese plates sound romantic in theory, but in reality, it's a hassle to lug a heavy cooler around — especially if you parked far away. Free up a hand and lighten your load with this super lightweight, packable blanket. Not only does the blanket fold into itself for compact transporting, but it's also sand- and water-resistant.

Great for gift-giving, this cheery striped blanket is made of a soft wool blend and features a tassel fringe and a convenient leather carrying handle. The waterproof bottom layer makes this blanket ideal for grassy picnics, muddy sporting events and sunny hangouts on the beach. Personalize the throw with an embroidered initial or monogram.