Maybe you’re just getting started with sensory bins, or you’re just looking to change things up with an exciting new sensory bin filler!
This is the resource for you. Pin, bookmark, share, and save so you can back to this cheat sheet as needed.
Disclosure: We use sponsored, or affiliate, links, which means that we could earn a small commission that helps fund our blog (at no extra cost to you!). All opinions are our own and we only recommend products we love. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!
Non-Edible, Dry Sensory Fillers
- dry rice (see recipe for colored rice)
- dry beans
- split peas
- popcorn kernels
- pom poms
- cotton balls
- moon sand/cloud dough (see recipe)
- dry pasta (see recipe)
- recycled bottle caps
- shredded paper
- aquarium gravel or polished decorative stones
- birdseed
- sand
- marbles
- found natural objects (acorns, shells, leaves, etc.)
- beads
- craft feathers
- fabric scraps
- buttons
- whole spices (bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, etc.)
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!
Non-Edible Wet Sensory Fillers
- water (dye with food coloring if desired)
- water and tear-free bubble bath
- shaving cream
- sensory foam (see recipe)
- water beads
- goop (cornstarch + water)
Taste-Safe Sensory Fillers
*I wouldn’t recommend eating most of these, but it won’t hurt if kids try to sneak a small taste. Please be aware that some of these fillers could be choking hazards, so please supervise and never leave young ones unattended.
- water
- ice
- dry cereal
- oatmeal
- cornmeal
- cooked spaghetti noodles
- taste-safe “mud” (see recipe)
- cooked tapioca pearls (small pearl or large pearl)
- Jello or unflavored gelatin
- DIY snow (see recipe)
- salt
- dry coffee beans
- puffs cereal
- pumpkin guts
- whipped cream
- sunflower seeds (shelled)
- whole flax seeds
- pudding
MOre on Sensory Play
Find all the sensory play activities on EYT right here.
For babies, here are 5 easy ideas for sensory play.
For toddlers and preschoolers, browse our sensory bins.
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!