Sensory TheraPlay Box is a monthly subscription service for children on the autism spectrum, or with sensory processing issues. Each box is filled with sensory toys or games that help develop motor skills or address varying sensory needs through therapeutic play.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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We've got two weeks of school left, and while I am going to miss those kids fiercely, I am also looking forward to sunshine and fun. My role is unique in the school, in that I work with students K-12 and stick with them for their entire school career, so knowing I get to see them next year eases any sadness sometimes teachers feel. Honestly, some of my students do not look forward to summer vacation because of the disrupt in routine or other reasons, so my room has been extra busy, and this Sensory TheraPlay box has been getting a workout! These fidgets are designed for many reasons, but I have found them to be amazing at helping kids be able to open up and ask for help and de-escalate. Read below to see what was included in this month's box!
What's Inside This Box
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Each box comes with a one-page insert with photos of the items on the front and a brief description with their values on the back. It also includes contact information and a disclaimer about how it is the responsibility of the adult to determine whether the items included are appropriate for the child. I love the fact that this sheet specifies how certain inclusions can be used, and what goals can be accomplished. Because I work with a variety of students, it gave me an idea of which items can be used with which kids.
Though small in value, I love the inclusion of the inspirational quote. My room is full of these positive notes and reading through them can impact a mood in a good way. Printed on card stock, this postcard sized art adds a spark of belief to my bulletin boards, and brightens them up with their fun colors and fonts! This month's positive affirmations are: "You are loved, You are seen, and You are capable". These are fantastic reminders and while some students may never believe these things about themselves, my life goal is to say it so many times, that they finally do.
Dragon's Breath Bubble Bath Bomb Dust - Retail Value $6.45
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From the embers of the Dragons Fire, comes a magical power that results into bubbles in your tub!
We love bath time at our house, and bath bombs are one of my youngest sons' favorite things in the world. (He has had them on his birthday and Christmas lists for as long as I can remember.) While this product isn't exactly a bath bomb, I think it's actually cooler! This "Dragon's Breath" bomb dust, is made from the same ingredients as the bath bombs, but is made to be sprinkled in the bath water creating a subtle orange color and bubbly fizz with a slight fruity scent. It is 98% natural, handmade and hand poured, and one tree is planted with each package purchased. Not only does it look really cool, but it doesn't seem to dry out my sons skin like other brands do. The packaging is extremely appealing, and there is 225 grams included, so you can have these fun baths for weeks! Charlie was jumping up and down at the sight of this package, and already has the "Zombie Dust" and "Monster Party Kit" on his wishlist for next Christmas.
Crinkle N' Connect Tubes - Retail Value $6.99
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Personally, I love crinkle tubes, especially when I'm the one holding them, but I discovered these tubes aren't for all. My mom came over to visit the grandkids this weekend and these tubes drove her NUTS, so check your audience before use. 🤣 Included in this kit was 6 multi-colored tubes that fit together perfectly. With the ability to twist, turn, stretch, and crunch, you can create a necklace that is over 100" long! Pushing and pulling these tubes apart helps bilateral skills and upper extremity strength. They also create visual, tactile, and auditory sensory input, which is great for a variety of my students. Hank and Charlie loved these tubes so much that I brought them to school to stay...
Planet Dough - Retail Value $7.99
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Our Play Doh dried up years ago, so I was excited to check out this planet dough. This fantastic sensory activity is great for working on fine motor skills and strengthening muscles in the hands and fingers. Because no cooking is involved, kids can do this one their own by using a spoon to mix water and the powder. The dough itself smells like candy and when created with warm water create a very calming feeling. I utilized this pouch for a couple of kids at school that needed to de-escalate, and it worked wonders. The dough itself shaped nicely and it was just plain fun.
Huppy Watermelon Strawberry Tablets Retail Value $1.00
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My boys are very particular about their toothpaste, and won't have anything to do with mint flavors. We have never tried toothpaste tablets, though we have noticed them in the toothpaste aisle. We were intrigued by the idea especially for camping, but didn't want to spend the money in case they weren't good. This was a great way to give them a try, and while the kids thought the watermelon strawberry flavor was tasty, I thought the aftertaste was terrible. With these tablets you still need a toothbrush, and you chew the tablet which creates a frothy paste. Similar to regular toothpaste, you brush it around and rinse. The kids thought this was a fun method, which is great as it was meant for them, but as an adult - yuck!
Life's a Ball - Retail Value $6.00
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When we first glanced at this package, we thought this was a plastic inflatable ball. When opening though, we found a sticky ball that inflates with an included plastic needle. Complete with red glitter inside and a hook on the top to hang onto, this ball was wayyyy cooler than we expected. Satisfying to punch, touch, and throw, it was great for stress and anxiety while it lasted. While the air hole held, the hook ripped and caused red glitter to fly everywhere. Because we weren't extra rough on it, I'm sure it was a glitch, and really want to purchase another one because it was so much fun.
Calm Strip - Retail Value $2.50
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Interestingly enough, I have had experience with calm strips in the past. Our principal actually has one on his laptop that he received from his wife, and I was always intrigued with the soothing pattern and fun texture. Kind of jealous, I never thought of looking them up to buy them, but now I've received my own! (Sorry kids!) With beautiful waves and a bumpy texture, a few strokes brings me back down out of the anxiety ridden clouds and helps me focus on my work. An interesting adhesive that can also be added to under the table, on phones, and on computers, they can be reused over and over again. Their website shows a ton more products, and I feel like this is something we should be adding to iPads all over the school!
Twist-E Beads - Retail Value $4.00
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My husband is really funny because he is a very serious guy, but when it comes to this box, he gets quite into it. While he doesn't like squishy things, he loves the plastic manipulative toys that can be twisted into different shapes. He grabbed these Twist-E Beads right away and was able to create way cooler designs than I was. The kids were also fond of this chain and had a hard time adding it to the school box, though it will be coming home with us in 2 weeks. Sharing is caring people!
Stretch Pug - Retail Value $4.00
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The last item we received this month was of the squishy variety. With a puppy in our very near future, this little guy was a reminder of our newest family member soon to join! Bright and squeezable, this guy stretches quite far and is perfect to use while doing homework, or de-escalating.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $42.00 + shipping (Save with longer subscriptions)
The total retail value of our box using a mix of listed and found retail values comes to $38, which isn't a savings from the retail price, but if you start adding in shipping costs, you are definitely getting a deal. All of this months items were extremely useful and fun, and my kids (and husband) continue to be wowed by this subscription.
Key Takeaways
If you ask my kids what subscription box is their favorite, both my biological kids, and my school kids will tell you that Sensory TheraPlay is definitely it. With a variety of sensory options, we continue to be impressed with the thoughtfulness in this curation. As an educator, I have seen a multitude of fidgets, but this box continues to surprise me! Overall, this was a great box, though I wish the ball wouldn't have ripped right away. That being said, all of my fidgets from previous boxes are in perfect condition, even with multiple kids using them daily. We can't wait to see what they have in store for June!
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but order by May 31 at 11:59 pm EST to receive the June box. From Sensory TheraPlay:
Boxes ship out the 1st week of each month.
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