A Weighted Buddy is a soft, cuddly companion that contains carefully distributed weight to provide comforting deep-pressure stimulation.

The gentle pressure can create a reassuring, hugged feeling when the Buddy is held close, rested across the lap, or cuddled against the body.

Each Weighted Buddy is handcrafted with comfort, softness and balanced weight distribution in mind.

Weighted Buddies provide gentle pressure when they are held or placed across the body. This type of sensory input is commonly referred to as deep-pressure stimulation (DPS).

Many people find gentle, consistent pressure comforting and calming. A Weighted Buddy can become part of a person’s relaxation, sensory or quiet-time routine.

Weighted Buddies are designed for children, teenagers and adults who enjoy the comforting sensation of gentle pressure.

They may be particularly appealing to people who benefit from sensory support, relaxation, quiet time, or simply having a comforting physical companion close by.

Everyone is different, so the best Buddy is one that feels comfortable and appropriate for the individual.

Weighted Buddies are wonderful companions for many everyday situations, including:

• At home
• During reading or homework
• While watching television
• During quiet or relaxation time
• At school
• During therapy sessions
• While travelling
• In hospitals or care environments
• As part of a bedtime or relaxation routine

A useful general starting point when choosing a weighted product is around 10–15% of the person’s body weight.

For example, someone weighing 40 kg might start by looking at a Buddy weighing approximately 4–6 kg.

However, this is only a general guideline. People have different sensory preferences, and some individuals, particularly those who enjoy stronger deep pressure, may prefer a heavier Buddy within a comfortable and appropriate range.

The most important thing is that the Buddy feels comfortable and can be used safely.

Every Weighted Buddy on our website includes its weight and recommended body-weight range, making it easier to find a suitable option.

If you’re unsure which Buddy to choose, please contact us. We’re happy to help you compare the different weights and sizes.

The amount of pressure someone finds comforting is very individual.

Some people enjoy a lighter Buddy, while others prefer the more substantial feeling of a heavier Buddy. People who experience a lot of restlessness or who particularly enjoy deep pressure may sometimes prefer a heavier Buddy.

This is a matter of individual preference rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.

Absolutely.

The size, shape, texture and design of a Buddy can be just as important as its weight, depending on how you intend to use it.

For example, a longer Buddy may be lovely to rest across your lap, while a smaller Buddy may be easier to carry when travelling.

We recommend considering both the Buddy’s weight and its size while using the recommended body-weight range as your starting point.

Our Weighted Buddies are thoughtfully filled and balanced to provide a comfortable distribution of weight.

Because every Buddy is handcrafted, there may be small variations between individual Buddies.

Our Weighted Buddies are filled with glass beads to provide their weight.

We don’t use materials such as sand to create the weight inside our Buddies.

Glass beads are an excellent filling material for a washable weighted product.

Unlike materials such as sand, plastic pellets, rice or beans, glass beads don’t absorb moisture and don’t have an unpleasant smell that people sensitive to smell could find uncomfortable.

They also allow us to carefully distribute the weight throughout the Buddy, enclosed in material bags.

This means your Buddy can be cleaned when necessary while maintaining its comforting weight.

Weighted Buddies are handcrafted with comfort and appropriate use in mind.

Because a Weighted Buddy is a weighted product, it is important to select an appropriate weight and use it as intended.

A Buddy should never be used in a way that restricts breathing, movement or the person’s ability to move it away independently.

For young children, vulnerable individuals, or anyone with specific medical, physical or mobility concerns, we recommend consulting an appropriate healthcare professional before using a weighted product.

Our Buddies are available in different sizes and weights and can be suitable for a range of users.

Suitability depends on the individual’s size, weight, development and ability to safely handle the Buddy.

Please use the recommended body-weight range shown on each product page as a guide.

For young children, adult supervision is recommended.

Yes, Weighted Buddies can be used by children when an appropriately weighted Buddy is selected, and the child can safely manage it.

Always consider the child’s individual needs and ability to independently remove or move the Buddy.

If you are unsure whether a weighted Buddy is appropriate for your child, please speak to an occupational therapist or other suitable healthcare professional.

Absolutely.

Weighted Buddies aren’t only for children. Adults can also enjoy the comforting pressure and soft, tactile experience of a weighted companion.

They can be lovely for reading, relaxing, travelling, quiet time, or simply having something comforting to hold close.

A Weighted Buddy can be incorporated into a relaxing bedtime routine, but it should always be used responsibly.

A weighted product should not restrict breathing, movement or the person’s ability to move it away independently.

For children, vulnerable individuals, or anyone with specific health or mobility concerns, we recommend consulting an appropriate healthcare professional before using a weighted product during sleep.

No. Weighted Buddies are not designed to be dog toys or chew toys.

We understand why some people ask about this. Dogs that love tearing apart ordinary soft toys may seem like they could benefit from a heavier toy that is more difficult to destroy.

However, Weighted Buddies contain glass beads to provide their weight, and this makes them unsuitable for dogs to chew, bite or play with.

If a dog damages the Buddy, the filling could potentially become exposed. Glass beads can be dangerous if swallowed or otherwise ingested by a dog.

For this reason:

• Never give a Weighted Buddy to a dog as a toy.
• Do not allow dogs to chew or play with a Weighted Buddy.
• Keep your Buddy somewhere your dog cannot get hold of it.
• Take extra care with puppies and dogs that like to chew or destroy soft toys.
• If your Buddy is damaged, remove it from use immediately and keep it away from pets and children until it has been inspected or repaired.

Weighted Buddies are made to provide comfort and companionship for people, not as chew toys for pets. 🐶❌🧸

Our Buddies can be cleaned when needed.

For a small spot or mark, we recommend gently cleaning the area with a little Vanish and a damp cloth. Always use a small amount first and avoid aggressively rubbing the fur.

If your Buddy is very dirty, the best method is to wash it gently in a large bucket of cold water using a mild washing powder.

Once washed, allow your Buddy to dry thoroughly in the sun before using it again.

Because each Buddy is handcrafted, please treat it gently when washing and avoid harsh scrubbing or very hot water.

We recommend hand washing rather than putting your Buddy in a washing machine.

The gentle bucket-washing method helps protect the Buddy’s stitching, fur and internal filling.

If you’re unsure how to clean a particular Buddy, please contact us before washing it.

Don’t worry — you don’t have to try and fix everything yourself.

We offer a Buddy Grooming Service for Buddies that need some extra care.

During a grooming session, we can:

• Wash your Buddy
• Comb and groom the fur
• Check the Buddy for damage
• Repair stitching where necessary
• Give your Buddy some much-needed TLC

To book a grooming session, simply email herman@weightedbuddies.co.za, and we’ll arrange the details with you.

If your Buddy develops a tear, loose stitching or other damage, please stop using it until it has been checked.

You can contact us to arrange a Buddy Grooming and Repair Session, where we’ll inspect the Buddy and repair stitching where possible.

Please email herman@weightedbuddies.co.za to arrange a grooming session.

Because your Weighted Buddy contains glass beads and is considerably heavier than an ordinary soft toy, it is important to support the Buddy’s body when picking it up or carrying it.

Please never pick up or carry your Buddy by the ears, legs, arms, tail, fins or other attached parts.

The extra weight can place strain on the stitching and may cause damage or tearing if the Buddy is lifted by one of these areas.

Instead, always support the Buddy’s main body with both hands when lifting or moving it.

With a little care, your Buddy can remain a much-loved companion for a very long time. 💛

You have two options.

Shop online:
Browse our collection online and choose your favourite Buddy from the available products.

Visit us in Benoni:
You are also welcome to visit us in person. We have a room filled with Weighted Buddies where you can see the different animals, sizes and weights and choose your Buddy in person.

Our address is:

58 Waterhouse Road
Benoni North
Benoni, 1501
Gauteng, South Africa

If you’d like to visit us, please contact us beforehand so we can make sure someone is available to assist you.

Yes, collection is available in Benoni.

If you choose collection when placing your order, we’ll provide the relevant collection details and let you know when your Buddy is ready.

Yes, we offer delivery within South Africa.

Delivery options and costs will be shown during the ordering process.

Delivery times can vary depending on your location, the Buddy you’ve ordered and the courier service.

Your estimated delivery information will be provided during the ordering process or communicated with you after your order is placed.

Our Buddies are handcrafted in limited quantities, so some favourites may occasionally sell out.

If the Buddy you’re looking for is unavailable, please contact us. We may be able to let you know when another Buddy becomes available or help you find a similar option.

Yes.

Each Weighted Buddy is handcrafted with care in Benoni, South Africa.

Because our Buddies are handmade individually, small differences in appearance, shape and weight may occur. These little differences are part of what makes each Buddy unique.

Our Weighted Buddies are proudly handcrafted in Benoni, South Africa.

Our Buddies come in different sizes and weights because people have different comfort preferences and sensory needs.

Each product page provides the Buddy’s weight and a recommended body-weight range so you can make a more informed choice.

No — and that’s part of their charm.

Each Buddy has its own personality and individual characteristics. Fur texture, shape, colouring and small details may vary slightly because our Buddies are individually handcrafted.