Recently a customer called and asked what I would recommend for their new play room. They were opening a new clinic and the caller had hired two play therapists. Finally, after a lengthy conversation he asked, “what if I just gave you a budget of a thousand dollars and you pick out what you think I need?” What a great opportunity and challenge! After a little more discussion I clarified that my recommendations would be just for the play room and wouldn’t include material for sand play. In addition, I strongly recommended that he review the list with his play therapists before making a purchase. We all have our unique individual style in therapy, and have clear preferences for what we want in our play room.
Here are my recommendations for a play room, starting from scratch, with a budget of one-thousand dollars (OK, I went a little over but it’s close to a thousand!):
ITEMS (all are available at www.childtherapytoys.com)
Large Fold and Carry Dollhouse (reg. 84.95)
Hispanic-American Family (6 dolls)
African-American Family (6 dolls)
The Talking, Feeling and Doing Game
SAVE: All four puppet families
Western Girl Single Holster and Revolver
4 Diecast Sports Racers (Reg. 19.95)
Large Art Studio — Large (reg. 19.95)
SPECIAL PURCHASE: You Can Imagine: A StorytellingCard Game (Reg. 19.95)
Value: Six Games to Go (or stay), includes carrying case
Feelings Poster – English Laminated (REG 13.95)
SAVE and order all six books in the Children’s Problem Solving Series Set
SAVE: BUY ALL SIX “Dealing With Feelings” Books
Four Heavy Duty U.S. Military Figures
Extreme Action Figure (8″ tall) (Reg. 13.95)
Magic Wand with light and sound!
(I’d also recommend getting about 6′ of soft rope from the hardware store)