****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This little (albeit weighted in a way that isn't too heavy) panda and blanket have absolutely made my son's life a LOT better (especially at night when his panic disorder issues are more prevalent and his OCD routines really get to him). He is 10 and has a very established routine that he created to assist his autistic lifestyle, but due to illness and a new medication he began, his routine was disrupted. Therefore, he had a hard time resting and relaxing, and his panic was intense. His OCD rituals would last hours, and we'd both be awake until 4 a.m., trying to get through every emotion.Enter Panda (he calls his panda "Pandemonium," haha - it's cute to me, considering how OCD and panic do cause pandemonium!) as well as the weighted blanket. The panda is a great, high-quality material with weight distributed throughout the bottom, so when it sits on his lap before he goes to bed, it is comforting. I've even held it (I'm autistic as well, and have severe OCD and anxiety - and since my 10-year-old and I are about the same height and weight, I can feel that nice, heavy-but-not-overbearing feeling), and it's a very comforting and cute creature! The panda is adorable, and even with our kitten around (who chews on everything she can), the panda hasn't broken at all. He remains as adorable as ever despite kitten teeth. :)The blanket is also a perfect addition, too - one side has a very cute, calm print with pandas eating and smiling, and the other side is a light grey with slightly raised, textured bumps. Those have been *fantastic* for my son's sensory needs - he can hold the panda and put the blanket on his lap, or even next to him in bed, and run his fingers over the bumps for self-soothing. The fabric is very soft and plush, and even though I have had to wash it once, the blanket held up! It's the perfect combo - the weighted blanket and the weighted panda, which isn't too heavy for kids, but has a nice, solid weight, as well as solid construction.I did try to microwave both the panda and blanket, and while there is a slight scent, I wouldn't say it's very scented. To be honest, I didn't order the set because of the scent, so that doesn't bother me, but it's just a heads-up to those who are looking for a more noticeable scent. I only knocked one star off the scent rating because it's there, but it's not strong - which, again, is perfectly fine for my son. But if you want something stronger, perhaps a lavender spray on top of the blanket would be better/enhance the sensory effect of scent?The whole set was nicely packaged in a drawstring bag, which was a perfect addition. It's not like we go anywhere right now - thank you, pandemic - but when the time comes, my son can take his items in the bag without fear of being bullied or teased. The bag isn't made to hold weight forever, and I wouldn't put more than 6-10 pounds in there, but it absolutely works for things like clothing, fidgets (which is what we're currently using it for!), and even toiletries if need be. It's not a full overnight backpack, but for little things, it's wonderful, and again, holds the panda and small blanket nicely.This is an absolutely wonderful set that can be beneficial to children and adults for myriad reasons (autism, OCD, panic, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, or just for someone who needs a token of love and thoughtfulness). If I had some extra money, I'd probably buy one for myself! But I can verify that my 10-year-old loves the panda and blanket, the materials are cute and hold up, and while the scent isn't strong, it's still a wonderful gift. No complaints, and I know I'll be a repeat customer as soon as I can be. 5 stars all around. Don't hesitate on this one - it's worth it for certain!Found this lovely gift option with a warming pad and Panda, which are both adorable! Teen girl (my husband's little sister) LOVES the present!Both items have a great weight to them, without being too heavy, and the pad is a great size for abdomen or back/shoulders. The scent is there without warming, but not strong/overwhelming - I didn't get the chance to smell/feel it warm (but hope to get my own Dolphin!).She does cheer competitions, so the carrying bag is very handy for that.The only thing that possibly could have been better was a dino option, as she's currently obsessed, but the Panda is very loved.It's so great that both the weighted pad and stuffed Panda can be warmed - a big thank you to Keeping Kalm for creating this wonderful gift!This product is very cute, but the blanket wouldn't get warm. We kept putting it back in, but then...I started shooting out sparks and melted. Strings of gooey stuff were coming out of it, and my child cried because he had loved it so much. I gave it 3 stars because it is cute, but it definitely isn't what I expected.I bought this for my grandson who has special needs he loves itMy kid really like this and finds it comfortableI use this in my classroom with high functioning special ed, resource room students. Both 4th and 5th graders access the blanket for anxiety and comfort. Great product!I have used weighted lap pads in my classroom for years. These are the favorites though! My students love the lap pad for when they are wiggly in their seats and the animals for reading buddies or when they are sad. My fourth grade autistic son even likes to have them before and after school when he is in my classroom. They both provide great sensory input both with the weight and texture. I highly recommend these!Perfect size & weight & SUPER CUTE!
