I Know, It Sounds Crazy. Allow Me to Explain…
Last holiday season, I spent a week at my parents’ house. My dad—being the thoughtful gifter that he is—gave my mom a gorgeous velvet weighted blanket from Bearaby, and I (much to my mom’s dismay) spent the entire trip snuggled up under it.
When I got back to my apartment in Chicago, I tried to order the exact same one…only to find that it was already sold out. After that, I became obsessed. I think it was because I had the best sleep of my life while I crashed on my old childhood twin mattress. I checked the Bearaby website almost every day for three months, but unfortunately, the limited-release blanket was gone for the year.
It was torture to see happy Bearaby customers cuddling with their Velvet Nappers all year long on Instagram. As my luck would have it, there’s a cult-like following for the eco-velvet collection and it sells out every year in just a few weeks (if not days).
Once I realized I’d missed my chance, I ordered their bestselling Cotton Napper ($199-$279) instead, which I LOVE… but there was something about that Velvet Napper that I couldn’t get out of my mind.
I’ve patiently waited for the Velvet Napper ($249-$279) to be restocked for almost a year, so when I finally spotted it on Bearaby’s website a few days ago, I could not have bought one faster. Bearaby also released a series of matching limited edition velvet Hugget pillows ($29-$129) and velvet covers for their body pillow—The Cuddler ($199)—which I obviously had to get too. They also recently released a Warmables line ($69-$129)—with a heated neck wrap, bottle, and lap pad. I put a pin in that for later.
Last week, a big Bearaby box arrived at my door. I haven’t left my bed since.
So What Is Bearaby, Exactly?
Bearaby was founded in 2017 with the mission to make deep, restorative sleep possible for everyone while being kind to the planet, too. Bearaby now offers a full line of machine-washable weighted blankets and pillows in all weights, shapes, and sizes—all made from sustainable materials.
The product that started it all was their beautiful, hand-knit weighted blankets, which promote a calming, cozy sensation akin to being swaddled like a baby or wrapped in a big warm bear hug.
Apparently this is called Deep Touch Pressure, and it’s been scientifically proven to produce hormones that improve your mood, lessen stress and anxiety, and promote deeper sleep. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this blog post from Bearaby’s website on how deep touch pressure works.
So by now I’ve established that Bearaby is a kickass company. But why does their limited edition Velvet Napper have such a cult following? I’ve got a good idea…
They Drop Gorgeous New Colors Every Year
Bearaby’s limited edition velvet collection features six gemstone-inspired colors. Between the vibrant, earthy shades like Peridot and Tourmaline and the neutral hues like Rose Quartz, Silver Topaz, White Opal, and Jade, I had a difficult time choosing just one. I ended up picking the Tourmaline Napper, the White Opal Cuddler Cover, and a few Rose Quartz Huggets.
From my many months of stalking Bearaby’s Instagram and website, I know that there’s no way to know just how “limited” these limited-edition colors and products are. So I wasn’t taking any chances.
Unbelievably Soft and Cozy
The look and feel of Bearaby’s buttery soft eco-velvet is sublime, almost like a mix between velvet and silk. It’s soft and luminous (but not super shiny which I love). Between the slightly more heavy-weight feel of the Velvet Napper compared to my cotton one, and the added coziness of the Cuddler Cover and Huggets—my bed now feels like a cocoon.
For the first time, I’m actually excited about the frigid Chicago winter so I can cozy up with my blanket and body pillow. That said, the knit design means it’s still breathable and not too hot for comfort.
Last But Not Least: Sustainability
As I mentioned, all of Bearaby’s products are designed with the planet in mind. While their other products are made using organic, sustainably-grown cotton or eucalyptus fiber, the Velvet Napper, Huggets, and Cuddler Cover are GRS Certified and made from a proprietary “eco-velvet” material. Each Napper is made from almost a thousand ocean-bound plastic bottles, which are spun and brushed into their silky signature fabric.
To top it off, they ship everything in recycled cardboard boxes with reusable canvas bags. This means I can sleep (even more) soundly knowing I’m doing something to help our oceans. I think everyone can appreciate companies like Bearaby who don’t just use “eco-friendly” as a branding tactic, but actually weave sustainability into the fabric of their business.
160,000+ People Have Spoken
In addition to features all over the internet, from Architectural Digest to E! and Refinery 29, Bearaby has helped more than 160,000 happy nappers achieve the best sleep of their lives. According to their glowing reviews, everything Bearaby makes is expertly crafted, helps people sleep, and looks incredible in any room.
This blanket is magic. The velvet is SO soft and cozy, but it stays cool and comfortable all night. And, unlike my old weighted blanket that was full of plastic beads, my Bearaby keeps the weight evenly distributed. Just bought one for my sister!”
— Teyana M.
But don’t just take their (or my) word for it. Bearaby offers free shipping and returns, plus a 30-day “try it” policy, so you can test it out yourself. In the unlikely chance that you’re not a fan, you can send it back, no questions asked. That said, I can almost guarantee that you’ll fall in love with Bearaby’s velvet collection as quickly as I did.
If you want to experience the bliss of snuggling with a Velvet Napper, Cuddler, and Huggets, hurry up and get your favorite colors now…or you could be waiting until next year.