yeah, a warm blanket is always good. I line the hard tray part of Gonzo's crate with a soft cotton sheet and put his fleece crate mat on top of that. Only put toys in (when she's unsupervised) if they're indestructable.. like, she can have her puppy kong in there to gnaw on, or a nylabone or marrow bone as chewy treats. Gonzo would never ever destroy his plushes when he was a pup.. he still has his little sheep, which was one of the first toys we got him.