Sensory Bin Basics: What You Need to Have - Busy Toddler (2024)

What are the sensory bin basics you need to have? Learn more about sensory bins and the supplies used to create easy and meaningful sensory play. This simple list of basics will create more than 15 sensory bins for kids.

Sensory Bin Basics: What You Need to Have - Busy Toddler (1)

Table of Contents:

  1. How to set up a sensory bin
  2. What can you do with sensory bin basics?
  3. My list of sensory bin basics
  4. Activities using these supplies
  5. Tips – Other posts to help with sensory bin play
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

I walked downstairs this morning and was hit by a wall of mess: a full dishwasher, sticky counters, breakfast remnants, and what I assumed was a fruit snack ground into the hardwood floors.

Yikes.

I definitely needed a moment to get my life under control which is exactly when my toddler came running around the corner looking to be entertained.

How in the world am I going to get a minute to clean this, keep him occupied and not abandon him with Daniel Tiger (again)?

Duh. A sensory bin that’s how.

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How to set up a sensory bin

Sensory bins are an amazing toddler tool.

And they take about 5 seconds to set up if you have the equipment in place to do it.

Not to rub it in, but thank heavens I have that equipment and every tool needed to buy at least 15 minutes of solid toddler independent play time.

But usually it’s more like 20 minutes and sometimes close to AN HOUR!

RELATED: Curious what a sensory bin actually is? Check out this post that explains in detail the role of sensory bins.

What can you do with sensory bin basics?

The two biggest myths of my life with toddler activities are that:

1. You need a bunch of stuff
2. It takes a ton of room to store.

NOPE.

I want to share with you what I keep lying around, how I store it, and how life changing it is to have quick sensory bin supplies on hand at a moment’s notice (aka when you need a second to breath).

I’m dead serious that there’s a ton you can do with these sensory bin basics, and to prove it, here are 8 quick and easy sensory activities that you can whip up in seconds using the supply list below (don’t worry – I have more activities to show you at the end, too! Keep scrolling…)

RELATED: Need every more activities? Check out this sensory activities page.

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My list of sensory bin basics

Sensory bins are comprised of three main parts: the bin, the bases, and the tools.

The bin is the container you use to hold the sensory bin. For my set of basics, I use the same storage container over and over. Bases are the materials the child is interacting with (from rice to bubble foam). The tools you add to the sensory bin enable the interaction with the materials.

Disclaimer:

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

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The Bin

I keep my supplies in a medium under-the-bed type storage tub (spoiler alert: this is the same tub that we do the sensory bins in – how slick is that?!). A medium storage tub is ideal for sensory bins because of the high sides. It keeps everything contained and defines the learning space.

Obviously, some materials get out, but that’s why they invented vacuums.

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The “Bases”

I’m a miser so I try to get the most bang for my buck from everything. That includes sensory bin bases. Some of the bases I own just celebrated their one year anniversary with us. Feel free to send a card.

Here’s a list of the best sensory bin bases that will last for many, many years:

Taste-safe sensory bin bases

  • Dry rice (plain rice or dyed rainbow colors)
  • Corn meal
  • Dry oatmeal

Not-taste safe sensory bin bases

  • Dried beans
  • Pom pom balls
  • Kinetic sand
  • Shredded paper

After we are done with a sensory bin, I pour the base back into a large resealable bag.

My “go-to” bases are rice (mine is currently rainbow colored), beans, corn meal, and even pom pom balls (although apparently those guys forgot to pose for the picture!).

All of these bases save well, play well, make for fun times.

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The “Tools”

I usually let my toddler pick which base he wants in his bin – it’s an easy choice to let him have. Inside the bin, I throw a variety of our favorite tools.

These live in the sensory supply tub and are dedicated toddler activity tools. You have to have some fun tools to play with to keep the sensory bin party hopping.

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Fine Motor Tool Set

We got these fine motor tools for Christmas and we are in love. They are awesome for sensory bins and quickly got upgraded to Top Dog in our sensory lives.

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Tongs

Tongs are such a versatile activity supply – we couldn’t do a sensory project without a pair of these simple tongs.

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Measuring Cups

I bought an extra set of measuring cups just for my toddler. We each needed our own so I have a dedicated set in his sensory play supplies.

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Funnels

I am so glad I ended up with these funnels left over from a house project. They ended up being the perfect sensory supply for any pouring or scooping type activity. Nothing is better than a funnel!

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Small Construction Trucks

We rarely have a sensory activity without construction equipment being added. Even if it’s not until the very end, my kids grab for diggers, always.

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Various Sized Jars

You have to have somewhere to put the goods once you’ve scooped them. We love using old jars from spaghetti sauce, jelly, etc. Plastic containers like these are also great. Make sure to vary height and capacity with the ones you pick.

Store it all together for quick and easy sensory bin fun

When I need a moment of toddler independent playtime, I grab for a sensory bin. In less than a minute, I have a fun play area set up for my son and these bins just don’t get old.

Sometimes, it’s just a straight “dump the base and go” type activity (like a rice bin). Other times, making one quick addition (like hiding a few puzzle pieces in the corn meal) will instantly be an activity hit.

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Activities using these supplies

Building a basic sensory kit has been a game changer for me. I can quickly pull out the sensory supplies I need and create a wonderful independent learning experience for my son without even batting an eye.

It makes me feel like “Wonder Mom” every time I just throw one of these bins together.

Tips – Other posts to help with sensory bin play

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can sensory bins start?

Sensory bins can start in babyhood – a small amount of water in a tray is a great first bin. Simple bases like cereal and dry rice are excellent first sensory bins in the early toddler years. The point being: sensory bins can start early (with proper supervision and judgement on materials).

What is the best sensory bin for a toddler?

A simple rice bin. Rice bins are a fantastic sensory bin option for all ages, but especially for toddlers. It has a wonderful sound, feel, and texture. Rice can scoop, pour, and be used to bury with. Don’t overlook a rice bin.

How do you keep sensory bins from being super messy?

Have rules for sensory bins. Sensory play does not need to be messy to be full of learning. Children can learn to play within a set of boundaries during sensory play, just like they learn to eat at dinner without throwing food or to take baths without dumping all the water out. Here’s a post explaining how I help my kids keep sensory bin play tidy.

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Susie Allison, M. Ed

Owner, Creator

Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.

    Sensory Bin Basics: What You Need to Have - Busy Toddler (2024)

    FAQs

    Sensory Bin Basics: What You Need to Have - Busy Toddler? ›

    Place 2-3 lbs of dry, uncooked rice into a 28qt under the bed storage container (like this one). You want space for kids to play and high sides. Add in a few measuring cups and some bowls. Kids need to see a visual boundary: put a big beach towel, flat sheet, or table cloth under the sensory bin.

    How do you set up a sensory bin for a toddler? ›

    Place 2-3 lbs of dry, uncooked rice into a 28qt under the bed storage container (like this one). You want space for kids to play and high sides. Add in a few measuring cups and some bowls. Kids need to see a visual boundary: put a big beach towel, flat sheet, or table cloth under the sensory bin.

    How do you organize sensory bin items? ›

    Keep the base materials separate from the goodies. This saves space and allows you to create new combinations of sensory bins. Use zip top bags to store your themed materials.

    How do you set up sensory play for toddlers? ›

    It's simple for children to enjoy sensory play when you create a sensory bin for them to explore. To create a sensory bin, simply fill a small tub or container with objects from nature such as leaves, rocks, and sand that have different textures for your little one to explore.

    How do sensory bins help toddlers? ›

    A sensory bin allows preschoolers to explore and develop their primary senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. This technique works since sensory bins can stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. You should consider filling a sensory tub with all types of filler objects of different textures.

    How do I keep my 2 year old toddler busy? ›

    To foster independent play, create a box filled with anything your child shows interest in that can be done without much supervision, such as crafts, games, LEGOs, play dough, and science kits, says Lindsey Wander, founder and CEO of WorldWise Tutoring. Let your child choose what they'd like to play with.

    How do I make my 2 year old busy? ›

    Sensory activities:

    playdough or finger painting, including sensory play like these, is a good way to sharpen their senses and keep them occupied for a long at the same time.

    How do I keep my 2 and 4 year old busy? ›

    35 Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work or Study
    1. Build a Fort. Create a fort using blankets, coffee tables, couches, boxes or whatever you've got in your home. ...
    2. Gather Donations. ...
    3. Start a Journal. ...
    4. Learn to Draw. ...
    5. Hear a Story from Space. ...
    6. Build the Ultimate Paper Airplane. ...
    7. Put on a Play. ...
    8. Collect Broken Crayons.
    Mar 18, 2020

    What is sensory bin activity? ›

    What Is a Sensory Bin? A sensory bin is a shallow container that combines filler material and various small odds and ends. You fill the bin with a filler material such as sand or rice, then add items from around the house such as spoons or measuring cups. Let your child explore the items and have fun playing.

    What should I put in my sensory box? ›

    Remember that you can use things you already have around the house as sensory items for kids to create easy sensory bins!
    1. Dry rice, beans, and/or pasta.
    2. Unpopped popcorn.
    3. Sand.
    4. Cotton balls.
    5. Shredded paper.
    6. Raffia/crinkle grass.
    7. Corn Meal.
    8. Craft feathers for a feather sensory bin.
    Oct 15, 2022

    How do you fill sensory bags? ›

    Fill a resealable plastic bag with tactile materials like hair gel, pumpkin seeds, shaving cream, or marbles. Reinforce the seal with strong tape, then use painter's or washi tape to secure the edges of the bag to the floor or a table where your baby can play.

    What is sensory play for a 2 year old? ›

    Sensory play is any activity that stimulates our senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of the world that surrounds them.

    What are some examples of sensory play? ›

    Playing with messy sensory materials helps children develop a curious and natural sense of exploration. Finding dinosaurs in taste-safe mud, a fizzy cloud dough experiment, and balloon painting are excellent examples of messy sensory play activities. Edible sensory play activities promote a multi-sensory experience.

    What are the sensory patterns for toddlers? ›

    Sensory patterns for toddlers typically involve diverse repetitive interactions, such as touching and listening. These patterns, reflecting a child's unique sensitivities and preferences, are crucial for their cognitive and emotional development.

    Are sensory bins good for 2 year olds? ›

    Short answer: yes. Creating sensory bins for toddlers allows them to build skills and understanding through play-based, hands-on learning. Sensory bins are easy, in-expensive, and effective for supporting toddler in their growth and development – but (spoiler alert) they don't have to be messy to be fun.

    What age should you start sensory bins? ›

    At the toddler stage, from ages 2 to 3, kids are typically ready to engage with more toys. A great place to start are sensory bins—literally, a bin or box filled with various materials meant to stimulate the senses.

    Are sensory bins good for 3 year olds? ›

    Children learn so much during unstructured free play – problem solving, emotional regulation, imitation, social skills, language, fine motor skills, the list is endless. So giving them new experiences in the form of a sensory bin will help them develop and hone so many new skills, all while having a blast!

    How do sensory bins work? ›

    Sensory bins are a hands-on and immersive play opportunity for children. A sensory bin is often created inside a container using a variety of different materials and tools. Sensory bins provide children with a chance to develop critical life skills, academic skills, and motor skills in a fun, play-based way.

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