Faith Blankets and Cross Pillows

A soft faith piece has a different job from a framed print. It gets held, dragged to the sofa, packed for a hospital stay or given to a child. This page compares the kinds on offer by size, fabric and image, so you can pick one that fits the person and the place.

Guadalupe flannel blankets

Flannel is the plain, warm choice for a bed or sofa. The Our Lady of Guadalupe blankets in this range come in several sizes, from a lap-sized 100x130cm up to 264x228cm. Smaller sizes suit a chair, a wheelchair or a hospital bed. The larger ones cover a full bed. They suit Catholic households, especially anyone with devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the image is the main point, so look at it before you pick a size.

There are two looks. Some designs are described as colored style, and others are the more traditional Virgin of Guadalupe image. Letters in the product names (B, D, G, J and so on) mark the pattern, so check which one you are choosing.

For a bed, the 173x218cm and 264x228cm sizes are the ones to look at. They are meant for covering, not just wrapping up.

Scripture tapestry for a baby

Not every blanket needs a saint. The Psalm 139 tapestry is a Child of God piece, drawn from the psalm, and it is sized at 75x100cm. That makes it a gentle gift for a newborn, a christening or a nursery wall. It suits Protestant and Catholic families alike, since the text is Scripture and not tied to one devotion.

Character plush pillows

These are cartoon-style and made of soft, huggable plush. There is a cute Our Lady of Guadalupe in a praying pose with a small angel, a crowned Jesus with the phrase "Jesus Vive!", a smiling Jesus with open arms and a halo, and Our Lady holding a lamb. They suit children, teenagers and anyone who wants something cheerful in a sickroom. They are less formal than the cross shapes, so think about whether the recipient would enjoy that.

Sacred Heart and Good Shepherd shaped pillows

Some pillows carry heavier devotional images. One shows the Sacred Heart encircled by the crown of thorns, with a flame and a cross. Another shows the Good Shepherd with a crown of thorns, holding a lamb. A third shows Jesus with open arms, a crown of thorns and a "Jesus Loves You" message. These suit someone who already prays with these images. They also offer comfort for a hard season, since the Good Shepherd and open arms images speak of care.

Nativity pillows

The nativity pillows are seasonal. They show the guiding star, figures and animals, with holly and poinsettias on one, a snowy backdrop on another, and the words "Holy Night" with wise men and shepherds on a third. Two are described as sets. They suit Advent and Christmas décor, and they make a good gift for a family that sets out a crèche each year.

Cross-shaped and letter-shaped pillows

These are the quieter, more traditional pillows. The cross-shaped ones use Madonna and Child with carnations and hearts, or a plush wooden cross with draped cloth in warm neutral tones. The letter-shaped pillow shows a praying Jesus with a halo, a cross, an olive branch and stars in a watercolor style. It comes in many sizes, from 12 inches to 24 inches, and each size has a letter code.

The small sizes work on a bedside chair or a hospital pillow. The 18 to 24 inch sizes work better on a sofa. The draped cross is the most restrained, and it suits a home where a bold image would feel out of place.

How to choose

• Place. A hospital stay calls for something small and light, such as a 12 to 16 inch pillow or a 100x130cm blanket. A bed needs the larger blanket sizes.
• Image. Match the image to the person's tradition and taste. Guadalupe, Sacred Heart and Madonna and Child suit Catholic devotion. A psalm or a plain cross is more widely shared.
• Style. Watercolor and floral designs feel traditional. Cartoon plush is playful. Decide which the recipient would want to see every day.
• Size code. Many listings share one name and differ only by size and a letter. Check both before you order.
• Care. Read the care instructions that come with the item, and follow the manual.

Questions people ask

What size blanket suits a hospital stay?

The smaller sizes, such as 100x130cm, are easier to manage on a bed or chair. Check the size listed before you buy.

Is a pillow or a blanket the better gift?

It depends on use. A blanket is for warmth and covers a person. A pillow is for holding, resting against or display, and it carries the image more clearly.

Are these suitable for children?

The character plush pillows and the Psalm 139 tapestry are made with younger people in mind. Look at the listing for the size and the design.

Do Protestants and Orthodox shoppers have options here?

Yes. The Psalm 139 tapestry, the plain draped cross, the Good Shepherd and the praying Jesus pillow do not depend on Marian devotion.