The inspiration for Huggabuddies began with a quilt and a newly blended family.
After marrying Megan Erickson and creating a blended family, Steve Nelson was touched when her mother, Elaine, almost immediately made quilts for his four children. The blankets weren’t store bought. They were cozy and handmade. He discovered that Elaine had spent years creating quilts, stuffed animals, and other comfort items for each of her grandchildren, which now number 25.
The feelings of warmth and love the quilts created were tangible, and Steve, who had a business background, wanted to create a way for other children to experience those same feelings. Consequently, what began as one grandmother’s way of expressing love for her grandchildren grew into Huggabuddies, a company dedicated to helping children feel safe, connected, and supported at bedtime.
Today, Elaine, Megan, and Steve (joined by Elaine’s husband, Joseph, and Megan’s brother, Nathan) have transformed her creations into a growing collection of products, including plushy stuffed characters, designed to help children navigate the transition from playtime to bedtime while promoting comfort, emotional regulation, and meaningful family connections.
Huggabuddies characters and quilts are available separately or in coordinated bundles that include other items, such as sleep masks, journals, and even storybooks. Megan writes the books while Elaine illustrates them. “I always wanted to write children’s books,” Megan says. “But we wanted the stories to be more than cute. Each character represents a value that parents can talk about with their children at bedtime.”
Those lessons range from sharing and helpfulness to healthy hygiene and looking out for others. Journals encourage children to reflect on their day and identify emotions they experienced, introducing simple mindfulness practices that support emotional well-being.
At the center of the collection are the company’s signature weighted quilts. Designed for comfort and portability, they fold into backpack-style carriers that children can take to sleepovers and grandparents’ homes, as well as on family vacations and other adventures.
“We wanted to create something children could take anywhere that helps them feel safe, comforted, and loved,” Megan says. “The goal is to create positive bedtime associations and something they can always count on.”
Today, Huggabuddies remains a true family endeavor. The long-term vision for the company is inspired by Erickson’s 25 grandchildren: creating a collection of 25 unique characters, each with its own story and lesson to share.
However, for the family behind Huggabuddies, success isn’t measured simply by sales. It’s measured by the children who carry a favorite blanket, hug a beloved stuffed animal, and drift off to sleep feeling a little more secure.
To learn more, visit huggabuddies.com.
“We wanted to create something children could take anywhere that helps them feel safe, comforted, and loved,” Megan says.