Sensory play is one of my favorite ways to engage my daughter and my students. When I was teaching, sensory bins were a shoe-win way to engage my students in things they didn’t love or things that needed repetition, like sight words. I would create a sensory bin to fit a theme, throw in some sight word cards and they loved it every time! Now, as a mom, this is my go to “boring” day activity.
When I was first getting started, the options were overwhelming and I quite honestly just didn’t know where to start. As a teacher, I was funding this myself (IYKYK) and as a mom, obviously I am too. It was important for me to stick to a budget.
Here is a list of my sensory bin must have items.
**I hate calling things must haves because really you they are must haves. I’m going to start with the two things that you have to have if you want to create a sensory bin.
The True Must Haves
- Container – this one is a no brainer but let me tell you there are good and bad containers. Take it from me who learned the hard way. If your container isn’t sturdy, it can break and that means everything inside comes pouring out. Check out this blog post with some of my favorite containers for sensory bins. Essentially you want something strong and maybe with a lid depending on your storage options.
- Fillers – the next thing you have to have is a filler, this is what makes your sensory bin. You can check out this blog post with a large list of filler options from free items to edible items!
The “Extra” Must Haves
These next items are “must haves” but you could do without some and you can find similar items.
- Bowls – I love keeping a cheap set of bowls with my sensory bin materials because I include them often with bins for sorting, putting in, taking out, etc.
- Scoops – Same concept as above, scoops make for great fine motor practice with the sensory bin materials.
- Sand Toys like these – Sand toys make perfect sensory bin accessories that can be used to play in the sensory bin filler.
- Cookie Cutters – I use play dough cutters because they are made for kids but these are great items to play in the filler with as well.
- Toys – At young ages I love including toys into the sensory bins for kids to play with. Things like toy animals, cars, balls, blocks, stem items, etc. are great to play in the filler with.
- Activity Sets – With older kids and in classroom, I loved sensory bin cards and activities. Magnetic letters and numbers are great matching activities or identifying numbers/letters. Flash cards are great ways to practice spelling, adding, subtracting, etc. Word cards can allow kids reading practice with patterns like CVC, CVCe, vowel teams, etc. The possibilities are really endless. Anything you need your kid or student to practice you can put in a sensory bin. You can purchase these things or you can use index cards and just write what you want on them.
Where to Buy Sensory Bin Materials
I thought it would be helpful to include where I typically purchase my sensory bin materials + the price points. I’ve been around the block between teaching preschool, first grade and now as a mom. I have a few key stores/websites that I always check out for my sensory bin items.
- Dollar (.25¢) Tree – This one is probably obvious if you are a teacher, but mamas too! Dollar Tree has great, cheap items that are perfect for sensory bins. I use their bingo dabbers, popsicle sticks, pom-poms, etc. It’s also a great place to find seasonal items for your sensory bins. I get a lot of fillers here too. Don’t just shop the craft aisle for these things. You can find great things throughout this whole store. The kitchen area has great scoops, bowls, cups, etc. to include as well.
- Oriental Trading – If you are looking to order online, I love oriental trading. Their items are cheap for how many you get in the packs. This is another place that is great for seasonal items. They have a gazillion options on craft supplies that work well in sensory bins as well. From stickers, sequins, poms, mini toys, and so so much more! Be sure to check this one out.
- Micheals – This one I typically only shop during a sale because their full price items aren’t the best cost effective sensory bin items. However, if you are looking for something in particular, you can find it here! I find a lot of little holiday gems here. For example, tiny snowmen for a snow sensory bin or felt snowflakes. They also have a ton of vase fillers that work great for sensory bins!
- Hobby Lobby – This is similar to Micheals. Sometimes you find good sales on things. Another place for good fillers from vase fillers to greenery and stems!
- Amazon – Duh! Don’t we all love a good Amazon find. My caveat here is at physical stores I can feel the quality before buying. I can also check that something doesn’t have small choking hazard pieces that could fall off. Which is why I tend to look in store before heading to Amazon. However, I do get some craft supplies in bulk from Amazon that I know I don’t have to worry about those things.
- Walmart – Another good place to just cruise around and see what you can find. They have cheaper kitchen utensils that make great scoops. They also have decent seasonal aisles!
I hope this blog posts helps you find a good starting spot for what you “need” to get sensory bins going at home or in your classroom. If you have any items that you consider must haves for your classroom or family, leave them in the comments below!
