Pajamas make a cozy and practical gift

Published 1:43 pm Friday, November 8, 2013

New pajamas are a holiday custom in many families and a perennially popular gift, whether it’s Mom and Dad outfitting the kids in coordinating PJs for keepsake photos, a husband or wife tired of seeing their spouse in the same old ratty nightwear, or a treat for a special friend.

“Getting sleepwear is very nostalgic,” said Jennifer Wilson, associate corporate merchant for L.L. Bean. “You’re giving the gift of warmth and comfort. It’s cozy but it’s practical at the same time.”

People spend a lot of time in their PJs, often changing into them right after work, snuggling up on the couch to watch a football game or even wearing them out of the house, said Stacey Buonanno, director of product development for online retailer PajamaGram.

“People are trying really hard to carve out family time together and relaxation time, whether it’s playing a game together or watching a movie,” Buonanno said. “A lot of that time happens in your PJs or sweats.”

Pajamas also make a great gift because many people neglect to buy them for themselves, she said.

And sleepwear is easier to buy for someone else than a sweater or pair of jeans because you don’t need to worry about the perfect fit.

A look at some options:

Kids

For parents, there may be nothing cuter (or more relief-inducing) after a long day of holiday celebrations than seeing the kids all washed up and in new PJs.

Matching family sets — the same print for men, women, children and pets — are a hit at PajamaGram, with orders quadrupling over the last few years, Buonanno said.

The company’s most popular family looks are a red Stewart plaid and the holiday stripe: red, green and white striped pants with coordinating red and green tops.

If matchy-matchy isn’t your thing, there are countless choices for kids to show off their individuality.

At Kohl’s, look for sleepwear featuring a favorite team, a beloved cartoon character or a cool design, like camouflage. Old Navy offers a festive Santa suit PJ set for babies and toddlers, superhero PJs for boys and Hello Kitty sets for girls.

Women

PJs are more popular than nightgowns, retailers say, but there are many holiday options in both styles.

At L.L. Bean, the ankle-length tartan flannel nightgown and pajama come in a traditional red royal Stewart and in colors new this year: a light blue and a blackwatch plaid that includes a shot of bright pink.

For a less “high holiday” look, or if you are not sure what a woman likes, Wilson suggests Bean’s pima cotton flannel PJs in a cornflower blue with white dots.

PajamaGram offers everything from button-up PJs to satin ones to pretty gowns, but a best-seller is the Hoodie-Footie, a grown-up version of the infant sleeper. The one-piece fleece has a hood, zip-off feet and pockets.

Men

The classic button-front and the pullover style are equally popular at PajamaGram. At L.L. Bean, Wilson likes the fleece sleep bottoms, the monochromatic waffle-knit PJs and the scotch plaid flannel PJs, which come in several color combinations.

Look for one-piece footed PJs from online retailer Jumpin Jammerz, which offers prints showing “Star Wars,” Kiss and the Hulk.