DIY therapy tool: Tea Party Table Cloth

Please don’t shut down when you see “DIY therapy tool”!  For those of you who think you are not crafty, think again.  This is a beginner craft and fun therapy tool that you can make yourself!

This cute tea set is a good example of an activity that can be used to meet many therapy goals.  Of course it’s great for pretend play, but also for:

1. fine motor
2. social engagement
3. matching
4. labeling
5. imitation
6. sequencing
7. using both hands to pour tea or wash dishes
8. following directions, and many more.

It’s also a quick task to complete at a toddler table; maybe that’s your goal, to sit at a table.  Use the kit as is or add some snacks and a drink.  Talk about ‘hot’ and ‘cold’; label the utensils, colors, and foods.  Ask for ‘more’ and take turns.

I made my table cloth for two place settings, but if that is too overwhelming at the beginning, I fold it over and practice with one for awhile.

This is all you need to do:  purchase a white bandana and fabric paints that match the colors of your tea set.  Wash the bandana and iron it flat.  Trace around each piece and paint the same color.  Make sure you protect the surface of your work area.  My paints leaked through the fabric a little.  By using fabric paints, you are able to wash the table cloth over and over again.

My set is Little Tikes but I could only find this grey and white set (above), so if anyone can find a set like mine, please let me know!!!  I’ve had my set for almost 20 years, yeah nice quality!  But, I don’t think they make that set anymore.

I found this Green Toys tea set (above) online that is much better quality than many of the tea sets out there.  Be careful when purchasing the cutlery because it can easily break and splinter, so make sure it is nice and sturdy for your little ones, especially when they are putting them in their mouths.

UPDATE:  So I did find some Little Tikes on Ebay!  If you don’t mind used cutlery, look up:  vintage Little Tikes spoon, fork, and knife!

Come on, Little Tikes, bring back the good stuff!

I use this cute little Dora backpack for storing my tea set.  I’d love to see your creations!  Enjoy!

Here are some other toys that you may be interested in.

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