# Limited-Edition Weighted Companions Hugz Launched Mabel the Manta Ray for Mental Health Awareness By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-05-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mabel-the-manta-ray References: [drugstorenews](https://drugstorenews.com/news-briefs/2026-05-18?article=maybelline-new-york-and-hugz-team-mental-health-awareness-month-initiative) & [givehugz.co](https://givehugz.co/products/mabel-the-manta-ray)  For Mental Health Awareness Month, weighted stuffed animal creator [Hugz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugz) joined forces with [Maybelline New York](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mental-healthfocused) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-mental-health-day), helping support mental health education, advocacy, and resources. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.3/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 77% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Sectors Adopting This - **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. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Grandma-Inspired Sneaker Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grandmas-couch-2-rivalry-lo.md) - [Self-Care Treat Pints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therapy-in-a-pint.md) - [Mindful Fragrance Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayali-and-calm.md) - [Fruit-Scented Blemish Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scented-pimple-patches.md) - [Mental Health Toy Curations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dose-of-play.md) - [Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morgans-message.md) - [Philanthropic Media Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-to-the-street.md) - [Sports-Focused Diversity Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/european-diversity-month.md) - [Endurance Tap Dance Performances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/endurance-tap-dance.md)