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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School has officially started, and with seven new students enrolled, my student list is now up to 49! I absolutely love my job, but sometimes building those relationships takes time. After five years in my position, I have made some really great connections, but some kids need even more time than that. I have found Sensory TheraPlay to play a key role into getting kids interested in visiting my room and this month's picks were fabulous. The fidgets included this month will definitely help to ease some back to school anxiety, and have already been utilized during some high stress moments. 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 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.
The start of school can be a really tough time for some kids, so receiving this positive postcard to hang up was a really nice inclusion. "Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen" is a fantastic way of approaching life and I love adding these types of content on my bulletin board to help spread that kind of encouragement.
Learning Resources Rainbow Emotions Fidget Poppers - Retail Value $6.99
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In my fifth year in education, things have changed since I first started. Students are having an increasingly difficult time identifying their emotions and anxiety is on the rise. These rainbow emotions fidget poppers are a great little distraction from anxiety, and can be used to help identify feelings. They also fit together in a perfect little stack. In the small amount of time that I've utilized these little poppers, I have watched them magically de-escalate a couple students who were really struggling with adjusting to a new school year. A concept so simple, yet powerful, I am glad to have these in my tool box.
Worry Stone - Retail Value $7.99
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Heading back to school evokes a lot of emotions even in me as an adult, so adjusting for kids can be really hard. I really appreciated the inclusion of this "Worry Stone" as it can really be a small physical item that just helps take the mind off of the uncontrollable and helps focus on the things that can be controlled. The smoothness of this Black Obsidian stone does feel good on the fingers, and is small enough to not be distracting. I have a student in mind for this piece, and plan on giving it a try in the upcoming days.
Avocado Putty - Retail Value $4.00
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How cute is this putty? At first, I thought it was just green putty, but as I pulled it out of the container I noticed all the tiny little avocado confetti's sprinkled throughout! Useful for counting, fidgeting, and working the small muscles of the hand, this putty doesn't dry out or leave a mess behind. Extremely satisfying to manipulate with your hands, this is a really fun little fidget that I have already seen utilized by many.
Finger Focus Highlighter - Retail Value $6.99
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While I work with K-12 students, I haven't really had a chance to utilize this "FingerFocus Highlighter" to its full potential. With a tiny ring and four highlighting rectangles, this helps readers slow down and focus on words. Especially helpful for kids with dyslexia and ADHD, this does help students stay focused and helps make reading more manageable.
Hi There Magna Pop! - Retail Value $10.00
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I have to say, this "Magna Pop!" toy was definitely my favorite inclusion this month. Offering a multi-sensory experience, this fidget has it all. Sound, vision, and touch senses will be evoked, and I can't seem to put this green circle down! Perfect for on the go entertainment, or work breaks, I highly suggest this fun fidget for all ages - even adults!
Eeboo Back to School Create a Story Cards - Retail Value $13.99
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Another really cool inclusion, especially for the beginning of the school year, was this set of "Create a Story" cards. With a back to school theme, these cards are really helpful to get kids talking, especially if they are nervous for the new school year. Encouraging imagination, creativity, and story-telling, I have found these to really help kids open up and let go some of the worries they initially started the day with.
Mini Sensory Mat Keychain - Retail Value $6.95
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The last item we received was a mini sensory mat keychain. While I don't have sensory mats, our Social Worker does, and I love them. This being a mini version, offers the same concept, but in a much more manageable size. Featuring 5 different mats with different colors and textures, this can clip onto a backpack or sweatshirt for a little sensory input. Also, because it is made of rubber, it is easy to wash and sanitize in between students. I have had this in my fidget bin for a couple of days now, and have a couple students in particular gravitate towards this in our check and connect meetings, and it does seem to ease some anxiety!
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 $56.91, which is over $10 off of retail price. That, plus adding in shipping costs means you are definitely getting a deal. The decent value coupled with the items intended for back to school really impressed me this month, and we have found all of the items to be very helpful, useful, and fun. Overall, we are extremely happy with 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 October!
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but order by September 30 at 11:59 pm EST to receive the October box. From Sensory TheraPlay:
Boxes ship out the 1st week of each month.
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