What's in My Therapy Bag: Halloween Edition

When you see kids where they live, your bag is your clinic. In October, a few small Halloween additions go a long way. We asked Coral Care providers what they pack for Halloween sessions.

The shared basics (every discipline)

• Small plastic pumpkin bucket. Doubles as a target, a container, and a trick-or-treat prop.
• Plastic spiders, eyeballs, and bats. Cheap, light, and endlessly useful for sorting, hiding, and counting.
• Painter's tape. Floor paths, targets, and starting lines. Comes off clean on any floor.
• Halloween stickers. Fine motor practice and a way to mark turns.
• A washable costume piece. Witch hat, cape, or headband with ears, for kids who want to join in.
• Disinfecting wipes. Wipe everything down between visits.

What pediatric OTs pack

• Tongs and tweezers for spider and eyeball transfers
• A mini pumpkin and spoons for scooping
• Orange and black lacing cards
• Halloween-themed putty or dough with hidden "bugs"

What pediatric SLPs pack

• A drawstring "mystery bag" for describing and guessing games
• Picture cards for target sounds ("boo," "bat," "witch," "ghost")
• A printable trick-or-treat picture sequence or social story
• A mini doorbell or tap light for door-script role play

What pediatric PTs pack

• A small pumpkin or weighted bean bag for carries
• Spot markers or foam shapes for hopscotch and stepping paths
• A balance beam line in orange tape
• Glow sticks for practicing walking in low light

Packing tips for Halloween sessions

• Go light. Most of these items weigh almost nothing and fit in a gallon bag.
• Use what the family has. Real pumpkins, real costumes, and the real front steps beat anything you bring.
• Skip food rewards unless the family says yes. Allergies and feeding goals come first.
• Check for latex. Some novelty items and balloons contain it. Ask before you bring them in.
• Leave something behind. A sheet of stickers or a taped path makes home practice easy until your next visit.

Want ideas for your discipline? See our Halloween guides for OTs, SLPs, and PTs.

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