These weighted stuffed animals can soothe anxiety, ADHD (2024)

Kids and stuffed animals go hand in hand. But some children need a slightly stronger sense of security, which is why weighted stuffed animals have become so popular. Beyond the therapeutic effects that a weighted stuffed animal inherently has, they are still meant to be fun, which is why shopping for one is all about finding the best options. From warming, to scented, washable, and cute, there are lots of choices to consider.

Below, we’ll explain the benefits of weighted stuffed animals and offer links to seven popular products worth buying. To myself others, these plushies function as top-notch therapeutic tools, while also quickly becoming a child’s favorite stuffed friend.

What are weighted stuffed animals for?

Bridging the gap between fun and therapeutic, weighted stuffed animals are specifically designed to be a sensory tool that mimics the grounding techniques therapists use to help calm and regulate children who have ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory processing disorders. In short, they rely on creating a sensation called deep pressure stimulation—weighted touching that mirrors a hug—to release chemicals in the brain known to relieve tension and foster positive, soothing emotions.

As the mother of children with a variety of sensory needs, I’ve found weighted products, like weighted stuffed animals and weighted blankets, to be hugely helpful in calming my kids’ tantrums, helping them stay seated, increasing their focus, and settling them down for sleep.

7 great weighted stuffed animals to shop

1. Merry XD Weighted Plush

The Merry XD Weighted Plush resembles a weighted Squishmallow. In fact, it’s so squishable your kids may never want to put it down. A favorite in our home, this cheery little dinosaur feels like a Squishmallow on top but has a lightly weighted bottom. The Merry XD Weighted Plush is a great option for younger children because it’s small enough for them to carry around but heavy enough to give them a grounding feeling during play and rest. It’s not overly large either and weighs just 1.6 pounds.

I agree with the numerous parental reviews that suggest the Merry XD Weighted Plush had a noticeable effect on helping reduce a child’s anxiety. Plus, I can attest that it is the squishiest and softest weighted stuffed animal we’ve tested. It’s no wonder why this product has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with more than 1,000 bespoke critiques.

2. Warm Pals

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Warm Pals are unique in that they can be microwaved to provide warmth and also placed in a freezer to be used as a cooling pack. They’re also crafted from a soft plush material and all-natural grains. Warm Pals’ small size respects modest living spaces, but its lavender aroma provides a big sensory experience for those who don’t mind scents.

When testing this weighted stuffed animal with my 5 year old, we found its warming action to be perfect when it was time to wind down for bed, and the cooling action was great when big emotions needed to be cooled off.

Available in a multitude of designs including an otter and unicorn, Warm Pals don’t just rank highly in my home, they are also one of the most popular weighted stuffed animals on Amazon, pulling in thousands of reviews and a 4.7-star customer rating.

3. Huggle Healers Weighted Stuffed Animal

Huggle Healers Weighted Stuffed Animals are one of the largest and heaviest weighted stuffed animals on the market, with a big plush design that amounts to 4.4 pounds of detailed cuteness. Perfect for someone seeking a full-body grounding experience, Huggle Healers Weighted Stuffed Animals have long weighted arms that can be draped over one’s shoulders. An enclosed lavender-scented heat bag provides a warm aromatic experience that aims to reduce anxiety and stress.

Huggle Healers are CPC, CPSIA, and ASTM certified for safety and are sold in axolotl, koala, elephant, and sloth designs.

4. Lulumaia Weighted Sloth

There’s no denying the Lulumaia Weighted Sloth is cute! This 3.5-pound sloth is another high-ranking weighted stuffed animal in our home. Upscale in design and without what my teenager calls a “baby flair,” the Lulumaia Sloth is a great option for older kids who might benefit from the anxiety and stress reduction of a weighted stuffed animal, but don’t want to be caught snuggling something made for younger children. Even the canvas bag it comes in has a premium feel.

The Lulumaia Sloth is one of the only warming animals on the market to be unscented. Plus, because its weighted warming bag can be removed through a Velcro enclosure, this is one of the only weighted stuffed animals that can be easily washed. If you need a product that both kids and adults can appreciate, this is a great choice.

5. Moon Pals

Moon Pals aren’t just popular, they are literally huge, clocking in at a whopping 22 inches tall and weighing 5 pounds. Moon Pals promises its customers will “hug their way to better sleep and less anxiety.” Crafted from 100% virgin poly-pellets and durable polyester fiberfill that is odorless, nontoxic, and BPF free, Moon Pals were specifically designed to help support emotional regulation.

The neatest feature of Moon Pals is that each weighted stuffed animal is themed and includes a brightly colored book that teaches kids important concepts such as patience, compassion, honesty, and courage.

6. Warmies stuffed animals

There’s a microwavable weighted plushie for everyone and every need with the highly customizable Warmies. Starting at just barely 0.5 pounds for a Warmie Jr. and sizing all the way up to an 18-inch, 2-pound supersized Warmie, the options are almost endless. There are nearly 200 Warmies available, including the overly precious My First Warmie. If you’re on the hunt for a weighted anxiety stuffed animal in all shapes and sizes, this single shop has what you’re after.

Designed to provide weight and warmth, kids will absolutely love that they can select a Warmie that’s perfect for them and their needs, while parents will appreciate the variety of pricing options. In our Warmies review, we praised this product for its warming weighted qualities. Parents should know, however, that these can only be spot cleaned.

7. Hugz

Hugz were made to mimic the feeling of hugging a loved one in an effort to normalize mental wellness. Crafted to provide just the right amount of pressure to have a calming effect on the nervous system, Hugz stuffed animals aim to assist with sleep, anxiety, and mood regulation.

Hugz are a purchase you can feel good about, especially since a portion of all proceeds are donated to a mental health organization to help further the company’s mission of positive mentality. Each product is filled with SGS/FDA certified glass beads and is CE/OEKO certified.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.