Sometimes the social media algorithms bring you things that are way off, and sometimes they seem to know exactly what they’re doing. They really hit a win when the Valari pillow for gamers started to show up on my Facebook feed. The Valari is advertised as a pillow for console gamers that helps you sit at a much better angle to help reduce the sort of aches and pains that can come from extended gaming sessions. I also noticed that the crochet community had jumped onto it as well as something that helps maintain better posture while crafting. Other comments have alluded to people using the Valari while reading on Kindles.
I was intrigued for several reasons:
- I am in my 40s, this of course means I can pull something while sleeping in a bed like a human simply for having the audacity to exist outside of my 20s, let alone after an extended period doing an activity with less than ideal posture.
- I have a household full of people who play games on a Switch.
- I crochet and cross-stitch and long sessions of hunching over my work has done a number on my shoulders at times.
- I read books on the Kindle app on my iPad a lot.
A Valari pillow runs from $69.00 for their Rare Model to $127.97 for their Epic and customizable option. The differences between the Rare and Legendary models include the fabrics used in the covers and metal versus plastic buckles. I decided to order one of the Legendary models as well as a Mystery Box that promised an extra cover. I want to emphasize here that I bought this of my own accord, Valari did not send me any products or make arrangements with me for this review.
Overall, a Valari does look a lot like those Boppy pillows that are so popular on baby shower registries. As someone who owned a Boppy and used it with two kids, I will say that the Boppy walked so the Valari could run. The Valari is made with memory foam so it’s both firmer than a Boppy as well as more comfortable. Honestly, I feel like you could buy a Valari instead of a Boppy for any geeky expecting parent you know and it would work better than a traditional Boppy plus you’d then have it for a variety of hobbies.
When I received mine, I was impressed at the vacuum sealed bag in showed up in. I also got a gorgeous black cover in my Mystery Box (perfect for back-up when I need to wash the other one). I put my new Valari to use right away with a series of activities that could have made up a montage. I’ve read books, scrolled on my phone, played games, read, crocheted, and cross-stitched. The tight muscles I often have in my shoulders has absolutely lessened up which is awesome. On the few occasions I have forgotten to use my Valari, I have usually regretted it. I recently had to switch to progressive glasses and the pillow helps me also hold things like a screen at better angles for using my progressives correctly. My kids and husband have tried it out and I may need to add them to a few holiday wishlists this year. My youngest will try to steal mine if I turn my back on it.
Overall, it’s worth it. I love something that’s going to help me enjoy the hobbies I love even more, and the looser shoulders is also a huge bonus for me (that tends to be my stress spot where all my tension gathers in my body). I would highly recommend one of these especially for that gamer/crafter/reader/multi-hobbyist in your life that feels impossible to shop for. If they happen to be an expectant parent, even more so.
You can check out the Valari here.
