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I have been trying to think of ideas to occupy my 2 year old during virtual 1st grade this fall. Sensory bins really hold her attention, which is a hard task lately. I wanted to share some fun things I found for this one. I think next time I would use a flatter bin to have more surface area but my store was pretty limited.
You can definitely customize this in so many more ways than I did. I made 2 to gift one to my nieces. It probably made this less expensive because I split some materials between both bins. I chose to use these materials:
- Bin from Walmart (I used 15 quart but any size works and flatter is better)
- Smooth black stones (they are quite big and there are a lot in the bag – you can skip or use instead of smaller rocks)
- 3 lbs of kinetic sand
- Wooden square blocks
- Smaller rocks – I found mine for $1/bag at Walmart and used 2 bags.
- Construction trucks and signs
Other items you might consider could be: pasta dyed black, a shovel, popcorn kernels, bird seed, lincoln logs, really anything! Get creative with things you might already have.
I spent around $39 for 2 bins with items leftover, so less than $20 each. I had considered purchasing something similar online but it was $48 with shipping. I do consider these DIY bins a little on the higher budget side, BUT much less expensive than buying from the pros. The pros are pretty awesome though so if your budget allows – definitely go that route! There are some amazing mamas out there making and selling sensory bins online.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to play with this bin:
- Stack the blocks and see how many you can stack before it tumbles.
- Carry a block or rock with the truck across the bin. My kiddo and I like to race.
- Scoop sand piles with the trucks, building ramps or scenes with the rocks.
- Count using the larger rocks. Lay them out and work on numbers.
- Build a house out of blocks. Demolish it with one of the trucks after.
Happy playing! I would love to hear your favorite things to put in your bin or play with it!
Making it up as I go,
Monica ❤
Ellie Joe Design Co 