These Christmas sensory bags are easy to make and interactive, meaning kids can squish buttons and other things inside the bag to decorate a snowman, gingerbread man, and Christmas tree.
This holiday season has been flying by for us. We’ve been churning out cookies, ornaments, and going present shopping non-stop.
I’m happy to say I think I’m finally done Christmas shopping! And just in time, too, as our second round of family get-togethers (all back-to-back!) happens this weekend.
Amid this busy holiday schedule, I’ve found the kids need more downtime and sensory input.
So when we’re not getting our wiggles out on the trampoline or rolling out play dough cookies at the gingerbread bakery, we’re squishing sensory bags.
Sensory bags are wonderful. Have you ever made any before?
I like them because they’re:
- mess-free
- easy to take along
- quick to make
- easy to customize
How to Make Interactive Christmas Sensory Bags
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You’ll need:
- zip-top bags (I used freezer quart bags but gallon works too)
- foam shapes (I cut out my own star, carrot nose, snowman hat)
- buttons (could also use little foam circles or even beads)
- googly eyes (can substitute with buttons)
- yarn (again, could use foam pieces)
- permanent marker
- nail polish remover (optional)
- clear liquid soap or clear hair gel
- duct tape
To make these bags, wipe the label off with a little nail polish remover.
Next, draw Christmas figures with permanent marker. I drew a snowman (minus the eyes, nose, hat, and buttons), a gingerbread man (without any decorations), and a Christmas tree (undecorated).
TIP: If you’re not a good artist, practice on a separate sheet of paper, and then trace your best drawing! That’s what I had to do. 😆
Then, fill the bags with clear liquid soap or hair gel. You won’t need much. Just enough for a layer of soap to fill the bag when flat.
Finally, add the decorations. It helps to put everything in carefully, right-side-up the first time because it’s tough to flip things around once they’re in the gel.
For the snowman, I used a foam hat, foam carrot nose, googly eyes eyes and black buttons.
The gingerbread man had button eyes, buttons on his shirt, and yarn for his mouth, wrists, and ankles.
Lastly, the Christmas tree had a foam star and colorful buttons for ornaments.
Once all the loose parts are in, seal the tops well and duct tape shut.
Playing with the Christmas Sensory Bags
You can tape the bags to a table, the floor, or even a clip board for travel.
Taping them down makes it much easier for little hands to squish the items around inside.
Once the bags are ready, I invited my three-year-old to come decorate the Christmas tree, the snowman, and the gingerbread man.
Clean-up with the liquid soap inside is easy. Snip off a small corner of the bag, and squeeze the soap out. Then rinse off the loose parts inside that you want to save and toss the bag.
Your Turn to make Christmas Sensory Bags
My daughter had a blast playing with these and decorating the tree, gingerbread man, and snowman.
It’s a perfect, mess-free way to keep your toddler entertained this Christmas.
At least until they open all their presents.
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