Play Therapy Finds at Five Below
Five Below recently came to my hometown, and I am loving it! Play therapy is fun and engaging, but it can be expensive! I am all about shopping at Dollar Tree and Five Below to help keep costs down. As I browsed the store, I found lots of inexpensive games and activities that can be useful in the playroom. If you know me, you know that I LOVE using games in counseling. Click here to learn why I think games are one of the best tools to use in therapy. Therapy games can offer a deep dive into all sorts of psychoeducation and processing, but store-bought games can be a shallower dive into certain topics. I also utilize many toys and crafts in my play therapy practice.
Tumble Tower, aka Jenga
Jenga is a classic in play therapy. You can use it in so many ways! You can simply let anxiety do its work and let kids slowly calm their anxiety as they take out a block. Some therapists like to write questions on each block to discuss as you grab one. The only thing I don't like about that idea is that you use the same questions each time you play. I like to grab a deck of cards from one of my other games to use when I play. That way, you can swap the cards out based on that client's needs. You simply draw a card each turn.
Sorry
I straight up tell my kids I am playing Sorry with them to try to make them mad so they can practice their coping skills. I find it helpful to be up front about it so they don't think I'm mean when I slam down the Sorry card. This game can be super triggering, especially for children who struggle with anger. You can also use this game to illustrate how to make proper apologies when the child gets in trouble. As the adult playing, modeling a proper apology can be very helpful. I will typically create a hypothetical situation that I am apologizing for, such as: "I'm sorry I pushed you in the hallway. It was rude and inconsiderate of me and I made you feel angry. Next time I will be more aware of my surroundings and keep my hands to myself. Will you please forgive me?" This can set kids up for success the next time they get in trouble.
Note: There are a LOT of different rules out there for Sorry. I recommend making the rules clear up front. Kids these days ahve figured out how to get around the board in two turns! Ridiculous! It loses its punch if it is too easy. However, make sure it's age-appropriate.
Related Post: Counseling Games You Can Play For FREE!
Trouble
Again, this game is super triggering on its own. It tends to draw out the presenting problem - anger, anxiety, depression, or impulse control issues. It does require some strategy, which allows for a deeper dynamic than some of the other games. It's name also lends itself to discussion of times the child was in trouble or how to stay out of trouble. You can always add prompts to take the conversation deeper while playing.
Dino Doctor, aka Operation
This is a smaller version of the classic Operation game. I find this game helpful for kids who have anxiety and impulse control issues. Children with anxiety will have to learn how to calm their nerves to take a turn, then cope if it buzzes on them. Children with impulse control issues have to stop and strategize how to use self-control to avoid getting buzzed. It's more classical conditioning to overcome their presenting problem. Imagery is always helpful. Some kids who love dinosaurs will want to play just because of what they see. You can also segue into discussion about medical issues or worries about going to the doctor.
Dinosaur Chompers, aka Hungry, Hungry Hippos
This is also a remake of an old classic game. Kids tend to enjoy the fast-paced flurry of fighting over the balls. There are many creative ways to use this game to discuss important topics with kids. For instance, you could say the red balls represent protein, green balls are veggies, red balls are fruit, and blue balls are sweets. You could discuss the importance of a balanced diet. One thing games like this draw out in kids is feeling torn between being competitive and winning at all costs vs. being empathetic and letting others win. It is always interesting to see kids wrestle with this. It is part of their social development.
Related Post: How to Use CBT with Kids
Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots
This one has been fun, especially for boys with lots of aggression! Kids often struggle with finding outlets for aggression. If they can find "approved" outlets, it seems to help them process in a meaningful way and avoid aggression toward others. It can also help you talk about appropriate vs. inappropriate outlets.
Pass the Poop
This one is a fun game you can play with a group. Like hot potato, you don't want to get caught with the poop when the music stops. This game is great for triggering big emotions and prompting kids to de-escalate and cope with disappointment.
Silly Scents Dough
This little playdough kit lets kids make dinosaurs that smell good! What a great combo! This is a great way to incorporate sensory play into your play therapy room. Be sure to check out this blog post about all sorts of creative ways to use playdough in play therapy.
Java Slime
There were several different slime kit options at Five Below. This one seemed interesting to me. If you are open to slime, this could be a fun addition to your playroom. I can be a fun sensory tool, but also a huge mess!
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels are a must-have in my playroom. Kids love to use them to have races, drive around an imaginary town, to represent people and interactions, and for aggressive play at times. I have an entire blog post about creative ways to use cars in therapy.
Dolls
I couldn't help myself. Strawberry Shortcake was my favorite when I was little! I bought this little set and the kids (especially girls) have loved it this week. Dolls are a great outlet for children to process the world. I also have a blog post full of ideas for how to use dolls in play therapy.
Conclusion
That wraps it up! What are your favorite Five Below finds? Please drop a comment and share what has worked and what hasn't. As for Five Below fails, one is Hot Potato. It fell apart on the first day and never worked properly. The kids were pretty disappointed.
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