For Mental Health Awareness Month, weighted stuffed animal creator Hugz joined forces with Maybelline New York to launch Mabel the Manta Ray, a soft, limited-edition companion that inspires slowing down, getting grounded and lifting stress, anxiety and depression. Additionally, Hugz notes that Mabel's calming presence is helpful for assisting with sensory conditions of autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental concerns.
Unlike weighted blankets that can be big and bulky, this companion is portable, compact, and ideal for providing relief by applying gentle pressure to targeted areas. Weighing in at 3.8 pounds, Mabel the Manta Ray soothes by mimicking the feeling of a comforting hug.
All proceeds from Mabel the Manta Ray will be donated to NAMI, helping support mental health education, advocacy, and resources.
Limited-Edition Weighted Companions
Hugz Launched Mabel the Manta Ray for Mental Health Awareness
Trend Themes
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Portable Weighted Companions — Smaller, travel-friendly weighted items are creating possibilities for discreet, on-the-go calming solutions that replicate therapeutic deep-pressure benefits without the bulk of traditional blankets.
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Branded Cause Collaborations — High-profile partnerships between lifestyle brands and mental health organizations are shaping products that combine social impact narratives with mainstream consumer appeal.
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Sensory-focused Product Design — Designs centered on tactile comfort and targeted pressure are enabling novel product forms tailored to neurodiverse sensory needs and therapeutic use cases.
Industry Implications
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Mental Health Products — The sector is moving toward consumer-friendly therapeutic goods that blend clinical benefits with comforting aesthetics, expanding alternatives to traditional treatment adjuncts.
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Toy and Plush Manufacturers — Manufacturers of soft goods are seeing demand for function-forward plush items that serve both emotional support and sensory therapy roles.
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Healthcare Philanthropy Partnerships — Philanthropic tie-ins with product launches are emerging as a model for brands to fund advocacy and resource networks while enhancing perceived product legitimacy.