Kimochis
Feelings can be messy… Kimochis™ can help!
Kimochi (pronounced key.mo.chee) is a Japanese word that means "feeling." Kimochis are a range of four plush characters (Cloud, Huggtopus, Bug and Cat) that each come with a set of 3 plush "feelings".
The kimochi "feelings" are plush pillows that are approximately 5cm in diameter. One side has the feeling written out (i.e., happy, silly, frustrated, etc) and the other side shows the matching facial expression.
Each Character has a pouch that holds the "feelings", which children can use to help express themselves verbally or through actions.
A ‘Feel Guide’ Instructional Booklet is also included with each character, which assists parents to help their children appropriately communicate their feelings. It includes lessons and activities developed by nationally renowned child communication expert, Ellen Pritchard Doge (M.Ed. CCC-SLP).
Each character has a different and quirky, amusing personality which is also detailed in the ‘Feel Guide’.
Meet the Characters:
Cloud: tends to be a little moody and unpredictable. Cloud comes with the emotions happy, sad and mad. Cloud can be can be especially helpful to children who have a hard time controlling their emotions. Cloud's head can turn around to switch between feeling happy and feeling sad. Buy Now >> $49.95 inc gst
Huggtopus: is a boisterous and happy go lucky character, who often overwhelms friends with boundless energy and big hugs. Huggtopus comes with the happy, silly and frustrated emotions. Huggtopus can be helpful to children who are working on the concept of personal space and boundaries. Buy Now >> $49.95 inc gst
Bug: is thoughtful, cautious and frightened by change, but secretly dreams of flying. Accompanied by the happy, brave and left out feelings pillows, Bug can be a reassuring friend for children who have difficulties with transitions and unfamiliar situations. Bug has hidden wings that can come out when feeling happy or brave, or be tucked away when feeling shy or uncertain. Buy Now >> $49.95 inc gst
Cat: loves to be the boss. Cat comes with the happy, cranky and curious emotion pillows and makes a perfect learning companion for kids who tend to get a bit bossy with their playmates. Cat also comes with 5 'bandages' to help heal hurt feelings. Buy Now >> $49.95 inc gst
Often children have difficulty expressing their feelings and even identifying different emotions.
Kimochis are a powerful social and emotional learning tool and are unique, charming, interactive toys that would come in handy for any parent or teacher, but are particularly useful for helping children with special needs express their emotions.
Kimochis have been designed to help kids children recognise and manage emotions through puppetry and play – one feeling at a time.
Playing with Kimochis along with a parent or caregiver lets children talk through their feelings, a skill that's challenging for all kids but particularly difficult for those with sensory issues.
Each Kimochi character comes with three feelings, however more feelings are available for purchase in three "Mixed Feelings Packs".
Each pack contains 5 feelings plus a blank one that can be labelled (with the included washable marker) with any other emotion the child is feeling.
Kimochis Mixed Feelings Pack 1: Includes: Jealous, Loved, Grateful, Scared, Shy, plus one Make-Your-Own feeling and a washable pen! Buy Now >> $16.50 inc gst
Kimochis Mixed Feelings Pack 2: Includes: Kind, Hurt, Sorry, Uncomfortable, Friendly, plus one Make-Your-Own feeling and a washable pen! Buy Now >> $16.50 inc gst
Kimochis Mixed Feelings Pack 3: Includes: Sleepy, Surprised, Embarrassed, Guilty, Excited, plus one Make-Your-Own feeling and a washable pen! Buy Now >> $16.50 inc gst
Even if he's not up for talking, a frustrated child can just give the Kimochi a quiet cuddle. The Kimochis always understand, even when people don't.
