Weighted stuffed animal in winter: warmth and comfort on long evenings

A weighted stuffed animal in winter fits right in with what many people long for at that time of year: warmth, calm and comfort. It gets dark early, the weather doesn't exactly tempt you outside and we retreat to the sofa. A soft 2 kg plush toy on your lap then feels like a firm hug on a long evening.

In this article you'll read why we long for more comfort in winter, how to use a weighted plush toy on long winter evenings and at bedtime, how it differs from a microwavable heat plush, and why it makes a lovely gift over the holidays.

Why we long for more comfort in winter

In winter we spend more time indoors, see less daylight and the evenings are long. Many people notice that this makes them tire sooner, feel more inward or simply long for something warm and soft. A thick jumper, a cup of tea, a candle: we naturally go looking for comfort. Touch is part of that too. Read why a hug feels so good in the cuddle hormone oxytocin: what touch does for you.

A weighted stuffed animal fits right in with that. It's soft, feels solid and stays where you put it. Many people experience the gentle pressure as a warm, calm hug.

If you feel low or listless for a longer stretch in winter, talk to your GP about it. A plush toy is not a solution for the winter blues, but it is a lovely addition to a warm evening.

A thick jumper, a cup of tea, a candle: we naturally go looking for comfort.

How to use a weighted stuffed animal in winter

On long winter evenings

Turn the evening into a regular ritual: dim the lights, make a cup of tea, put a blanket over your legs and your weighted plush toy on your lap. Read, watch a film or simply do nothing for a while. That way the dark evening becomes a moment to look forward to. You'll find more of these small moments of calm in self-care in busy times.

At bedtime

In winter many people sleep more restlessly. A regular evening ritual with your plush toy can be a gentle transition into the night. Hold it as you fall asleep and then put it down next to you. Read more about a bedtime plush toy for adults.

After a cold, busy day

Coming home after a day full of stimuli? Take ten minutes on the sofa with your plush toy on your lap before you carry on. Coat off, shoes off, plush toy close and a few slow breaths out.

For kids in winter

Kids also spend more time indoors in winter and sometimes have fewer chances to burn off their energy. A regular quiet moment with a plush toy, for example during story time, can help to end the day calmly. Suitable from 3 years. You'll find tips for the evening in a bedtime routine for kids: helping your child settle down for bed.

Weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket in winter?

A weighted blanket is warm and covers a large part of your body, mainly in bed. A weighted plush toy is something you hold, and you also use it during the day on the sofa or at the table. Many people combine the two in winter: the plush toy on the sofa, the blanket in bed. Read the comparison weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket.

And what about a microwavable heat plush?

In winter you'll also see plush toys that you warm up in the microwave. They're usually filled with grain or seeds and mainly give warmth. A weighted stuffed animal mainly gives weight and gentle pressure. It's filled with glass beads and you don't heat it up: it warms up naturally from your own body. Want to compare the two? Read more about a microwavable stuffed animal and a weighted one.

Many people combine the two in winter: the plush toy on the sofa, the blanket in bed.

A weighted stuffed animal as a winter gift

Looking for a Christmas present, or a gift for someone who finds winter a bit harder? A weighted stuffed animal is a gift that stays close all winter long. Every Hugsback comes in a luxury gift tube with a certificate and a thank-you card, so you don't have to wrap it yourself. And if it isn't quite right after all, there are 30 days' free returns.

Choose the animal that suits them: the loyal Elephant, the calm Turtle, the trusty Dog or the strong, gentle Horse. All 2 kg and approx. 45 cm, suitable from 3 years. Browse all weighted stuffed animals. Giving two, for example to your children or to yourself and someone else? With Mix & Match you get 30% off the second plush toy, or choose one of the bundles.

Tips for using it in winter

• Don't heat the plush toy in the microwave or oven, or on the radiator.
• Don't place it on the face or neck, and with kids not high up on the chest.
• Stop if it feels too warm or too heavy.
• Clean it with a damp cloth. A Hugsback has no removable cover.

Frequently asked questions about a weighted stuffed animal in winter

Is a weighted stuffed animal nice in winter?

Many people find it especially lovely in winter: on the sofa during long evenings and at bedtime.

Does a weighted stuffed animal get warm?

It takes on your body heat, like any plush toy. Don't heat it yourself in the microwave or on the radiator.

Can I heat up a weighted stuffed animal in the microwave?

No, not a Hugsback. It's filled with glass beads and isn't a heat plush. If you'd like extra warmth, put a blanket over your legs and the plush toy on your lap.

Plush toy or blanket in winter?

A blanket lies over you in bed, a plush toy is something you hold, during the day too. Many people use both.

Is a weighted stuffed animal a good winter gift?

Yes. It comes in a gift tube and stays close all winter long.

Finally

Winter calls for warmth and comfort. A weighted stuffed animal gives you something soft and heavy to hold on long evenings. The plush toy that hugs you back, all winter long.