{"id":1753,"date":"2024-01-10T20:00:31","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T21:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/?p=1753"},"modified":"2025-05-09T13:56:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:56:24","slug":"create-3-sensory-bins-for-just-3-with-affordable-target-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/2024\/01\/10\/create-3-sensory-bins-for-just-3-with-affordable-target-finds\/","title":{"rendered":"Create 3 Sensory Bins for Just $3 with Affordable Target Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>A sensory bin is the educational &amp; frugal activity for bored kids everywhere!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296945 skip-lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-bin.jpg\" alt=\"kid holding funnel playing w\/ sensory bin\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Need a new way to entertain the <a>kiddos<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every parent should know about this screen-free, developmental activity for all ages &ndash; <em>Enter, sensory bins<\/em>! A sensory bin can improve fine motor skills, cognitive development, social skills and so much more. Plus, they can be made with just a few materials from around your home or inexpensive themed items, like from <a>Bullseye&rsquo;s Playground<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">A sensory bin is<\/span>&hellip; &ldquo;A large container filled with materials, objects, or toys designed to stimulate the senses.&rdquo;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>RUN to <a>Target<\/a> to make 3 Valentine&ndash;themed sensory bins for around $3!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296977\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/target-sensory-bin-3.jpg\" alt=\"paper cups, funnel, and heart erasers in bin with rice\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You&rsquo;ll need:<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li>Valentine&rsquo;s paper cups 6-pack &ndash; $1<\/li>\n<li>plastic funnel &ndash; $1<\/li>\n<li>heart erasers 60-count&ndash; $1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>If you have rice + food coloring at home this sensory bin will cost ya just $3!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><em>Have pom poms at home? Try this:&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296939\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/target-sensory-bin-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"pom poms in colored rice\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><em>Make paper hearts to reinforce their ABC&rsquo;s.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296941\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/target-sensory-bin-2.jpg\" alt=\"paper hearts in pink rice\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p><strong>HIP TIP:<\/strong> <a>Target<\/a> &amp; <a>Walmart<\/a> dollar spots are a treasure trove for sensory bins so keep an eye out!<\/p>\n<p>Their inexpensive knick-knacks and kids &lsquo;playsets&rsquo; make for the BEST sensory bin experiences and they&rsquo;re stinkin&rsquo; adorable too! (But remember, these items don&rsquo;t last for long&ndash; <em>so don&rsquo;t wait!)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<blockquote>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\">Top 3 sensory bins for toddlers<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>1. Shaving cream<\/strong> (or Cool Whip)<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11295593\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-bins.jpg\" alt=\"kid playing with shaving cream sensory bin\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Made for less than $2, a shaving cream sensory bin is quick and inexpensive to make. You can add a few drops of blue food coloring to give it an &lsquo;ocean&rsquo; theme and fill it with ANY bath or ocean-related animals, plants, toys, etc.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>*NOTE<\/strong>&ndash; you may also substitute shaving cream for Cool Whip for a taste-safe option.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>2. Water Station &ndash;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11295621\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-bins-2.jpg\" alt=\"hand scooping letter out of water\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When you need a completely FREE sensory bin in a pinch, water is the go-to for any season, and time of day (just be sure you&rsquo;re okay with them getting a little wet &#128521;). You can quickly turn a tub of water into a sink or float experiment and use endless items around the house. Add a few drops of soap and &lsquo;wash&rsquo; animal toys, cars, and hot Wheels. Sponges are also a phenomenal and inexpensive way to add color and use fine motor skills to grab &amp; squeeze.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>3. Rainbow Pasta &ndash;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11295629\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-bins-3.jpg\" alt=\"dried rainbow pasta sensory bin filler\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You likely already have this sensory bin filler on hand, and compared to the other fillers, when stored properly, it can last for months, so you only need to make this filler once for lots of play!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Sensory bin fillers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The most sensory stimulation will come from your sensory bin filler, so it&rsquo;s important to choose the right one! There are edible bases (recommended for babies), natural, store-bought, one-time-use fillers, and so many more.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10605531\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/dinosaur-in-kinetic-sand.jpg\" alt=\"hand holding dinosaur in kinetic sand\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong><em>Use this list of 30+ sensory bin fillers to help get you started&hellip;&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>EDIBLE FILLERS &ndash;<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>taste-safe moon sand<\/li>\n<li>ground cereal dirt<\/li>\n<li>JELLO<\/li>\n<li>whipped cream or cool whip (instead of shaving cream)<\/li>\n<li>water<\/li>\n<li>cooked grains (rice or quinoa)<\/li>\n<li>cooked spaghetti noodles<\/li>\n<li>tapioca pudding &ndash; the &lsquo;beads&rsquo; make a great sensory experience!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>*Note that these are likely also one-time or one-day use only and may have to be thrown out after first use.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>NON-EDIBLE FILLERS &ndash;<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">slime<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kinetic sand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">water beads<\/a> <em>*recommended for ages 13+<\/em><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shaving cream<\/a><\/li>\n<li>dry beans, rice, noodles, popcorn kernels, or chickpeas<\/li>\n<li>rocks or pebbles<\/li>\n<li>sticks<\/li>\n<li>leaves<\/li>\n<li>dirt<\/li>\n<li>flowers<\/li>\n<li>shredded paper<\/li>\n<li>colored salt<\/li>\n<li>pom poms<\/li>\n<li>cotton balls<\/li>\n<li>fabric scraps<\/li>\n<li>tissue paper<\/li>\n<li>foam blocks, bits, or pieces<\/li>\n<li>seashells<\/li>\n<li>fake snow<\/li>\n<li>plastic Easter eggs<\/li>\n<li>plastic balls or ping pong balls<\/li>\n<li>plastic straws (cut into pieces)<\/li>\n<li>pool noodles (cut into pieces)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10881336\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/mama-of-joy-sensory-bin-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"heart in\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\">Rice sensory bins are great for themes\/ holidays!<\/p>\n<p>Rice sensory bins are one of the best sensory bin fillers (for older kiddos who don&rsquo;t put things in their mouth) because it&rsquo;s inexpensive and can be easily dyed for holidays, seasons, etc.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>Try black + orange colors rice for Halloween, red + green for Christmas, green &ldquo;grass&rdquo; for Spring, and of course pink or red for Valentine&rsquo;s Day!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296951\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-rice.jpg\" alt=\"hands grabbing pink rice in bin\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>How to make a DIY sensory bin:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A sensory bin includes three easy parts: the filler, toys\/ manipulatives, and containers! Once you&rsquo;ve decided on the filler, you can add any small toys\/ manipulatives to go inside. (My kids have a bin of random toys from old playsets, kids&rsquo; meals, tiny erasers, goodie bag fillers, and more so I always have a stash &#128514;)<\/p>\n<p>For the containers, it&rsquo;s nice to recycle plastic containers from food items (sour cream or butter tub), plastic bottles, old Tupperware, kids&rsquo; plastic cups &amp; bowls. Or you can grab a sensory tool set and reuse these items in every new bin you make!<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11289448\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/diy-sensory-bin.jpg\" alt=\"sets of sensoy bin tools\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tools 4-Piece<\/a> &ndash; $13.99<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Skylety Counting Sorting Bears 74-Piece Set<\/a> &ndash; $12.99<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montessori Sensory Bin Toys<\/a> &ndash; $19.99 + 5% off coupon!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<blockquote>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\">Try this <strong>mess-free<\/strong> sensory bin idea&ndash; no &lsquo;bin&rsquo; required!<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11291525\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/mess-free-sensory-bin.jpg\" alt=\"hands finger painting on ziploc bag\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the days when you want a sensory experience <em>without<\/em> the potential mess, all you need is some paint, paper, a gallon ziploc bag or saran wrap, and tape!<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Here&rsquo;s what to do:<\/strong> Place a few dollops of paint on a piece of paper and slip it into a gallon ziploc bag. Tape all four edges to a table or flat surface. Encourage little ones to &lsquo;finger paint&rsquo;, make shapes, blend colors, and more. As another option you can tape a piece of paper with paint to a table and cover with saran wrap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"recipe recipe-shortcode\">\n<div class=\"recipe-title\">\n<h2>Extra Sensory Bin Recipes<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"button button-transparent print-recipe\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-print\"><\/i>Print<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-top small\">\n<h4 class=\"section-header\">Supplies Needed<\/h4>\n<div class=\"ingredients-list background\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcornstarch\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlight brown sugar \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcoconut oil (melted)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tuncooked pasta\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfood coloring\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twater\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcereal \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tuncooked rice\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvinegar\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tziploc bags\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbaking soda\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twhite hair conditioner\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"margin-top margin-bottom\">\n<h4 class=\"section-header\">Directions<\/h4>\n<div class=\"directions background\">\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell small-12 large-12\">\n<p><span class=\"step\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Taste- Safe Moon Dough<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mix 1c. cornstarch, 1c. light brown sugar, and 4 tbs. coconut oil (melted) until you get a powder-like consistency. Should be able to form clumps in hand like real sand.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell small-12 large-12\">\n<p><span class=\"step\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Rainbow Pasta<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Measure 1\/2- 2 cups of pasta for each color you desire and separate into bowls. Add 1 1\/2- 2 tablespoons of liquid watercolors to each and mix. Let stand for about 15 minutes and dry on parchment paper.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell small-12 large-12\">\n<p><span class=\"step\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rainbow Rice<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Add 1 cup uncooked rice, a few drops of food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vinegar to a plastic bag. Shake and massage the bag until the rice is coated. Spread rice onto wax paper or tray to let dry. <em>Note that it will likely feel dry in under an hour, but it&#8217;s best to wait until the next day.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell small-12 large-12\">\n<p><span class=\"step\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Edible &#8216;dirt&#8217;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Got stale or leftover cereal? Turn it into a taste-safe sensory bin filler! I prefer a chocolate-based cereal (ie. cocoa pebbles) but any variety works! Place in the blender or food processor and blend until it looks like dirt\/ sand. <em>Easy peasy!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-x\">\n<div class=\"cell small-12 large-12\">\n<p><span class=\"step\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Fake Snow<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mix 1\/2 c. pure baking soda with 1\/2 c. white hair conditioner in a large bowl until you can mold it and not too much sticks to your hands. Too wet? Sprinkle baking soda until desired consistency. Too dry? Add conditioner slowly.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11296963\" src=\"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/sensory-bin-1.jpg\" alt=\"kid playing with sensory bin\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Winter break may have come &amp; gone, but keep these sensory bin ideas in your back pocket for the next rainy day or school break and you&rsquo;ll be the master of boredom!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Beat boredom outside with this <a>DIY Puffy Chalk<\/a> recipe!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sensory bin is the educational &amp; frugal activity for bored kids everywhere! Need a new way to entertain the kiddos? Every parent should know [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1753"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1753"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1753\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1788,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1753\/revisions\/1788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.artofproductions.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}