The Best Electric Blankets for the Perpetually Cold

When the weather outside is frightful, you want to feel warm and delightful. (How's that for poetry?) But that can be a bit tricky if you're the type that's chronically cold—unless, of course, you're prepared to wear several layers of sweatpants and sweatshirts or pay even higher utility bills.

Enter: An electric blanket. Thanks to insulated wires sewn into fabric panels, these faux fur, fleece, microplush, and sherpa throws take just minutes to wrap your whole body in warmth and coziness, making them the perfect snuggle buddy. You can curl up with one on the couch (preferably, with a scented candle, a seasonal cocktail, and a feel-good holiday movie), layer one over or under your bedspread, or even take one with you on a mini road trip or camping excursion.

Now, if you’re anything like us, you might be thinking: Wires? Fabric? Is that safe? The good news is that new electric blankets are generally safe, but if you're taking an old one out of storage you'll want to make sure the wires still look like they're in good shape. And, of course you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. However, most have an auto shut-off feature, meaning they’ll automatically turn off after a few hours so you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on all night (which you shouldn't do). Experts do warn against sleeping with your electric blanket because it could overheat—not to mention that you’ll likely wake up in a pool of sweat. Instead, we recommend using your electric blanket to warm up your bed before you get in.

Ready to turn up the heat? We’ve compiled a list of the best electric blankets on the market, including a budget-friendly Amazon buy, a battery-powered option for camping, and a few so large that they'll even cover queen and king-size beds.