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Soothe aches and anxieties with the best weighted stuffed animal. We found top picks for all ages.
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A weighted stuffed animal is a best friend you can buy. These cute, cuddly creatures trigger the same response as a hug or cozy blanket. They 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 ongoing testing has confirmed most picks on this list for over a year. 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
- Multiple shapes to choose from, including hugs and wraps
- 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, I found Warmies to have silky-smooth fur that stays soft—even after multiple uses—and a gentle weight 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.
I’ve also tested a Warmies animal wrap, which provides 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. You can’t beat Warmies Hugs, either, which are made for sharing. Weighing just half a pound each, these pint-sized pals have velcro hands. When attached, they look like they’re hugging.
The only downside? These heated stuffed animals are a little large for even heating in smaller 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
Turbobo
Pros:
- Research-backed design
- Comes with a charming storybook
- Includes hot/cold pad
- Aromatherapy insert included
- Available in 5-pound or 2-pound sizes
Cons:
- No other animals available
- Pricey
As someone who suffers from anxiety, editor Emily Way appreciates any tools that take her racing thoughts down a notch or two. For her, Turbobo is just that dog. Endorsed by medical professionals and trusted in 350+ schools nationwide to help students manage big feelings, Turbobo was designed specifically to reduce anxiety.
Each Turbobo arrives in its own box, complete with a kid-friendly picture book describing how he works. One ear sports a small zipper pouch, which houses a reusable and removable hot or cold pad. Additionally, this is where you can stow his aromatherapy insert, which requires just a few drops of the included essential oil for a calming effect. The other ear includes a rough patch of hook and eye fabric for fidgeting. Even his weighted tail offers a soothing sensory experience.
“I keep my Turbobo on the couch, and frequently find myself hugging him and playing with his tail to reduce anxiety while working,” says Emily. “There really is something so soothing about this sweet dog sitting on your lap. I had my senior-aged mother over for a week and even she fell in love with him. I had to snag one for her so she didn’t sneak him into her suitcase!”
With a choice between both five- and two-pound Turbobos, it’s the weightiest option on our list—and the priciest. That said, for all that comes with each Turbobo, it’s worth the elevated price point. We just wish there were other critters to choose from, such as a cat or a bear for kids who aren’t dog fans.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
BEST Budget
Pillowfort Weighted Plush
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 two years, 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, like a pegasus and a dragon.
Plus, 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. These toys are also not suitable for heating or cooling. After a few years of use, the oldest pink dino has gotten a little lumpy, but still is holding up incredibly well. I can’t believe the seams are all still intact! These are by far my favorite and super snuggly.
Most Giftable
GiveHugz
Pros:
- Cute and cuddly animal options
- Two sizes available
- Ample weights mimic a real hug
- Highly giftable packaging
- No scent (ideal for sensitive noses)
- Microwave- and freezer-safe
Cons:
- Pricey
- Slight fur imperfections
Weighted stuffed animals make a great gift or care package addition. And I give bonus points to plushies that already come in giftable packaging, like the options from GiveHugz.
My Quackers the Duck and mini Milkshake the Cow arrived in darling cardboard tubes. (The perfect home for your friend when not in use!) Each also came with care instructions and a birth certificate to fill out.
A full-size GiveHugz plush weighs a whopping 3.8 pounds, making it one of the heaviest options on our list. It also doesn’t have any scent, which is ideal for migraine sufferers or anyone sensitive to fragrances. Both sizes are safe for use in the microwave and freezer, but they may not fit in all machines—especially the full-size plush. Quackers measures a full 10 inches.
Each GiveHugz friend is decked out in uber-soft fur. Like most options on this list, they’re spot-clean only. I did notice a few design imperfections, especially on the mini cow. Her snout was crooked and there was a bald patch of fur on her leg. Neither quality concern affects her snuggle capabilities, but at an elevated price point, it’s worth noting.
CHER CHECCIO FOR TASTE OF HOME
BEST FOR KIDS
Hugimals
Pros:
- Removable insert and machine-washable body
- One of the heavier options
- Arms make this plushie 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 product tester 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 plushie 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.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
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 (or do, actually) on the best weighted stuffed animals on Amazon. Warm Pals bring a lot of notable features to the table. I love their ample size, cozy fabric and a 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.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
MOST AESTHETIC
Bearaby Weighted Plush
Pros:
- Highly aesthetic
- Soothing weighted pressure
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on our list
- Only five animals to choose from
If you’d prefer a weighted stuffed animal that looks a little more adult, Bearaby has you covered. “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. (Any 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 Daisy Dino, among others.
What To Look for When Buying Weighted Stuffed Animals
Pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics Dr. Megan Yanny notes that weighted stuffed animals can be beneficial to children experiencing anxiety or trouble with fidgeting. That said, there are a few considerations to think about before buying one.
“Weighted blankets, animals, sleep sacks, swaddles, or other objects should never be used for infants, or put in the crib with infants for sleep, especially under one year of age,” she says. “For toddlers and older children, you might consider a weight approximately 5-10% of the child’s body weight. Ask your child’s pediatrician or occupational therapist for more guidance on the appropriate weight and use for your individual child. Age two is a general earliest age to think about a weighted toy or blanket.”
She also notes that not all children and adults react the same to these stuffed animals, so it’s worth thinking about the individual needs of the receiver before buying one.
“These toys may not provide the same benefit for all children. Working with an occupational therapist for a child with increased sensory needs can be very beneficial, and they may use weighted blankets or stuffed animals as part of their recommendations or therapies.”
While a weighted stuffed animal isn’t an overly expensive purchase, we identified 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; 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.
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?
FAQ
Do weighted stuffed animals actually help?
Yes, weighted stuffed animals can be great for promoting relaxation and comfort. The gentle pressure mimics the feeling of a hug, which can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep and even boost mood. It’s like having a calming companion by your side!
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.
How do you wash a weighted stuffed animal?
Since they’re filled with weighted material, you can’t just toss these plush in the wash. We suggest spot-treating stains with a mild detergent and brushing the fur as it dries. A few options, like Hugimals, have a removable insert so you can wash the exterior.
Why You Should Trust Us
As an editor with more than seven years of experience, I have tested hundreds 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 thousands—yes, thousands!—of products for every type of person. I only recommend the very best. Plus, I work on bedding content for Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman, testing mattresses, cooling sheets, blankets and more.
For this piece, we also spoke with Dr. Megan Yanny, pediatrician with UW Health Kids in Madison, Wisconsin and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
