Getting Started in Play Therapy

Just getting started in play therapy? Listed here are the essentials you need. From toys, books, games and art supplies we have everything to start a play therapy room or put together your own play therapy kit. Items selected are best sellers and based on latest research findings.
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Kimochis Mixed Bag of Feelings
$89.99 $99.99
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Totika Self Esteem Game
$27.99 $29.99
Pretend Play Family- 8 Piece Asian
$27.99 $29.99
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Cell Phone
$9.99
Solid Wood Dollhouse
$149.99 $164.99
The River Cards & Guide Book
$54.99 $58.00
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Ungame Board Game
$24.99 $29.95
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Mindfulness Matters
$15.99 $22.99
Big Paper Bodies
$22.99
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Tangle Jr. Classic
$5.99
Basic Children's Counseling Book Package
$44.99 $56.82
Basic Play Therapy Toys Starter Kit
$224.99 $294.81
All About Me Neighborhood
$22.99 $26.99
Pretend and Play Doctor Set (19 piece)
$37.99 $49.99
Play-Doh 4 pack
$6.99 $8.99
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Jumbo Spiral Glitter Wand
$7.29 $8.49
Emotions Thumball
$14.49 $15.99
Learning Resources Cash Register
$37.99 $49.99
Original Hoberman Sphere Rainbow
$34.99 $39.99
Red Superhero Mask and Cape
$6.99
Do You Have a Secret?
$7.99 $8.99
Angry Octopus: A Relaxation Story
$11.69 $13.95
Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel
$89.99 $119.99
A Terrible Thing Happened (paperback)
$8.39 $9.95
Mini Hoberman Sphere Rainbow
$18.49 $19.49
Mini Gumby and Pokey
$5.99
Golden Retriever Puppet
$30.99 $36.99
100 Wood Blocks
$17.99 $27.99
50 Maple Blocks
$21.99 $29.99
F is for Feelings (paperback)
$10.99 $12.99
Rubber Knife
$3.49 $3.99
Grief is Like a Snowflake
$9.99 $10.95
Band in a Box- 10 Piece
$21.99 $32.99
Temper Tamers in a Jar
$10.99 $12.99
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
$7.79 $10.95
Pound-a-Peg
$14.99 $15.99
Pretend Play Kitchen Set (76 Piece)
$49.99 $64.99
Finger Labyrinth Workbook
$30.99
Empathy Thumball
$16.99 $17.95
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What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of therapy that allows children to express thoughts, experiences, and emotions through play rather than words. Using toys, figures, art, and creative materials, therapists can help children process experiences and gain insight into feelings and behaviors. Whether you’re a clinician, counselor, or student learning the basics, understanding play therapy begins with learning how to use toys as tools for communication and healing.

What Do You Need to Start a Play Therapy Room?

Putting together your play therapy room doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The goal is to provide a variety of materials that represent real life and give opportunities for open-ended imagination play and expression. Here is a list of the core categories that most therapists include:
  • Sand tray and miniatures: A foundational element for symbolic expression and storytelling. See our Sand Tray Starter Kits for complete sets.
  • Puppets: Useful for role play, and helping children externalize feelings by "speaking through" the puppet. Explore our Puppet Collection
  • Games: Therapeutic board and card games help build coping skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Browse Therapy Games
  • Art supplies: Drawing, painting, and clay activities foster expression and problem-solving.
  • Books: Story-based resources to reinforce sessions and help children understand emotions, trauma, and life transitions. See our Play Therapy Books
If you're putting together a kit from scratch, our Toy Starter Kits and Sand Tray Starter Kits make it easy to set up your first room or mobile practice with the most important essentials all in one place.
 

How to Choose the Right Play Therapy Materials

When selecting materials, consider your space, your clientele, and the types of sessions you’ll conduct.
  • Private practice or clinic: Include a wide range of figures, emotion-focused games, and expressive art tools to meet diverse needs.
  • Portable therapy: Choose compact tools such as portable sand trays, card games, and lightweight puppets for easy transport. Check out our Portable Play section for smaller-sized items that pack a lot of punch in a small package.
  • Specialized settings: For trauma or grief work, select books and games that support emotional safety and coping.
Building your play therapy collection is a gradual process. Start with the essentials and add more specialized tools as your needs and experience grows.
 

Building Confidence as a New Play Therapist

Getting started in play therapy is about more than collecting toys, it’s about creating an environment of trust and safety where healing through play can occur. Start small, learn from each session, and gradually expand your toolkit as you discover what resonates most with your clients.

Browse our full line of play therapy resources, from complete room kits to training materials, and build your room with confidence.