Ha! My auntie is a QVC freak and she bought about 6 for various members of my family last Xmas. In a wide variety of colours to try and match their sofa's...
I wasn't one of the lucky ones to get one, and tho I may scoff, when at my mum's I do sometimes snuggle under her's (auntie bought both mum and dad one!) and they are amazingly warm.
Erm, a bit old lady-ish but I wouldn't call them vile so yes I think you're being a bit unreasonable