Weighted Toy DIY: Update a Stuffed Animal

Learn how easy it is to turn any stuffed animal plush into a soothing sensory lovey with this weighted toy DIY.

Weighted stuffed toys have a grounding effect. These “heavy helpers” assist those who are dealing with sensory processing issues or trauma. Multiple studies have shown how a weighted toy helps calm the nervous system. Luckily it’s very easy to make these self soothing toys using things you might already have at home! Save a lot of time by using an existing stuffed toy (maybe even one that the recipient already loves!) as a base for your weighted toy DIY.

Weighted Toy DIY Supply List

• Stuffed animal
• Poly-Fil® Poly-Pellets® Weighted Stuffing Beads
• Snack or sandwich sized storage bags with zip closure
• Packaging Tape (optional)
• Seam ripper or small scissors
• Needle & thread

How to Turn a Plush into a Sensory Toy

I created a short video tutorial that explains step by step how to turn any stuffed animal into a comforting weighted toy. This project is so easy and quick to make that you can easily create multiple gifts or enough toys to fill a classroom with! All you have to do is:

1. Measure the Poly-Pellets® into small plastic bags. One cup of Poly-Pellets® weighs approximately 1/3 of a pound, so I used three bags to add one pound of weight to my stuffed toy.
2. For added safety, place the bag of Poly-Pellets® into a second bag and seal that. You can use clear packaging tape to make sure the bags can’t be ripped open and spill.
3. Open one of the seams on the underside of the stuffed toy. Remove some of the stuffing and replace it with the bags of Poly-Pellets®.
4. Stitch the opening shut. Other options for closing the seam include velcro, snaps, or a zipper.

The video shows you exactly how to measure, prepare, and seal the Poly-Pellets®, as well as how to fluff up an old stuffed animal before you add the Poly-Pellets. My son loves his new and improved narwhal, and now I think I need to make my own weighted toy!