I Love These Weighted, Microwaveable Lavender-Stuffed Gems So Much, I Bought 20

As someone who regularly deals with mental health hurdles, from my anxiety to my seasonal depression to my general up-and-down mood, it should come as no surprise that I rely on my “comfort items.” That usually includes a blanket (or many blankets), movies I’ve watched a million times, and lavender oil on my pulse points. But there’s one item that comforts me more than anything: one of my Warmies. I’ve always had a soft spot for stuffed animals, even in adulthood, but Warmies are the ultimate comfort item. I love warming one up and laying it on my chest; I feel the worries and sad feelings melt away little by little. 

I have almost 20 Warmies. I love switching them out with the seasons (the robin for spring, the snowman for winter) and preference (when I want an extra-comforting Warmie that lays perfectly flat on my chest, I get out my manatee). The Highland cow and sea turtle are the newest Warmies in my collection, which I found on vacation. While I love my warmies all year round, if you’re looking to invest in a weighted blanket or a new cozy fall gem then this is the one I would recommend before it gets properly cold out. 

The Warmies company has been in business for 30 years, and for good reason. Warmies are stuffed animals filled with lavender, and you can heat them up in the microwave. They also have a satisfying weight to them — and they’ve created a cult following of people who love them as much as I do. And although they’re popular with kiddos, adults love them too, as witnessed on social media.

First of all: I’m a sucker for anything that’s cute, and Warmies are definitely super-cute. I mean, how can you resist their adorable little faces? And grilled cheese? A woolly mammoth? An axolotl? Take my money! But more important than being an adorable addition to my sofa, they also provide major comforting vibes. While I usually warm one up every night as I power down, I find myself especially reaching for them in those bad mental health moments — those times when my mood hits rock bottom or I’m anxious about something. I even bring them along to appointments (like my last dentist appointment, when the hygienist was nice enough to warm it up in the microwave, or to get my blood drawn). That warmth and weighted feeling can’t be matched. 

Also, on chilly days, after I come in from the cold, the first things I usually want are my Warmie and a blanket. There’s also the fact that they’re basically little heating pads that don’t require a cord. I tucked one behind my sore lower back during a recent road trip and had instant relief. They’re also great for cramps. And although the warmth feels amazing, they can also be cooled down in the refrigerator or freezer (I like to do that on particularly balmy summer days). If you deal with mental health stuff like me, or are just, you know, a human having a bad day or needing some extra comfort, I highly recommend picking up a Warmie. Or two. Or three. Or, in my case, a few dozen. 

Buy: Warmies Stuffed Animals, price varies