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Weighted blankets are specialized blankets that have risen in popularity along with the rise in mental health awareness we have seen in the last ten years. They grew in popularity due to their ability to reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm. But what exactly are they? Well, there are two types of weighted blankets; the first have small weights of some form sewn into them so that the weight is distributed evenly across the blanket’s surface. This variety is available in a number of different weight options as well as different colours and fabrics. The second is more simple as they are knitted from very heavy yarn, so they are heavy naturally rather than having additional weight added to them. These aren’t as customizable as the external weight options, but they are very tactile and visually appealing. The weights that are sewn into the blankets can be made from plastic poly pellets, glass beads, or steel shot beads that are poured into pockets across the whole surface. The design of these blankets usually utilizes a quilted design to ensure that the small pellets are distributed evenly.
What Makes a Good Weighted Blanket?
Ultimately this is a blanket first and foremost, so you want a nice soft, comforting feel that won’t have you feeling sweaty in the middle of the night. Aside from that, you are looking for even weight distribution, so you get the best coverage of soft pressure. Some blankets are lightweight for a basic weighted, comforting feeling, but to get the best results from a weighted blanket, you should buy one that is 10% of your body weight. A very handy extra feature that is a bonus if you want to style your blanket is to have ties for attaching a cover. This allows the blanket to stay in place within the cover and lets you fit the blanket in with your bedroom decor. Target has a large range of beautiful covers for this purpose if you want to check them out.
What Health Benefits do Weighted Blankets Have?
So, why exactly are these blankets so hyped up? Basically, they work on the same principle as a hug or a swaddle for a baby where the light pressure causes a calming and soothing effect. But how exactly does that work? It’s called deep pressure stimulation. This has been proven to boost your serotonin levels, which are responsible for improving your mood. It also increases your melatonin, which helps you get better rest, and decreases your cortisol levels which is your stress hormone. They have been scientifically proven to treat many mental health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, autism, ADHD, and depression. These blankets should always be used as a tool alongside a healthy mental health routine recommended by a mental health professional and not as a substitution.
Top Picks
Target has a lot of weighted blanket options, so many its almost overwhelming, so we are going to pick two of the best from each price range to try to give you a clear idea as to what\’s on offer.
$25-$50
Tranquility Essential Weighted Blanket
At the very beginning of the range, we have the Tranquility Essentials weighted blanket at $25. Tranquility is a brand that specializes in sleep, and they make a number of differently weighted blankets that will help you peacefully drift into sleep no matter what your budget is. This one has a very simple design that comes in 12, 15, and 20lb options. It is 48×72″ and made from polyester with a plain weave. It is weighted with small glass beads for a smooth texture that is distributed with a box quilt pattern. It is overall very plain and simple, but it will get the job done for a really affordable price.
One downside is that it only comes in one color option, a muted grey, but that is to be expected for the price. However, it does have additional loops for you to secure a duvet cover, so this is a problem that can easily be remedied. This blanket is recommended for adults only.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Cover loops
- Multiple weight options
Cons:
- One color
- Simple
- Not soft
Dreamnest Shiny Velvet Weighted Blanket
This luxurious option goes for a really affordable $50 that feels fancier than the price presumes. It is made from a thick, plush fabric that is soft and comforting to the touch with the added benefit of being weighted.
It measures 50×60″ and comes in 6 different colorways, so you can pick one to perfectly match your style and your bedroom decor. It is reversible and has a silky, velvet touch polyester that will keep you cozy and comforted. This one comes at a set 10lb which is a lightweight that provides a gentle pressure and is appropriate for any adult.
This blanket is hand wash and spot clean only, and it is recommended to be dried flat and not to iron it.
Pros:
- Soft and thick
- 6 colour option
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Only one weight option
$50-$100
Rejuve Rayon from Bamboo Weighted Blanket
In the next price pocket, we have the Rejuve Rayon weighted blanket at $84.99. If you are eco-conscious and like making the eco-friendly choice this one is for you! This blanket is made from silky rayon that is made from bamboo, so it feels great while being gentle on the environment. The luxurious fabric has a quilted design and is available in two sophisticated color options. It is also hypoallergenic, so you can save the planet and not trigger your allergies at the same time while you relax in style.
The blanket measures 48×72″, so it is ideal for one person. This only comes in one weight option of 12lb to provide a light-weighted effect that is a little more stimulating than the 10lb we have looked at previously.
This blanket, like many others, is handwash only and should be dried flat.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Luxurious feel
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Only 2 colors
- Only 1 weight option
Tranquility Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
For our first knitted option, we have another option from Tranquility in their Chunky Knit weighted blanket for $99.99. This gorgeous, cozy knit comes in two neutral color options, blue and grey, and wouldn’t look out of place in any contemporary lounge design
It is 48×72″ and weights 12lb, all the weight coming from the wool itself, which means it has a naturally evenly distributed weight. These blankets tend to have a longer lifespan than the ones that have added weight, and they look really cozy and comforting into the bargain. As if that wasn’t enough, it also has antimicrobial protection with a hypoallergenic fill, so those with allergies don’t need to worry. This blanket is strictly spot clean only due to the fabric\’s immense natural weight when wet.
Pros:
- Antimicrobial
- Hypoallergenic
- Attractive
Cons:
- Hand wash only
$100-$150
Casaluna Solid Knit Weighted Blanket
At the very top of the price spectrum, we have a really beautiful chunky knit blanket from Casaluna for $139. It has three different finishes, neutral colors, dark grey, natural, and blush, that will have this chunky knit fitting into any contemporary room perfectly. The fabric is super soft and comfortable against the skin and is made from STANDARD 100 Oexo-tex certified cotton. It is 50×70″ and weighs 12lb, so it provides a nice gentle weight.
Although this blanket is really beautiful and tactile, the price is very steep for a blanket, weighted or not. So you will have to decide whether the design and not having to replace it is worth the extra investment.
Pros:
- Attractive
- Oeko-tex certified cotton
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Knitted Weighted Blanket
The best knitted weighted blanket is the Tranquility Chunky Knit. It is a reasonable price, it looks really beautiful, and it has a long life span, so this one is a really great option. It can sit on your couch and resemble a perfectly normal blanket, so you can benefit from the effects of the blanket without the design of your home being affected.
If you prefer the knitted version of these wonderfully calming blankets, you can’t go wrong with the Tranquility Chunky Knit.
Best Value for Money
Yet again, our recommendation is for Tranquility! There is a reason that Tranquility was voted the number 1 selling weighted blanket brand. The best option for your budget is the Tranquility Essential weighted blanket. At $25, this is a really affordable blanket that could fit just about any blanket. If you really want the benefits of these miracle blankets but are on a budget, then this one will satisfy your every need until you can invest in a more luxurious option. It is also the only one with multiple weight options, so you can pick the option that will benefit your body weight most.
Conclusion
Weighted blankets are a truly innovative creation that lets you take control of your mental health at home in the most natural manner. Target has an extensive range of blankets from, as we have shown, a wide variety of price ranges, so you will certainly be able to find one within your price range with your desired finish.
Out of all these choices, we would recommend the Shiny Velvet Weighted Blanket from Deamnest. This blanket is affordable at only $50 with a really luxurious feel and a gentle 10lb weight. You can’t go wrong with this option for the most peaceful, dreamless sleep every night without fail.