When I unpackaged the blanket, I noticed a strange odor.  I assume that this odor was something that it picked up in the factory or in the shipping process because it was removed entirely with a good laundering.  It also came out of the dryer nicely softened using only wool dryer balls and no fabric softener.  

I would not choose this blanket as a gift due to the small chance that it might arrive with the strange odor.  No one should have to launder a blanket before giving it as a gift.  That is the only reason that I deducted one star.

This cotton blanket is thick and well-sewn with mitered corners.  My only problem is that I like white and cream to be distinct.  The color of the blanket is a warmer white which seems a bit too cream to be white but a bit too white to be cream.  I prefer a cooler toned white.  Otherwise, it’s a very nice blanket that will definitely get a lot of use once the weather gets cooler.