Beach blanket bingo.

• Position: What's New? - Picnic blanket - Brief Article - Evaluation

* Dragging blankets back and forth on beach excursions while already encumbered by coolers, picnic baskets, towels, and the various accoutrements that accompany small children for a day on the sand can be a major hassle. Fortunately for seaside beasts of burden, Intromark Incorporated, Pittsburgh, Pa., has an ingenious solution to help ease the load.

The Blanket Buddie is a round blanket/ground cover/playmat that comes in 5' and 6' diameters. The top has either a plush fleece or terry cloth surface with a water-resistant nylon backing. The blanket is ideal for sitting upon or playing on at the beach or on the grass for picnics and/or other outings, but that's only half the story. A drawstring runs around the perimeter and, when pulled, converts the blanket into a carryall, perfect for lugging home wet clothes and towels, as well as a great deal of the other detritus of a day out. Built-in...