Keeping blankets in the car is a useful item for chilly winter nights. When you venture out at night with the kids (for later-day playdates, dinners, etc…) take the car blankets indoors with you to warm up. Then, when the kids are tired and you are ready to go…you will have warm covers for the chilly car.
I recommend dog blankets (don’t laugh). I bought some, very plain, dog blankets at sale a few years ago and they work perfectly as kid car blankets. Warmer than a baby blanket, shorter size than a regular fleece throw – dog blankets are a perfect cover for a small child. Plus, they wash like rags!