How old is "Too Old" to have a blankie?

The christmas before my 5th birthday my parents told me I had to give Santa Claus my blankie in exchange for a "special" gift.  I can't remember what that special gift was, but I can remember being sad for a long time after Christmas.

A security blanket is something that makes a child feel safe, comfortable, and secure.

So how old is too old to have a blankie?  This is something I found myself asking this just this last week.

Stevi is 4 now, and her blankie is something she has had since she was born.  When Stevi turned 2, the rule was no more blankie at daycare. When she turned 3, the rule was no more blankie outside of the house (not including sleep overs).  When she turned 4, the rule was blankie has to stay in her bedroom, unless she in her pj's ready for bed.

I'm not the kind of parent the set rules based on age, I hated that as a child, and it was hard when one foster home had a set of age related rules and then you go to another foster home with a different set age related rules.  I try to base my rules on my childs maturity level and what I think she can or can't handle.

Recently a little mishap happened and Blankie ended up in San Diego, Blankie is currently on his way home, thanks to a very understanding sister-in-law and wonderful aunt.  It was a good test to see where my daughter was at with letting go.  To put it simply, she's not ready, and I'm ok with that!!