Soothe aches and anxieties with the best weighted stuffed animal. We found top picks for all ages.
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The Best Weighted Stuffed Animals for Comforting Cuddles
Updated Mar. 19, 2024
A weighted stuffed animal is a best friend you can buy. These cute, cuddly creatures trigger the same response as a hug, and can soothe your body while easing stress and anxiety—all for way less than a trip to the spa.
Plus, they’re suitable for all ages. Kids and adults alike can benefit from a weighted plush, you just have to find the right fit. We did all the heavy lifting (literally!) to determine the best weighted stuffed animal options on the market. Our testing took place over the course of several months. We put these stuffies through the paces, rating options on size, value and longevity.
Buy one for yourself, or give it as a gift to a friend going through a hard time. Happy snuggling!
BEST OVERALL
Warmies
Pros:
- 100+ animal options to choose from
- Provides lasting warmth or coolness
- Moderate price point
- Silky smooth fur
- Calming lavender scent
Cons:
- Tricky to deep clean
- May not fit in all microwaves
I’ve been a fan of Warmies for years. After all, what’s not to love about cuddly toys you can pop in the microwave (or freezer!) for instant relief? Each plush weighs roughly two pounds and is scented with real French lavender.
In our testing of Marshmallow the bear, we found Warmies to have silky-smooth fur that stays soft—even after multiple uses—and a gentle weight that’s suitable for kids and adults alike. After heating, they stay warm for 40 minutes (or more), depending on how long and at what temperature you nuke.
The best part, however, is the sheer number of Warmies options on the market. Over 100 cute characters are waiting to keep you company. Choose from a variety of options like a beautiful bobcat, gray penguin or silly goose. No matter how niche your interests are, there is a Warmies that fits the bill.
The only downside? These heated stuffed animals are a little large for even heating in some small microwaves. And, in the event your plush encounters a spill from last night’s spaghetti leftovers, the plush is surface-clean only.
BEST FOR ANXIETY
Pillowfort Weighted Plush Throw
Pros:
- Size and weight ideal for soothing anxiety
- Multiple cute character shapes
- Budget-friendly price point
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified
Cons:
- Tricky to deep clean
- No heating or cooling options
I’ll be honest: I sleep with my pink weighted dinosaur plush every. single. night. As a generally anxious person, this plush pillow’s nearly three-pound weight brings reassurance and calm to my nighttime routine.
I’ve had my TikTok-famous “anxiety dinosaur” for over a year, and it’s held up beautifully. The fabric is soft and smooth, with all the weight centered on the body. It provides a slightly deeper amount of pressure than a Warmies plush and is ideal for snuggling. Even my husband is a convert! So much so that he just bought his own green dinosaur. You can also find the pillow in other fun animals and shapes.
Plus, with a $20 price tag, this amply-sized pillow is one of the best bangs for your buck. The only downside, once again, is the plush is surface-clean only.
BEST FOR KIDS
Hugimals
Pros:
- Removable insert and machine-washable body
- One of the heavier options
- Arms make this plush easy to hug
- Long-lasting sturdy construction
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on our list
- Only four animals to choose from
- No heating or cooling options
If your little one is always in need of a hug, say no more. Hugimals is here to be their soothing BFF at every step.
“When I removed Charlie the Puppy from his packaging, I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer weight of this plush,” says former Senior Shopping Editor, Cher Checchio. “He’s hefty and certainly huggable. My 22-month-old daughter sat on the sofa and cuddled him instantly, and with his outstretched arms, it felt like Charlie hugged her right back. My daughter likes to sleep with a stuffed animal, so Charlie is definitely her new crib companion at home or any overnight outing. And with his softness, I honestly wouldn’t mind having one for myself, too, to encourage restful sleep.”
This weighted stuffed animal made our list because of its removable insert. Cleaning is a breeze—simply pop out the four-and-a-half-pound insert and toss the body into the washing machine. This keeps the plush sanitary through illness, spills and day-to-day dirt. “If you know anything about toddlers, then you know they love to throw toys and drag their plushies all over the floor,” says Cher. “Removing the weighted insert was a bit of a task as it needs to be unbuttoned from the inside before washing the body. But after that, cleaning was a breeze.”
While on the pricier side, Hugimals weighted stuffed animals have a sturdy construction and will no doubt last for years. Choose from four options including a cat, puppy, sloth and elephant.
BEST FOR ACHES AND PAINS
Warmies Animal Wraps
Pros:
- Pliable shape targets pain relief
- Provides lasting warmth or coolness
- Moderate price point
- Silky smooth fur
- Multiple animal options
Cons:
- Tricky to deep clean
- Lavender scent may exasperate symptoms for some migraine sufferers
As a headache and migraine sufferer, heat is one of the few ways I can get relief. The Warmies Animal Wraps provide the same soothing pressure as traditional Warmies but in an elongated shape. It’s easy to place across your forehead, behind your neck, around your knee—or anywhere else it hurts.
In our testing, we found that the wrap makes it easy to spread the two-pound weight across your pain points or fold it in half for deeper concentration. The sloth and hippo are two of our favorite wraps. Like standard Warmies, these weighted stuffed animals for adults stay warm for upwards of 40 minutes and are surface-clean only.
Best on Amazon
Warm Pals
Pros:
- Extremely soft and cuddly
- Ample size with a light, soothing pressure
- Most style available with fast Prime shipping
Cons:
- Lavender scent fades over time
- Tricky to deep clean
If you need a fast gift option, don’t sleep on the best weighted stuffed animals on Amazon. Warm Pals bring a lot of notable features to the table. We love their ample size, cozy fabric and wide variety of shapes. Each plush fits in the microwave or freezer for soothing relief, and most options ship fast on Amazon Prime.
I tested Nori the narwhal and was impressed by the size and quality construction—especially with an under-$30 price tag. The plush had a pleasant weight, and I liked that you could easily move the beads throughout the body for more targeted pressure relief. Nori heated and cooled nicely and would make an excellent gift.
The only downside? Upon opening, Nori smelled faintly like lavender, but I noticed this scent got fainter after weeks of testing. The horn was also a little skewed to the side.
MOST AESTHETIC
Bearaby Weighted Plush
Pros:
- Highly aesthetic
- Soothing weighted pressure
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on our list
- Only three animals to choose from
If you’d prefer a weighted stuffed animal that looks a little more adult, Bearaby has you covered. The newly launched “Bearabuddies” offer deep, soothing pressure in neutral tones and the brand’s signature cotton knit. I’ve had “Benji bear” on my couch for several weeks, and I love that he looks at home next to my decorative throw pillows.
When Benji showed up at my doorstep, he was packed in a too-cute-for-words box and came with a tote for portability or storage. He also came with a card detailing his personality and hobbies. (90s kids will appreciate the nostalgia—it reminded me of the poems on Beanie Baby tags.) He’s also super huggable and comes with a weighted “super paw” for batting away stress. Each plush is machine-washable inside of a laundry bag.
The sheer size of this weighted plush makes it better suited for adults or older kids and teens. Choose from Benji, as well as Elli elephant or Remi rabbit.
BEST FOR BFFS
Warmies Hugs
Pros:
- Ideal for sharing with a friend
- Provides lasting warmth or coolness
- Moderate price point
- Silky smooth fur
- Calming lavender scent
- Multiple animal options
Cons:
- Lightest option on the list
- Tricky to deep clean
Looking to spread a little long-distance love? Warmies Hugs are made for sharing. Weighing just half a pound each, these pint-sizes pals have velcro hands. When attached, they look like they’re hugging. We can’t get enough of the lovable llama and sloth hugs.
I love this option for packing in a care package or sending it to a long-distance partner. They’re also great for kiddos with separation anxiety or anyone who wants just a tiny amount of warming pressure. In our testing, they performed just as well as the Warmies and Warmies Animal Wraps—just take care to follow the heating instructions. Due to their smaller size, Hugs require less time in the microwave.
What to Look for When Buying Weighted Stuffed Animals
While a weighted stuffed animal isn’t an overly expensive purchase, there are still several factors to keep in mind so you can find the right fit.
- Weight: Are you looking for a light, barely there touch or a deeper, stimulating pressure? Weighted stuffed animals typically range from less than a pound to about five pounds of weight.
- Heating and cooling: Some weighted stuffed animals are safe for the microwave and freezer, while others are not. Consider how you plan to use your weighted stuffed animal: For physical pain, a warming option may provide more relief. Whereas for anxiety or general use, it may not matter as much.
- Care instructions: Is the weighted stuffed animal machine washable or spot-clean only? Consider how often you (or your child) will be using the product.
- Price: Most options on the market range from around $20 up to $75.
Why You Should Trust Us
As an editor with more than seven years of experience, I have tested 100s of products. From cozy candle services to famous cookies and cute craft kits, it’s my personal mission to align readers with products that will simplify and sweeten life. As Senior Shopping Editor, I also oversee the Taste of Home holiday gift guide every season. I have sifted through 1000s—yes, 1000s!—of products for every type of person. I only recommend the very best.
How We Found the Best Weighted Stuffed Animals
To find the best weighted stuffed animals, I started by scouring the market for popular products. I sifted through dozens of brands, read countless reviews and even considered viral TikTok products. From there, I evaluated the products I use in my personal life and consulted other stuffed animal enthusiasts. Next, I put nine products through the testing paces. For weeks, I evaluated weight, texture, features, cuddliness and construction. I made sure each product performed as intended. I also considered the user for each product: Are these plush safe for adults and kids alike?
FAQs
What is the point of a weighted stuffed animal?
A weighted plushie is not just a cuddly toy. They evoke deep pressure stimulation, which can result in feelings of calm and security. Similar to a weighted blanket, a plush can soothe anxiety, relieve stress and encourage deeper rest for all ages.
Can you microwave a weighted stuffed animal?
In some cases, yes! Warmies products, for example, are designed to go in the microwave. Other top picks on our list, like the Pillowfort plush, can not. We advise reading any and all care instructions before first use.
Originally Published: November 16, 2022
