Brand : Kimochis

Age Suitability : 0+ years

Size: 33cm character

Imagine if your littlie had a loveable plush toy that they could not only play with and cuddle up to, but that could also share REAL feelings with your child and, help them discover, appreciate, identify, express and communicate their own emotions in an extraordinary way...  Now, that would be quirky!!

Believe it or not, such toys do exist and we are very excited to be able to finally introduce them to you.

Welcome to the wonderfully unique world of the multi award winning Kimochis... Toys with feelings inside!  

Much has been documented in recent years about the extreme importance of emotional intelligence (EI)- how EI is paramount in establishing happy, successful lives, results in better academic performance and needs to be developed and fostered, particularly in our children.  As such, educational curriculums are currently strongly focussing on the development of emotionally mature and effective children at all life stages but, particularly in the preschool and primary levels.

While schools can play a major role in teaching social and emotional skills, emotionally intelligent behaviour also need to be practiced and role-modeled at home.  So how do we foster the emotional intelligence of our children?

• We all know children express and deal with feelings and stressful situations through play
• We all know that feelings can be messy
• We all know that it is often difficult for children to identify, explore, truly appreciate and express their feelings

... This is where Kimochis can help!

So What Are Kimochis?
Kimochis (which means 'feelings' in Japanese) help children learn about, understand and manage their feelings in a fun and comfortable way.  Designed as non-gender specific and multicultural, they help promote strong adult-child connections, are an engaging and easy way to introduce social-emotional learning to children and, are also proving to be a groundbreaking tool in the classroom. Kimochis characters come with small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly, brave...) printed on one side and, a corresponding facial expression on the other.  Each character has a special pocket where kids can store the Kimochis feelings.  These large Kimochis come with three feelings and a how-to Kimochis Feel Guide offering parents easy tips and engaging activities to help strengthen parent-child relationships and teach children to identify and express feelings in positive ways.  Children learn to recognise 'feeling patterns' and situations that trigger emotional reactions. Using the Kimochis, children can get in touch with their feelings through puppetry and play; learn to use positive words, gestures and signals and; acquire the vocabulary to describe feelings, making it easier for them to communicate their emotions thus building self-esteem and confidence one feeling at a time.

Overview of Our Kimochis Characters
With four large Kimochi Characters to choose from, rest assured there will be one that best suits your individual child and the emotional challenges they are facing.  Kimochis characters have their own unique personalities and a whole lot of feelings, just like children in any group gathering. (For more detailed accounts of the Kimochis characters please refer to the product description for each individual character in the drop-down menu above)

• Bug-  This adorable caterpillar is rather timid and afraid of change.  When Bug is feeling afraid or uncertain, his wings fold up and tuck away in the pocket in his back...  When he is feeling brave, he spreads them to fly!  Bug comes with feelings Happy, Brave and Left Out. (See below for a more detailed account of Bug)
• Huggtopus- This huggable Octopus is friendly and affectionate.  Huggs is all smiles and giggles, but sometimes she needs to remember about boundaries.  Huggtopus comes with feelings Happy, Silly and Frustrated.
• Cloud- Cloud is a bit moody and unpredicatble.  Depending on his mood he can be happy or sad, just by turning his head, to display a grey sad face or white happy face.  Cloud comes with feelings Happy, Mad and Sad.
• Cat- This unique cat is a decisive leader but, she can be a bit bossy.  (Cat's bossiness can sometimes lead to confrontations so she comes with 5 bandages to help heal physical and emotional wounds!)  She comes with feelings Happy, Cranky and Curious.

With fun activities to practice tone of voice, body language and appropriate words, Kimochis help children learn techniques for handling life's challenging moments with character.  When children can effectively communicate feelings, they build confidence, self-esteem, strong relationships and the foundations for academic success and, social and emotional intelligence.  It is little wonder then, that these quirky characters and the Kimochis curriculum are also gaining enormous interest from schools, early learning centres, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and hospitals, as well as being adopted as a valuable part of their in-house programs.

In addition to the Kimochi characters themselves, why not get a mixed feeling pack (sold separately) to share with family and friends and help build your littlie's emotional vocabulary and understanding further!

Would you really get that special little individual a simple plush toy when you could get them a Kimochis and help set them up for life instead?

AWARDS: Instructor Magazine Teachers' Pick, Best of 2010
Dr Toy Award Winner, 100 Best Products, 2010
Creative Child Magazine, Seal of Excellence, 2009
Fun Fare Hot Dozen, 2009
Family Choice Award, 2009
Tillywig Toy Awards, Top Fun Award Winner, 2009

A Closer Look at Bug...