Sensory Bins: Part 1

At the studio, we always have a sensory bin ready—it’s great for creative play and child development, and we love changing them with the seasons. We get a lot of questions about sensory bins, so here are some of our favorite tips! Let’s start with the basics:

What is a sensory bin? A shallow container filled with a safe material (like uncooked rice or kinetic sand) plus some fun tools like scoops, cups, and tongs.

Best for what ages?
Kids 18 months to 5 years. Kids younger than 18 months will try to eat the materials!

Why are they helpful?
So many reasons! Here are a few:
– Builds fine motor skills (scooping, pouring, using tongs)
– Encourages imaginative play (storytelling and scene-setting)
– Supports cognitive growth (sorting, counting, measuring)
– Provides rich sensory input (touch, sound, smell, sight)
– Offers a calming, focused activity (repetitive motion = flow state)
– Teaches cooperation and turn-taking (sharing tools)

Can I leave my child alone with one?
Supervision is important, even for older kids.

Should I have one at home?

That’s up to you! Kids’ everyday life is already filled with sensory experiences—like bath time, cooking, and outdoor play—so no pressure. I remember a Mom being excited about getting an IKEA sensory bin for their apartment, only to be later dismayed by the supervision needed, the planning/storing of materials and the cleanup. That said, if you’re curious, try something simple and low-mess to start:

Easy idea: Pour some uncooked pasta into a shallow pan or tray. Add tongs, scoops, and small bowls, and let them scoop, fill and transfer!

Next level? Try whipped cream or shaving cream in a tray, with spoons and cups. Add a few drops of food coloring or sprinkles for extra fun. (Whipped cream = edible; shaving cream = easier cleanup and great scent!)

Next week, we’ll talk about filler materials and accessory ideas—and why you might want to be wary of the elaborate bins you see online.