Children use their senses - touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing - to explore and learn. Sensory play is both very fun and beneficial to children. It encourages exploration, curiosity, problem solving and creativity and builds critical neural pathways. It also encourages the development of language and motor skills. I like to emphasize the role that sensory play has on helping children with self-regulation. This type of play is safe for children and allows them to feel control over their play which transfers to control over their emotions and reactions. Happy Box provides children with a "base" to their play and children will use the boxes in a way that will meet their current needs. It is fascinating to see how differently children can use the same sensory box. In understanding child development and the foundation of play therapy, it is my belief that play is the bridge between concrete play and abstract thought and that through play, children attempt to organize their experiences. Knowing that sensory play promotes cognitive development, we are supporting children in learning how to resolve inner conflict and manage what is going on in their lives.

I recommend getting yourself a coffee or tea and watching the enjoyment and play that the sensory box will bring to your child. Remember that play is a form of expression and healing so try to allow your children the freedom to play how they want to. There is no right or wrong in play and we should be shifting the focus from telling our children what they can't do to telling them what they can do! If your child is quiet and engaged, try and refrain from interfering or asking questions which can interrupt their processing and play . This is different from if your child is trying to engage you in play or ask you a question, to which of course you would respond.

Our reset box has everything your child will need for sensory play. Some of our boxes will include themes and some toys and figurines or other objects that serve the child in play. Just as play is a child's language, toys are there words. Any toys in the box will be non-mechanical and simple to minimize the chance of overstimulation and frustration. Remember that although the objects in the box may be something to us, they will be exactly what your child needs them to be in the moment. When a child asks "what is this?" we often respond by naming the object for them. An alternative to this in play, can be responding with "it can be whatever you want it to be." Remember that sensory play can be very regulating and therapeutic for children and ideally it can be incorporated into their daily lives. I have used sensory boxes with my children over punitive discipline techniques and have found great success in doing so. Although time outs and time in's can be helpful, often children need guidance in regulating their emotions as due to brain development, they are unable to do so. What I love about sensory boxes is that they model self-regulation in times when their minds and bodies feel chaotic. We know that the brain is a muscle and patterned repetitive information forms healthy neural pathways in the brain. Children who are modeled self-regulation and assisted with it will use these tools when their brain becomes capable of it. This will follow them into their youth and adulthood and creates positive coping skills. I first started using sensory boxes with my three year old when I would transition her to daycare in the mornings. She really struggled with the transition and I was in awe of how the sensory boxes helped to make this more successful for her. Not only did they give her something fun to look forward to, they helped to calm her and work through the big emotions that she was feeling.

The restore box is the same concept of the reset box- just add water! Whether it is in the bath, in a sink or in a container, the restore box brings sensory play to your child. Again, your child will use the box in exactly the way that they need to in the moment. This can come in the form of "mixing potions" and colors to having a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and glow sticks.

Absolutely! Happy Box is designed for all children, regardless of whether they have disabilities and/or sensory processing challenges. Our focus is on providing inclusive and enriching experiences that promote learning, creativity, fun and healing for all children. Whether your child has special needs or not, they will certainly benefit from the joy and learning opportunities that Happy Box offers.

Yes, sensory bins can be a little messy, some more than others! You can encourage healthy and age-appropriate boundaries. These boxes are also great to use outside or even in the bathtub! Throwing down a sheet on the floor is also helpful when it comes to an easy cleanup. I assure you that the benefits to these boxes will compensate for the mess!

We recommend Happy Boxes for children over 18 months. There is no age limit! By customizing the box to your child’s age, we are supporting age-appropriate and safe sensory items. We do recommend that children are supervised while using the Happy Box especially if they are still using their mouths to explore their world!

At Happy Box we love making children happy! Happy Boxes make amazing gifts for children on birthdays or holidays. We make holiday boxes and do our best to customize and do special orders as required. If you are looking to send a box as a gift, please message us!