Kimochi

Increase Your Kindness Footprint

Kimochi is Japanese for “feeling,” and that’s exactly what kids do every minute of every day, whether they know the words for those feelings or not. So why not combine a favorite toy (a huggable, lovable plush) with a safe, fun way to not only explore feelings but also recognize and name them?

That’s what the team at Kimochis set out to do. Creator Nina Rappaport-Rowan, 1st on the right, used her background in animation (she won an Oscar for her animated short film Bunny in 1998) to invent characters that kids can identify with. Each Kimochi has a different personality. Kimochi Cloud can be moody, while Bug is a caterpillar afraid of change. Cat is persuasive and sometimes bossy, and Huggtopus is all smiles. Each character comes with three small feelings pillows and a “How To Feel” guide for parents to share with their kids. Additional sets of feelings pillows are available, each including a make-your-own-feeling pillow, so no emotion is left uncovered. A child can choose a pillow to tuck into a character’s front pouch, and you can spark a conversation that builds understanding and empathy.

It’s play, it’s fun, and it’s a simple way to strengthen bonds and build emotional and social intelligence. We love how Kimochi’s communication expert Ellen Dodge says they’re increasing the “kindness footprint.” You can be mad without being mean; you can talk about feelings and change them into something better. Brilliant. Kimochi’s will probably resonate most with kids age 3-10, but greater empathy is suitable for all ages.

— Mir

• Kimochi’s are for anyone, but especially children ages 3-10.
• Each plush comes with a How-to-Feel Guide and 3 child-safe feeling “pillows.” The feelings are different for each plush, but you can also buy Extra Feelings packs.
• Each Kimochi has a different personality – choose one that your child (or the recipient) can relate to through some shared characteristics.
  • Cloud: depending on his mood Kimochi Cloud can be happy or sad just by turning his head! 13 inch character comes complete in peekaboo box with How-to Feel Guide and 3 child-safe feelings—Happy, Mad and Sad.
  • Bug: a Caterpillar that is afraid of change. He is thoughtful, extremely cautious and has secret dreams of flying. 13 inch character comes complete in peekaboo box with How-to Feel Guide and 3 child-safe feelings—Happy, Brave, and Left-Out.
  • Cat: this Kimochi knows what she wants and can be very persuasive and sometimes a bit bossy. Occasionally her bossiness leads to confrontations or “cat fights,” which is why Cat comes with 5 bandages to help heal hurt feelings. The 13 inch character comes complete in peek-a-boo box with how-to Feel Guide and 3 child-safe feelings—Happy, Cranky, Curious.
  • Huggtopus: Huggtopus is, needless to say, all smiles and giggles. Everyone needs a big Hugg every now and then! 13 inch character comes complete in peekaboo box with How-to Feel Guide and 3 child-safe feelings—Happy, Silly, and Frustrated.
• Having mixed feelings? Additional Feelings packs can offer all 3.
  • Mixed Feelings Pack 1 gives you more feelings to share with family and friends. Includes: Jealous, Loved, Grateful, Scared, Shy, and one Make-Your-Own feeling with washable pen all in a clear pouch.
  • Mixed Feelings Pack 2 includes Kind, Hurt, Sorry, Uncomfortable, Friendly, and one Make-Your-Own feeling with washable pen all in a clear pouch.
  • Mixed Feelings Pack 3 includes: Sleepy, Surprised, Embarrassed, Guilty, Excited, and one Make-Your-Own feeling with washable pen all in a clear pouch.