Hippo Hug weighted blankets and toys for individuals with autism

Canada – Hippo Hug is a Calgary company that design and create weighted blankets, weighted animals and other sensory items that benefit individuals on the autism spectrum as well as others with sensory and sleep issues. Hippo Hug founder, Leslie Brooks is a former Behaviour Consultant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Speech Language Pathology Assistant as well as being a mother.

Leslie founded Hippo Hug Inc. in 2011. Originally only 10 blankets were planned to be made in the first year, but instead 60 were made. the blankets average a cost of $125 to $345 due to weight and size.

What is incredibly unique about Hippo Hug blankets is that discs of galvanized metal encased in a plastic composite, are used instead of sand or poly pellets . This aspect of the blanket was designed by Leslie’s husband, who is an engineer.

Leslie told Autism Daily Newscast a little about her background and her links to the autism community.

“I started working in the autism community in 2002 after graduating from the U of C. I have been everything from an early intervention therapist to speech language pathology assistant to supervisor of a residential treatment program.”

Leslie decided started to start making weighted blankets and stuffed toys when she modified a sleep sack for a client and thought “hey this could be a business” and that was the start of Hippo Hug.

We were interested to know how Leslie starts a design and were she gains her inspiration, she told us:

“I wanted something that was not clinical and wouldn’t stand out and that was different from everything else on the market”

Leslie believes that everyone and anyone with sleep and sensory sensitivities will benefit from her products. “From kids with autism to people who simply like a heavy blanket at night.” Indeed, Leslie has received lots of positive feedback regarding her blankets and toys.

“People love that it is available in Canada, that I am doing something different and that they have finally found something that will help.”

With regards to the future plans of the business, Leslie would like to have manufactured blankets so that she can sell stock rather than making to order.

“This way I can increase my overall sales and concentrate on getting the blankets to more people who could benefit.”

You can order any of the products from the website from anywhere in the world. The website can be found at www.hippohug.ca

You can email Hippo Hug at info@hippohug.ca

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