Our carefully curated collection of age- appropriate activities are designed for Child Life Specialists (CLS) to engage with patients. They contain all the necessary items to inspire little builders, artists, storytellers and experimenters, all while helping to facilitate coping, emotional expression, and playfulness. In 2023, we teamed with groups of all shapes and sizes to expand our reach and make an impact.
Impact to Date
6 therapeutic play opportunities now available
15 therapeutic play projects executed
2k therapeutic play kits created
What We’re Hearing...
"The kits have been amazing and a true game changer in the activities we are able to provide our patients and the therapeutic interventions we are able to have with our patients. ~ Manager of Child Life Services, Children’s National
"It’s really supporting the work we do and helping us be more efficient, but also inspiring [child life specialists] to try something new. ~ Manager of Child Life Services, CHOP
"The Smiles from Sarah team-building session was a standout activity that not only brought joy to the group but also allowed us to give back through the creation of 150 therapeutic activity kits. ~ Deloitte project lead
Therapeutic Play Kits
Below is a listing of our offerings along with additional information to help you select the activities right for your group. Our team will work with you to design a project that will best fit your needs and those of our hospital partners. We will provide detailed instructions on how to set up your event, put the kits together and mail the completed projects. Don’t forget to share photos and tag us! We’d love to see your passion and compassion in action.
Motivational notecards
Each kit contains a note from YOU, a member of Sarah’s Smile Squad. That personal touch reminds patients and families that we’re cheering for them!
A S S E M B L Y F O C U S E D P R O J E C T S
Sand (Salt/Chalk) Art
Using salt and chalk, children can create “sand art”. You will help divide salt and chalk into bags and assemble these kits. The children will make different colored salt using the chalk and funnel it into different vessels for display. This therapeutic play activity promotes fine motor development and emotional expression helping children to identify and sort through feelings.
Safe space pillow cases
Using fabric markers, the child may customize a comforting pillowcase and eye mask to have close by when feeling stressed, sad or anxious, especially while going to sleep at night. You will help assemble all the supplies into kits for the children to use, include a mini teddy bear!
Calming sensory jars
Sensory Jars are a great calming tool when emotions become overwhelming. The different materials in the sensory jars fall at different speeds that, when shaken, give a period for relaxation and refocus. You will assemble kits that contain different beads, glitter and other materials for the children to create these jars.
Bedside volcanos (Sarah’s Favorite)
Volcanos present the opportunity for not only sensory play but for conversation and emotional outlet.We can use them to describe feelings of anger or frustration and things that make us feel like we want to “erupt.” Kits include Play Doh, vinegar, baking soda, mini dinosaurs and more, allowing them to have everything at their fingertips for this fun activity.
C R E A T I V E / A R T I S T I C P R O J E C T S
Creative Journals
You would help pre-populate journals with prompting words and phrases. This fun and hands on activity allows you to think out of the box and make something unique. Children and teens use the journals to celebrate achievements or moments of joy and gratitude, but also allow them to process through tough feelings like sadness, anger, or frustration.
Postcards for family and friends
Children and teens can use the postcards to initiate or strengthen a relationship with those they’re not able to see in person. They can also use them to send notes to those at the hospital they may miss when they leave. This activity will stimulate creativity, building strength and resilience, while also allowing them to feel connected with others. You will use materials to create a SAMPLE POSTCARD to include in each kit (yes -find your inner artist) and combine with blank postcards, stickers, stamps, gel pens and more.
Interested in supporting our cause?
in addition to the kits (average $12 per kit), we also provide direct funding to Child Life programs at Children’s hospitals
