Bedding as a gift

Short answer: Measure the duvet before you buy bedding as a gift. Bedding is used every night for many years, but a cover in the wrong size is useless. With the right measurements and a calm colour, it is a gift that gets appreciated.

Why bedding makes a good gift

Bedding is used every single night and sits close to the skin for many hours. It wears out over the years, and most people put off buying new because it is not something you think about. That is why a gift of bedding is felt every day, when the receiver goes to bed.

What to know first

You need the size of the duvet in centimetres and the size of the pillow. Those two numbers alone decide whether the gift can be used, and they are often printed on the label in the corner of the duvet. If you do not have them, find them before buying instead of guessing.

How to measure

Lay the duvet flat on the bed and measure width and length with a tape measure. Do the same with the pillow. If you cannot get to measure, check the label in the corner of the duvet or ask someone who lives with the receiver. Write the numbers down straight away.

Choose a calm colour

White, grey and sand suit most bedrooms, and neutral colours can be topped up later with more sets. Strong patterns are harder to get right and can quickly feel like too much in a room where you want to wind down. If you are unsure, choose the calmest tone.

A material for the whole year

Choose a material that is neither too warm in summer nor too cold in winter, so the bedding is used all year. Think about how the person sleeps: if they often get warm, a light, breathable fabric is best, and if they feel cold, a slightly denser fabric can be nice.

Envelope sheet or ordinary sheet

An envelope sheet has to match the height of the mattress, or it slips off or pulls tight. An ordinary sheet is more forgiving and fits many mattresses. If you do not know the mattress size, an ordinary sheet is the safest gift. See bamboo envelope sheets if you know the measurements exactly.

If you cannot measure

If you cannot get the measurements, there are two safe alternatives: a pillowcase or a set of towels. Pillows come in few standard sizes, and towels have no fit at all. Both are used daily and can be given without guessing. Take a look at bamboo pillowcases for a simple idea.

For split or adjustable beds

If the receiver has a bed with two mattresses or an adjustable bed, choose a sheet that suits that type. Ordinary sheets often sit badly here. If you are unsure, ask first which bed it is. Have a look at bamboo split sheets for those beds.

How to wrap the gift

Bedding is hard to wrap neatly, so use paper or a cloth bag and tie a ribbon around it. Write the measurements on a small note inside the parcel and add a receipt. That way the receiver can exchange it if the size turns out not to fit the duvet.

Frequently asked questions

Which size is the most common?

It varies between countries and beds. Measure the duvet and pillow instead of guessing, and write the numbers down so you have them when you buy the gift.

Can you give sheets without measuring?

Envelope sheets must fit the mattress, so measure first. Ordinary sheets are more forgiving and work on many mattresses, so they are safer if you do not know the size.