The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Feelings" inside help kids express themselves.
- Two faces, one happy and one sad, give dimension to the toy.
- Soft, squishy body makes Kimochis very huggable.
- Used in a therapeutic environment for children with special needs.
Cons
- "Feelings" are small pillows that can get lost, but they come with their own storage bag.
- Unusual look may not appeal to some children.
Description
- Kimochis come with three feelings, angry, happy and sad.
- Their heads turn around to reveal a happy face or a sad face.
- Soft, plush bodies have a pocket where the child can put the feelings he's experiencing.
- More feelings are available separately in "Mixed Feelings Packs."
Guide Review - Kimochis: Once More, with Feelings
Kimochis are very special toys that would come in handy for any parent, but are particularly useful for helping children with special needs express their emotions. (Kimochi means "feeling" in Japanese.) The four characters, Cloud, Huggtopus, Bug and Cat come with detailed descriptions. For example, Cloud is moody and sometimes has trouble getting along with others (don't we all?), but really loves butterscotch pudding and green tea.
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. If he's feeling angry, the child can put the angry "feeling" (a soft, red pillow) into the pocket in Cloud's tummy. The "Mixed Feelings Packs" have more feelings and a blank one that can be labeled (with the included marker) with any other emotion the child is feeling.
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.