This Weighted Stuffed Animal Dino Keeps Selling Out—Here's Where to Find It

Some stuffed animals seem to have magical powers. They are able to comfort our children in times of uncertainty, spark their imagination when they're feeling lonely, and even become their inseparable friends. But a new generation of plushies offers an even more impressive service to our kids: they can help ease their anxiety. That seems to be the case with the new weighted anxiety dino trending on TikTok.

The now viral dino is actually part of Target's nursery decorative pillow line, but is just as cuddly as your favorite Teddy bear. The plush toy is available as a classic pink dinosaur, a green triceratops, a spotted cheetah, or a golden-horned unicorn. They all measure around 20 inches, feature a sensory-friendly soft exterior, weigh a little under 3 pounds, and cost $20.

"Weighted plush toys bring together several things that have a soothing effect on a child's mind and body," pediatric psychologist Aliza Grodko, Psy.D., tells Parents, "Weighted, cozy objects apply deep pressure to the body and that can help a child feel calm and organized." Additionally, Grodko explains that plush toys, in general, offer kids comfort, companionship, and a sense of security. "Put those two elements together, and you have a pretty powerful 'toy' or tool that can enhance your child's well-being."

To buy: Weighted Anxiety Dino, $20; Target.com

Target shoppers certainly agree with Dr. Grodko's assessment. One unicorn owner wrote that her weighted stuffed animal helps her sleep at night and calms her when she has panic attacks. Another commenter loves the weighted and squishy combination, which helps calm their anxiety and stimming (repetitive, self-stimmulating behaviors). On TikTok the plushies have quite a following, raking up hundreds of thousands of views on videos by influencers who recommend them for everything from comfort to sensory processing disorders to anxiety.

The downside to all of the attention is that the weighted anxiety dino is often hard to find in stock. Luckily, it's not the only weighted stuffed animal out there, so if you're struggling to get your hands on one of the dinos for your child, here are some alternative weighted stuffed animals to consider.