Stuffed animals are loved by people of all ages, as they are perfect for cuddling and offer warmth and comfort. Their soft bodies and lifelike facial features endear them to children and adults alike. Besides, they also make loyal friends for your children and furry pets. And when you, your children, or furry friends are filled with anxiety and stress, these stuffed animals can offer much-needed comfort and provide a sense of calm. Keep scrolling as we list the best-stuffed animals for anxiety that come in various sizes, materials, and designs.

13 Best Stuffed Animals For Anxiety

1. TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie

If you are someone who follows the latest trends on TikTok, you have already come across this plush toy by TeeTurtle. Resembling an octopus, this reversible plush toy made of extremely soft fabrics can be used to show your mood without saying a word. Depending on how you feel, you can flip the plushie to get its happy or angry face. This plushie is easily portable and makes a great companion for adults and children alike. It is available in a plethora of colors and animal designs, including unicorns, cats, dogs, pandas, and turtles. So, bring home one or add as many as you can to your stuffed animals collection and improve your mood. Pros

Cuddle-friendly Original patented design Machine washable Suitable for gifting

Cons

Colors may be lighter than expected May collect mold if not washed

2. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy

Snuggle Puppy from SmartPetLove has been designed to comfort you and help you sleep tight at night. It features a Real-Feel dual-mode heartbeat that can be set to beat for eight hours or 24 hours.It is powered by two AAA batteries and is available in black, brown, and white. Further, it includes a disposable warmer that is odorless and easy to use. You could also bring this home to alleviate your pet’s stress whenever you are not around. Pros

Made of safety-certified materials Odorless Machine washable Available in different colors

Cons

May not be easy to dry

3. Gund Cozys Kitty Cat Stuffed Animal

Gund brings you this cat stuffed animal that deserves millions of hugs for its soft and huggable body and cute face. Made of super-soft and huggable material and featuring rippled and textured fur, you are assured of happiness whenever you hug it. This toy is an apt choice for gifting on any occasion, be it Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, or Easter. Further, it is suitable for children across different age groups and is perfect for cuddling and relieving children’s stress at home or school. Pros

Easy to hold when playing Comes in a protective poly bag Apt for ages one and above Available in different colors

Cons

May not be true to color May be smaller than expected

4. Purrble Companion Calming Toy

This toy from Purrble is an interactive toy that responds to touch and movement by sighing, giggling, and grunting to create a lifelike experience for your child. This toy is suitable for Gen Z and millennials too, so whether your child has stress due to school, college, or work, this toy has got them covered. The calming toy is made of extremely soft plush and makes a perfect cuddle companion that helps relieve stress and alleviate anxiety. Pros

Powered by responsive technology Made from custom dye fabric Does not make any loud sounds Suitable for sleep time

Cons

May experience wear and tear over time

5. Moropaky Heartbeat Toy

Not only humans, but dogs too face anxiety that can manifest through signs such as yelling, crying, negative behaviors, anxious barking, and chewing. To help them calm down and relieve their stress and anxiety, this toy from Moropaky relies on sound therapy. Your furry friend will feel that heartbeat of this dog toy whenever they feel anxious or lonely and get back to normal. It also helps create a comforting environment for your dog and helps them adapt to their surroundings. The furry dog toy runs on three AAA batteries and is suitable for machine wash. To wash this toy, remove the heart simulator, and you are good to go. Pros

Shuts down automatically after eight hours Helps induce positive behavior Reduces anxiety during thunderstorms Available in three colors

Cons

Battery may be prone to heating Stuffing may pop out from overuse

6. 1i4 Warm Pals Lavender Scented Elephant Stuffed Animal

This super soft and cute elephant stuffed animal from 1i4 is not just a toy but a comforting friend for you and your children. It is filled with natural grains and infused with a lavender scent. Further, This penguin stuffed animal is filled with natural grains and infused with a French lavender scent. It helps you relax and calm down when you hug it and helps release your tense muscles. This toy is suitable for children of all ages and can be an apt buddy for them when they play or sleep. Pros

Suitable for aromatherapy Can be placed in a freezer Microwave-friendly Works as a bedroom decoration

Cons

Seams may not be well-stitched May have a moldy smell initially

7. 1i4 Peppy Penguin Microwaveable Lavender Scented Plush Toy

Here’s another super-soft and adorable stuffed animal that can be heated or cooled to help you relax. This penguin stuffed animal is filled with natural grains and infused with a French lavender scent to let you enjoy aromatherapy in the comfort of your home. To use this toy, place it in the microwave for 90 seconds or in the freezer to cool. This toy is not just a toy but also a best friend for your children. Pros

Helps ease tense muscles from body Works as a collectible Travel-friendly Suitable for ages two years and above

Cons

May have a peculiar odor

8. Weok Behavioral Aid Plush Toy

This heartbeat dog stuffed animal from Weok has been designed to relieve anxiety and loneliness and help your furry friends adapt to a new environment and help them sleep better. Its pulsing heart is powered by three AAA batteries. The puppy toy is made of high-quality plush fabrics and has a Velcro design, making it safe and comfortable to play with. Further, it is washable in a washing machine. Are you looking for a new best friend for your pet? Thanks to this toy, your search ends here. Pros

Has a convenient velcro storage Multipurpose Can be used in therapy sessions Available in three colors

Cons

May run out of battery quickly May not be chewable

9. Sensory4U Panda Bear Weighted Blanket

Here is an adorable panda bear toy for children aged three years and above. It is silky soft and helps calm the nerves of your little ones and gives them extra comfort when heated in a microwave. It comes with a quality zipper and has a removable inner weighted blanket pad filled with glass beads. Further, this toy makes an ideal companion for children with autism, ADHD, and poor concentration levels. Pros

Softness resembles a pillow Suitable for therapy Hand-washable exterior Easy to clean

Cons

Joints may not be stitched properly

10. Disney Mickey Mouse Plush Animals

Here’s a weighted plush Mickey Mouse toy from Disney that is made of soft and stretchable fabric. Your children will love snuggling next to this adorable toy at night and even carrying it with them to school. Further, the weighted stuffed toy measures 14-inch tall, making it perfect for cuddling. Get the Minnie Mouse and Stitch weighted plush friends too and complete your child’s collection. Pros

Provides sensory stimulation Suitable for using in daycares Suitable for sleep time Colorful

Cons

Not machine washable Not microwavable

11. Fun And Function Plush Weighted Stuffed Animal

Here is an adorable teddy bear that helps promote children’s focus and attention and soothes anxiety. It is made of quality polyester and filled with polyester fiber. This 14-inch tall toy weighs three pounds and has undergone multiple tests to meet the safety standards. It also helps develop children’s gross motor skills and stimulates their senses. Further, your little ones can take this toy along for comfort when traveling. So, gift this soft and cuddly toy to your child to provide them with much-needed comfort whenever and wherever. Pros

Embroidered facial structures Helps process sensory information Suitable for those with attention disorders Easy to wash Can be air dried

Cons

Not machine washable

12. All For Paws Cuddler Pig For Kittens

Here is an adorable snoring piggy from AFP to help to comfort your kitty when it’s lonely or anxious. It is made of soft and cozy material to give the perfect cuddles to your pets. This toy has a press-activated snoring device that can be activated multiple times. Thanks to this cute plush toy, your furry friend can find comfort. Further, the toy is powered by two AAA batteries and is easy to wash and maintain. Pros

Reduces anxiety through natural instinct Outer layer is washable Apt for everyday use Comes with one-year warranty

Cons

Batteries may lose charge quickly Seams may not be well-stitched

13. Manimo Weighted Stuffed Animal For Kids

This relaxation companion is designed to calm your child’s nerves and reduce stress and anxiety. It is weighted to lay on your child’s lap, shoulder, or legs to offer comfort. The toy is made of quality fabrics and filled with non-toxic polyethylene beads. This stuffed animal is easy to wash and makes a perfect cuddle buddy at school or home. Pros

Available in two styles Promotes attention Suitable for ages three and above Easy to carry around

Cons

Seams may come apart over time

How To Choose The Right Stuffed Animals For Anxiety?

Consider the following factors when choosing a stuffed animal to soothe anxiety.

  1. Animal Stuffed animals are available in various animal types. So, choosing one that is modeled after your favorite animal or that of your child’s is crucial.
  2. Age Age plays an important factor in deciding which stuffed animal you should buy. For children below five years, you can choose a toy that does not contain small parts that can pose a choking hazard. You may also choose toys with interactive elements to keep your children engaged and alleviate their anxiety. For slightly older children, you may choose those that are extremely huggable. And for adults, you may choose warmies that allow one to indulge in aromatherapy.
  3. Material Select stuffed animals made of quality fabric and filled with quality material. The material should also be safe for the skin and be easy to wash.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose is a dedicated writer and researcher who extensively reviews toys and gifts for people of all ages. She has handpicked these stuffed animals after examining their features and considering several expert user reviews on renowned websites. She has left no stone unturned to keep you informed about the various aspects of the products so that you can make an informed choice. Priti has also listed different types of stuffed animals to ensure you find a perfect one for yourself, your child, or your furry friend.