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
I officially head back to school in exactly two weeks, and I am sooo not ready! It honestly feels like summer vacation just started and I have yet to relax! Between sports, mowing lawn, and the everyday tasks of raising children, I have come to terms with the fact my life will be uber busy for at least the next 10 years. That being said, I stepped into my classroom yesterday for the first time since the 6th of June, and I was a bit excited. After organizing a few items, I have come to terms with the fact that school is indeed starting, and receiving this month's Sensory TheraPlay box helped reiterate that. The fidgets this month's box includes are designed for many reasons, and because of past boxes will literally be a hit with 99% of the 48 students that walk through my door along with my own children. Read below to see what was included in this month's box.
What's Inside This Box
Each box comes with a one-page insert including 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 will be most effective with which kids.
Look at that adorable hedgehog! A little different than the usual inspirational quote - this one was a little more simplistic in design, but still super cute. Featuring the quote: "This hedgehog is cheering for you because you can do anything" helps reiterate the fact that you absolutely can do anything you set your mind too.
Nee Doh Rainboh - Retail Value $7.00
Life is stressful, so to help kids manage stress and anxiety by finding a sense of calm, Sensory TheraPlay chose this package of Nee Doh Rainboh balls as an inclusion for this months box. Featuring ping pong sized balls in a variety of colors, this set squishes and squeezes in the most satisfying way. Because of their soft pliable texture, they can stick together or be used individually. For kids and adults alike, these truly do help a person de-escalate, as I utilized them in that fashion yesterday!
Space Saber - Retail Value $1.50
The second item we received this month came in a small black and glittery egg shaped container. Upon opening the container we were greeted with a deflated piece of what sort of looks like a small helium balloon. The directions stated to "pop the button" and voila, the space saber started to inflate! Featuring a red and green side, this 15" saber was sent for imaginative and fidgety play. Both of my boys really enjoyed this inclusion, but would have liked to see a second one included to joust with.
Stretch Dino Squishimal - Retail Value $6.99
We have arrived at Charlie's favorite item. Check out this 5" tall, T-Rex Squishimal! Filled with sand encased with thick rubber, this fidget can stretch to look like a Brachiosaurus. Encouraged to be used as a hand fidget for busy hands and to help manage anxiety, this can also help to refocus and boost concentration depending on the child. Charlie also discovered the feet make a popping sound when squeezed together, so this guy had it all for him. A great addition to an already fantastic box!
Sensory Inside Out Ball - Retail Value $4.00
The next item we received was another of the squishy variety and one I am not familiar with. This "inside out" ball offers little soft spikes on one side, and a smooth side on the other. Flipping it back and forth is great for fine motor and bilateral skills, all while being fun. Both of my boys enjoyed this fidget and found it calming and fun to use. I'm interested to see what the kids at school will think in a couple of weeks!
Fidgit Stix - Retail Value $6.95
This item is actually one of my favorites, and one I have purchased for my boys in the past. We utilized them in the car on a 16 hour road trip and they were great. These Wikki Stix are bendable pieces of yarn coated in wax and are so much fun. Included in bright and cheery colors these sticks are great for long car rides as well as at home. Build with them by pressing, twisting and connecting to make words, creatures, or sculptures. Really fun and useful, these make for great hand fidgets as well as a de-escalation prop, or to just plain pass the time.
Myphone Wolf - Retail Value $4.99
Next up is Hank's favorite item from August and it is the "Myphone Wolf". At 8 and 10 years old, my kids do not have cell phones and they are a little angry at me about it. Most of their friends have phones and they feel left out. While this inclusion isn't a phone, it looks like one and even has a pop-it on the back. Instead of being able to call someone, this includes a game using water and rings. I've seen larger versions of this and actually have experience with the old 1980s versions we had at Sunday school, but didn't know about this portable one. Both boys have spent a lot of time in the car with this game, and my husband has too! Used for calming, relaxing, and visual motor skills, this is a fun "phone" that can be enjoyed at any age.
Soft Marble Maze - Retail Value $12.99
How pretty is this soft marble maze?! Charlie received a smaller version of this product for Christmas from his teacher, but he preferred this one because of the soft fuzzy texture. I was a hair twirler and thumb sucker for many years of my childhood, and honestly rubbing my fingers in this fabric brought an instant relief to me! I love toys like this because they are great for working on fine motor skills and finger dexterity, but they are also packable and quiet. Awesome pick, Sensory TheraPlay!
Sensory TheraPlay is probably my boys' favorite subscription box of all time. The thoughtful inclusions are not only fun but useful, and we love the fact that we get to share these with other students. We already can't wait to see what's in store for September!
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 $44.42 which is a couple dollars off of 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 fantastic box and have utilized every single item. We can't wait to see what they have in store for September!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but order by August 31 at 11:59 pm EST to receive the September box. From Sensory TheraPlay:
Boxes ship out the 1st week of each month.
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