Cigar Boxes
Most of these can be obtained for free or from local stores. Taller boxes worked better than short boxes. After experimenting, we found 1 1/4″ diameter portals to be the best size to simulate a realistic arc of motion before impingement.
Bicycle Tubing
Local bike shops donated as much discarded tubing as we requested. This was affixed to the inside of the boxes in front of the drilled portals to simulate the feel of skin. Incise them with an 11 blade as you would in surgery. These were also used as flaps that covered stickers or other objects.
Stickers & Buttons
These were placed at strategic positions inside the boxes. If unique, they make an easy point of reference. Most of these were donated from local record stores, but could be bought from a dollar store.
Beads
Small alphabet bead sets such as those in the link below were purchased. These were a good size for the graspers and other instruments.
Miscellaneous items
We used a tennis ball, small Lego set, rubber bands, a small plastic medicine cup, small model cars,and other random household items to add a variety to the items in the boxes.