Sensory bins are great invitations to play. Putting one together is easy and fun. Walk with me through Walmart as I talk about my thought process when I’m creating an easy sensory bin for sensory play with my kids. Also, watch for some ideas and inspirations to create your own. Spoiler alert – there really isn’t one way to do this, there is a lot of flexibility.
The first thing is I always consider containers.
How much storage space do you have to keep the sensory bin? Do you have other items in the house that will work? How many kids will be playing? You will need more space for more kids, but say only one kid you might get away with a shoebox size. What base are you using? (I will explain “base” further down.) Where will they be playing with it? At your kitchen table? Outside? All these things I keep in mind when looking.
Walmart has Sterilite brand which I like to use. They are pretty durable, come with lids and offer a lot of size options. I tend to grab more shallow ones. You can also look in the Kitchen Section for Rubber Maid options or dishwashing tubs.
Next, you need to think of your base. This will be your main filler in the sensory bin.
Lots of things to consider here. How messy do you want to get? Dry goods? Water play? Food? Theme? Color? Style? Consider your child’s sensory sensitivity level. Sensory seeker? Likes noise? Do you want to or have time to do food coloring prep?
Jello/Pudding offers sugar-free options so it’s “taste safe” but the kids might not necessarily want to eat it. Also, sprinkles are an option but they might cost you more depending on the size container you are filling. Check for the larger sprinkle tubs. I love using rice, you can color and save. Or some people like to use lentils. I have also picked up a bag of popcorn kernels.
In the beauty section sometimes I like to use cotton balls. A cheap, safe, and not threatening item. Some suggest also using plain Epson salt. I wouldn’t pick up the essential oil infused to avoid any possible allergies.
You can also check out the party section. I found garland to cut up and there were also pom-poms. Craft section as well, where you can find yarn to cut. Or beads!
I tend to stick to one base per sensory bin, but I know some like a combination of maybe two.
Another necessary sensory bin item is the tools!
These are to manipulate the base of the bin. What you want to consider is skill level. You don’t want to frustrate them. Size of the children(s) hands. Once again storage space. Cost? How do you want the tools to function? Pour, scoop, or for fine motor work?
Sand toys, cups, tongs, cut-up sponges for water play, and measuring cups. Even funnels! Funnels, for water play, rice, or sand. The baking section has a lot of options, even using candy molds to fill and pour. Scoops. Silicon cupcake liners. Clothes pins for fine motor work.
Now let’s talk manipulatives and lose parts…
These are things to fit the theme, that they can count or find in the base to add a kind of an eye spy or treasure hunt feeling to the bin.
Think about the theme. What do you have on hand? What they are learning? A learning skill, letters, counting, animals, etc. Is it reusable? Storage for the items.
Confetti, cookie cutters, google eyes…check party favors. Also, be sure to check the seasonal section and craft sections. Pom-poms and feathers can work for both base and manipulatives.
It’s assembly time!
The sensory bin I built was fall themed. Bones, eyes, little pumpkins with popcorn kernels as the base. A funnel and a measuring scoop for tools in a shoebox-sized container.
The point is to give them a mix and see how creative kids can be.
Have you made a sensory bin yet? What are your go-to items? Share in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The products featured in this post & video were purchased by myself or sent to me for review for free. Some videos may be sponsored by brands that I enjoy. Make sure to *ALWAYS* use discretion when deciding age-appropriate activities and supervise your children.
MUSIC: courtesy of Soundstripe.
