Express Your Feelings with Kimochis (and Enter to Win One in a Giveaway!)

Sometimes getting kids to communicate their feelings can be difficult, but Kimochis, a new line of stuffed toys created by a group of Marin mompreneurs in San Anselmo, are here to help. Kimochi (which means "feeling" in Japanese) toys are cute and huggable characters that come with a set of feelings inside—little dolls that represent feelings like jealous, grateful, shy, happy, and brave. These feelings and the Kimochi characters assist children, parents, and teachers in discussing their feelings, becoming better communicators, and cultivating confidence and character.

Our Kimochi, Bug (an adorable caterpillar with a hidden pair of butterfly wings), was an instant hit with our three-year-old daughter, who insists on carrying it with her just about every place. The different feelings that came with Bug all store in a handy pouch on his tummy, where they can be stored and then pulled out to play with and of course communicate about the feelings they represent. Overall it's a really appealing and well made toy. We're definitely happy to make room for Bug in our home!

Other characters include Kimochi Cloud, a moody little cloud who can be either happy or sad depending on the way his head is turned, and Huggtopus, a happy, giggly, and friendly purple octopus (all pictured here). There are more characters in development. Kimochis come in a colorful box set with three feelings and a How to Feel booklet.

You can learn a lot more about Kimochis, the characters, the Kimochis philosophy, and the team that created them at www.kimochis.com. They also sell them directly via their secure online store. (Order by December 18 for Christmas delivery.) If you'd like to check out the Kimochis in person and not worry about ordering online, you can see them at numerous local retailers in Marin, including Heller's for Children at 514 4th Street in San Rafael, Dixie Park at 718 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo, and Revolution 9 at 14 Bolinas Road in Fairfax.

Of course, you could get a Kimochi of your choice for free by winning our latest Marin Mommies giveaway! In conjunction with the makers of Kimochis, San Anselmo's Plushy Feely Corp., we're giving one lucky winner the Kimochi of their choice (a $25 value). Simply send an email with the word "Kimochi" in the subject line to contests@marinmommies.com, by midnight PST on Tuesday, December 16, and we'll select a winner at random on Wednesday December 17. In the spirit of the holidays, we're extending the entry deadline to 7 pm PST today, December 17. We'll draw a winner after that this evening.