It looks like an ordinary throw, except the design is printed as outlines that you colour in yourself. Many come in at about 150 x 125 cm, with their own set of pens.
There is no set order: one flower tonight, a corner of the pattern tomorrow. Several people can colour at once, so it suits couples, friends or a quiet evening round the table.
Themes range from flowers and fruit to cats and more fantastical scenes. Choosing the design is half the fun, so it is worth looking at the whole pattern first.
What makes the difference is the washable ink. According to the manufacturer, washable water-based ink comes out in a normal wash, leaving the printed outlines ready for another round. Always follow the care label on the blanket.
Permanent fabric pens are for the reverse: a design you want to keep, which will not wash out. You can mix both on the same project, as long as you remember which parts will stay.
Two small tips before you start. Colour on a flat surface so the fabric does not stretch, and close the pens after each session so they do not dry out. Testing a colour on a small corner shows how it looks on the fabric.
Many adults treat it as a relaxing hobby for evenings on the sofa. As a gift, it suits people who love crafts but already own plenty of colouring books.