Theraplay

Theraplay was started in November 2007, after attending the Young People and Children Occupational Therapy Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.  There were many fantastic products on show at the conference and it was saddening to realize that none of these products were readily available in South Africa.

There weren’t only 2 different pencil grips to choose from, but “hundreds” and the different types of educational toys were making my heart beat faster.  I could barely concentrate to look at one toy in detail, but wanted to take it all in at the same time. Paying yet another visit to Hamley’s in London made me wish I could fill up a container and come and show SA what wonderful stuff there is “out there.”

I have spent the last 12 years working in paediatric occupational therapy and have to say that I have more toys than the three of my boy’s put together!  I love toys, I love looking at them, playing with them and thinking up new ways to use them.  I look at toys through different lenses than the average person on the street…I see textures and smell, I like the sounds (some of them!) and I like the flashing lights and the way the toys can move.  I like to fiddle with it and make up new games with it! I decided that with my years of experience with children and toys, I am an expert on toys and their educational value. Theraplay was born – “Thera” to indicate the therapeutic value of the toy and “play”, because that’s what children do best!

In the past 10 months I have traveled to the UK to visit Alison Harris (senior paediatric OT) to do some brainstorming with her and in my time there, spent many hours with my nose stuck in various catalogues.  As many as Alison could find actually!  This English friend of mine was quite amused at what a toy catalogue could do for me  I also visited a few toy stores in Derbyshire and made the pilgrimage to Hamley’s!

This year was also my first visit to SARCDA (a trade fair) in Johannesburg and in Cape Town.  I was eating, dreaming and talking toys all the time! Let me know what you’re looking for.  My stock is constantly changing as I come across new and exciting toys, therefore no online catalogue is available at this time.

All products are hand-selected by me, an experienced paediatric occupational therapist.  You’re welcome to contact me via this website if you’d like a promotional exhibition within the PE/Jeffreys Bay region.  I am also happy to advise you on what is suitable for you child or class room. Prices vary from as little as R5 to R175, so a very affordable range for you to choose from.

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