The Giant List of Sensory Bin Fillers: 100 Engaging, Cheap, and Easy Ideas

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What do I put in a sensory bin?” Well then you’ve come to the right place! Before we start getting inspired, let’s talk about why sensory bins are amazing.

Sensory bins provide a multisensory approach to learning that can enhance a variety of foundational skills necessary for academic success. They support fine motor skills which help develop hand strength and the pincer grasp which are important pre-writing skills. They also support language development through vocabulary expansion and storytelling. Math and science skills are also supported through measurement, observation, and exploration. Sensory bins allow for artistic expression through manipulating materials to make designs. Not to mention the calming effect sensory play has on the body which can help emotional regulation.

Now that you know the brilliance of sensory bins, perhaps you need a little inspiration for what materials to use. Below is the GIANT list of sensory bin filler materials. Some items can be found around your house and some can be purchased at the dollar store. Some items you could ask for in your neighborhood “buy nothing” group or collect from friends. Some may require DIY (if you are into that kind of thing). And some are highly engaging but cost a bit more money. There are plenty to choose from so choose the ones that will work the best for you and your child.

Caution: Sensory Bin Filler Safety

On that note of choosing what is best for your child, you know your indiviudal child best so please choose safe options for your child. Supervise your children while they are playing with sensory bins. When choosing materials, consider your childs age and habits. Many items are choking hazards, so please don’t choose those fillers for children who are still mouthing or under 3. Some food items are not necessarily safe for eating such as dry beans or salt in large quantities. You are responsible for supervising and choosing safe products for your children.  

Now without further ado…

The Giant List of Sensory Bin Fillers

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Art Supplies Sensory Bin Fillers

1. Tissue Paper
   • Tissue paper is economical as it can be found at Dollar Tree or perhaps you already have it at home. Tear it into pieces and let your child scrunch it up for an interesting tactile experience. 
2. Shredded Paper
   • Another economical choice! Just like tissue paper, scrunch it or tear it up! I used this filler for a fun “confetti” bin for my daughter’s birthday.
3. Sequins
   • This one may not be cost-effective as the main sensory bin filler, but it would certainly be fun as one. It can also be used as a secondary sensory bin filler mixed with another item such as rice. Sequins are a fun sensory bin filler for ocean, fish, princess, or birthday-themed sensory bins!
4. Pom-Poms
   • These packs can be found at Dollar Tree and are a great tactile filler. They can be used as a main filler or a secondary filler.
5. Beads
   • So many great options for beads-alphabet beads, perler beads, wooden beads, and pony beads are all excellent choices. Beads are a great option for dumping, pouring, and filling and meet auditory and tactile sensory needs for kids. Beads can be purchased at Dollar Tree. Due to the engaging experience for kids, I highly recommend this as a filler. 
6. Buttons
   • If you have a collection of unused buttons or can utilize a local “Buy Nothing” group to collect some, buttons are another highly engaging sensory bin filler due to the sensory experiences and ability to scoop and dump them. Button bins are fun to pair with books such as Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons or Courdoroy. 
7. Felt/Foam/Textured Paper
   • Felt, foam, and textured paper can be bought at Dollar Tree and cut into strips for a fun sensory experience. Another option is to place a piece of felt, foam, or textured paper at the bottom of the sensory bin as a base with another filler such as rice or beans over it. As your kid(s) make marks in the bean or rice with their fingers, they will be exposed to a secondary sensory experience at the bottom of the bin.
8. Mini Erasers
   • Although a tub of mini erasers would be so fun to stick your hands into, I often use them as secondary fillers in which kids can tweeze them out. Mini erasers can often be found in Bullseye’s Playground at Target.
9. Craft Foam
   • Craft foam can be found at Dollar Tree and broken up to fill up a sensory bin. 
10. Pipe Cleaners
    • I often use pipe cleaners as a secondary item. I sculpt them into interesting shapes such as candy canes, twirls, or shapes and include a magnetic wand for some exploring. You could cut them into individual pieces and fill an entire bin with them, as well, but be mindful that they can be pokey. Packs of pipe cleaners can be found at Dollar Tree.
11. Googly Eyes
    • I dream of doing a tub of googly eyes for Halloween one day. It would be a unique sensory bin filler with great potential for dumping, scooping, and providing engaging sensory experiences. Googly eyes also make a great secondary filler for monster-themed, alien-themed, or robot-themed sensory bins.
12. Lace
    • You can fill a sensory bin full of lacy doilies and strips of lace or add it as a secondary feature. Additionally, you could place doilies at the bottom as a base. Many lace items can be found at Dollar Tree. This can be a fun Valentine’s sensory bin filler.
13. Yarn
    • Yarn makes a great sensory bin filler as it can be a less messy version of a spaghetti sensory bin filler. Tongs are a fun tool to add to a yarn sensory bins. Yarn can be found at the Dollar Tree.
14. Fabric Scraps/Textured Fabric
    • If you are a sewer or know a sewer, this is an incredibly budget-friendly sensory bin. Small pieces of fabric are also available at the Dollar Tree. I recommend trying many different types of textures such as satin, fur, velvet, and leather. You can also place fabric at the bottom as a base.
15. Glass Stones/Marbles
    • The weight of the stones or marbles, the texture, and the sound they make provide a unique experience. I often use these as a secondary filler as they can get fairly heavy when gathered in a pile. These can be found at Dollar Tree.
16. Gems
    • I love the plastic gems at Dollar Tree and often throw them in as a secondary filler for kids to tweeze and scoop out. I enjoy including them in fairytale sensory bins or Valentine bins.
17. Popsicle Sticks/Tongue Depressors/Round Clothespins
    • Wooden craft items provide for a fun sound experience. Tongs are a fun tool to pair with popsicle sticks. Popsicle sticks can be found at Dollar Tree
18. Felt/Wool Balls
    • Felt and wool balls are very appealing due to their roughness, squishiness, and their varied colors. They are not an item kids experience in everyday life making them a highly engaging sensory bin filler.

Nature Sensory Bin Fillers

Tip: While nature items are free and easy to locate, I recommend placing freshly collected nature items in a baggie and placing them in the freezer for a few days before using. This will kill any bugs that may have hitchhiked a ride on the leaves.

19. Fake Feathers
    • A fun choice for bird-themed, forest-themed, or farm-themed sensory bins. Dollar Tree has colorful feathers available. For a more natural choice try these.
20. Real, Fake, Dry Flowers
    • Perfect for flower or spring-themed sensory bins! Opt for fake flowers if you want the sensory bin to last for longer than a day or two. Opt for real flowers if you want an amazing sensory experience. The Dollar Tree has lots of options.
21. Real or Fake Leaves
    • Real leaves are so fun to do in the fall and very cost-effective if you live near a place where you can collect fallen leaves.
22. Fake or Real Grass
    • Grass clippings are a fun, but short-lived choice. Astroturf scraps provide an interesting feel! Great for a spring sensory bin. This fake grass can also be a great base.
23. Sand
    • Sand and water tables are the OG sensory bins, and I highly recommend giving play sand a chance in your sensory bin. You can scoop, funnel, pour, mix with water, mold, search, and so much more with sand! Great for beach-themed, seashell-themed, summer-themed, or sand-themed (lol) sensory bins.
24. Aquarium Rocks
    • Aquarium rocks are a fun way to mix things up. The weight and the bright color of aquarium rocks bring something new and would be a great choice for construction sensory bins or the blue aquarium rocks can represent places such as the sky or ocean.
25. Seashells
    • Dollar Tree has packages of seashells. Seashells are great on their own to look at or scoop, but I think they are best paired with sand or water.
26. Rocks/Pebbles/Gravel
    • Does your kid collect rocks like it’s their job? Put all those rocks you find in their pockets to good use and use them as a sensory bin filler. I often use them as a secondary filler but have used them as a primary filler. 
27. Birdseed
    • Birdseed is not cheap but if you have some leftovers after making a birdfeeder, as I did, it can be a fun option for bird or owl-themed sensory bins! Be careful though, as I have recently learned that some birdseed contains moth larvae causing some pet bird owners to get a moth problem. Some also contain peanuts so if that is a concern for your family, be aware and check the packaging.
28. Wood Chips and Driftwood
    • Another item that my kid loves to cram in their pockets. Just like rocks, put it to good use!
29. Real or Fake Acorns
    • I can never get enough to fill a whole bin, but if you live near an oak tree, gather those fallen acorns up! It would be a delightful main filler but also a great secondary filler for autumn, forest, or squirrel-themed sensory bins.
30. Mini Pumpkins
    • I definitely would not use this as a main filler, but mini pumpkins are fun as a secondary filler in a water bin.
31. Small Sticks or Evergreen Branches
    • I picked some up after a windy night and used them for a Christmas tree sensory bin. I used fake ones for a forest-themed bin at a later date.
32. Moss
    • This one is such a fun sensory experience for littles whether you use real or fake moss.
33. Dry Fruit
    • I occasionally like to add dried oranges as a fun secondary item to fall or Christmas-themed bins.
34. Pinecones
    • Another item I picked up after a windy night and used as a secondary item in my forest-themed sensory bin. It could be great to have pinecones as a main filler for a pinecone-themed sensory bin or a tree-themed sensory bin.
35. Mud/Dirt
    • Your kids will love it, but it will be messy. Want a slightly more kid-friendly option? You can also make fake dirt or mud or buy play dirt.
36. Tree Slices
    • Kids enjoy interacting with tree slices because they are a novel item. They make great secondary items.

Sensory Bin Fillers Found in the Pantry

37. Uncooked Pasta
    • Uncooked pantry items like pasta and the ones listed below are some of the most engaging, easiest to prep, and cost-effective sensory bin fillers. I used uncooked pasta to make a butterfly life cycle-themed sensory bin as well as painted them grey for a robot part-themed sensory bin.
38. Uncooked Beans
    • I have used beans as a filler in so many sensory bins! I have used them with mini erasers, pompoms, dinosaur eggs, the list goes on and on! *Caution* Uncooked beans are toxic when swallowed (especially kidney beans).
39. Uncooked Grains
    • I have used grains for farm and Little Red Hen-themed sensory bins.
40. Uncooked Seeds
    • I have used seeds for a gardening-themed sensory bin, a flower-themed sensory bin, and a bird-themed sensory bin.
41. Uncooked Oats
    • I have used oats for an apple-themed sensory bin and a Goldilocks and the 3 Bears sensory bin.
42. Uncooked Rice
    • Rice is another sensory bin filler I have used frequently! I have used dyed rice for Valentine’s sensory bins, dentist-themed sensory bins, ocean sensory bins, and so much more! But it doesn’t have to be dyed. I have also used plain rice for ABC sensory bins, music-themed bins, and countless others.
43. Uncooked Legumes: Lentils and Chickpeas
    • Lentils are yet another popular choice for me! A great one for soup sensory bins, dinosaur sensory bins, gardening sensory bins, and vegetable-themed sensory bins. 
44. Uncooked Corn Kernels (popcorn or dried corn)
    • Great for farm-themed bins, corn-themed bins, theater, or carnival-themed bins! 
45. Salt
    • Salt provides a new and interesting texture. It is great for a snowy-themed sensory bin.
46. Sugars
    • White sugar is great for a snow-themed sensory bin and brown sugar works for a sand-themed sensory bin. It may be hard to keep your kids from tasting it though!
47. Sprinkles
    • While VERY FUN, it does take a lot of jars of sprinkles to fill up a sensory bin and can be quite costly. It is a great birthday-themed sensory bin.
48. Coffee Grounds
    • Coffee grounds provide an excellent experience for the nose! Opt for decaf. Coffee is a great choice to act as “dirt.”
49. Cornmeal
    • Cornmeal is a great choice for sand or a farm-themed bin.

Sensory Bin Fillers Found in the Bathroom

50. Cotton Balls
    • Cotton balls are inexpensive and many people will find they already have some in their house. Dollar Tree also has them at an affordable price. Cotton balls make a great snow-themed or cloud-themed sensory bin.
51. Shaving Cream
    • One of my favorite days in school was when we would clean our desks with shaving cream! The squishiness of the shaving cream and spreading it all around our desk was so fun! Not to mention the satisfying feeling at the end of the process when we would wipe off the shaving cream and our desks were miraculously clean. All this to say, don’t sleep on shaving cream and its fun sensory benefits. It’s not a sensory bin filler that lasts long, but it sure is fun!
52. Lotion
    • Lotion is a messy but fun sensory bin choice. Another one that wouldn’t last for several days but would be memorable.
53. Loofahs
    • You can get several of these at the Dollar Tree and fill up a bin. They provide an interesting texture and can also get wet.

Toys

54. Slime
    • You can make your own or purchase commercial slime for a fun Mad Scientist or Halloween-themed bin
55. Toy Foam
    • I haven’t used toy foam, but I want to! I imagine it would be wonderfully engaging to the senses.
56. Kinetic Sand
    • One of my favorites! Commercial kinetic sand can be expensive, but it can be saved and reused again. I have natural, blue, and green kinetic sand and have used them for beach themes, St. Patrick’s Day-themed, bug-themed, plane-themed, and many more! Kinetic sand is the universal sensory bin filler as it can be used for any theme.
57. Pool Noodles
    • Slice them into circles and add them into a tub on their own or add water.
58. Lego Bricks
    • They aren’t fun to step on, but they are delightful to sink your hands into as well as scoop and pour! When the kids get tired of scooping, they can use them to build!
59. Figurines
    • Toy figurines such as animals, vehicles, and people are great secondary fillers especially if your child has started to show interest in small-world play.
60. Play Dirt
    • You can make your own or purchase commercial play dirt for a fun construction- or forest-themed bin
61. Magnets
    • Letter, numbers, animal, and shape magnets are an excellent choice for a secondary filler. Provide a magnet wand as a tool and watch the magic happen!
62. Poker Chips/Checkers
    • I haven’t seen this sesnory bin filler used that often, but it is a wonderful option. The noise the chips provide and their ability to be easily scooped and tweezed make them a big hit with kids!
63. Slime Charms
    • Slime charms come in big packs and are perfect to use on their own or mix with Perler beads. I like to call this sensory bin the I-Spy bin.

Sensory Bin Fillers Found in the Kitchen

64. Straws
    • Another favorite of mine! Straws can be found at the Dollar Tree, and I love to cut them up to fill a bin. They can be scooped, tweezed, or laced. The colorful ones provide a fun bin for a birthday celebration as they look like sprinkles when cut up.
65. Foil
    • Rip it up, and allow kids to scrunch or pinch. It can be used as a main filler, secondary filler, or base in robot- or space-themed sensory bins.
66. Corks
    • Corks are a very engaging material! I love to ask in my “Buy Nothing” group for them and use them in sensory bins, crafting projects, and as loose parts. They are great in a water-based, sink-or-float sensory bin.
67. Pot Scrubbers
    • See loofahs as they have a very similar texture. 
68. Sponges
    • Sponges often come with multiple in a package. Cut them up and fill a bin with them. Use liquid droppers, beakers, and water to experiment with their absorbency. They are an inexpensive option.

Holiday Sensory Bin Fillers

69. Tinsel
    • A fun Christmas-themed sensory bin filler!
70. Jingle Bells
    • If you can’t tell already, I love a sensory bin that appeals to the ears. Jingle bells can often be found around Christmas time at Dollar Tree.
71. Bows/Ribbons
    • Another fun Christmas-themed sensory bin!
72. Plastic Eggs
    • Plastic easter eggs are so delightful. Try filling them with glow sticks and placing them in a water sensory bin.
73. Fake or Real Snow
    • If you live in a place that gets snow, fill up a bin, bring it inside, and enjoy the fun in a warm place. Snow doesn’t fall where you live? Try Instant Snow!
74. Easter Grass
    • Easter grass is great to pair with easter eggs or to use in a spring-themed sensory bin.
75. Fake Spider Web
    • Perfect for spooky season!
76. Gold Coins
    • I’ve always wanted to jump into a pile of coins like Scrooge McDuck but a plastic coin-filled sensory bin will have to do! Gold coins are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. 
77. Mardi Gras Necklaces
    • The sound and texture make these a perfect choice for a sensory bin filler.

Sensory Bin Fillers Found in the Mailbox

78. Bubble Wrap
    • Got some extra bubble wrap in a package? Why not make a sensory bin out of it? Bubble wrap makes a great sensory bin base.
79. Packing Peanuts
    • Don’t know what to do with the packing peanuts in your latest Amazon package? Two words: sensory bin.

Food and Drink Sensory Bin Fillers

Any food can be a sensory experience, but since I didn’t want to include every single food ever made, I just included ones that are *especially* engaging in a sensory bin. But feel free to use others or use mealtime as a time to explore.

80. Water
    • A classic! Water is the other half of the OG sensory bin: water and sand table. SO much can be added to water to make it extra engaging. From sponges to corks to citrus slices to ice to sand, the opportunities are endless. Don’t forget to add some engaging tools such as funnels and liquid droppers.
81. Cooked Pasta/Beans
    • SO squishy but extra messy! Cooked pasta or beans are highly engaging but are a short-term sensory bin.
82. Jello
    • Another squishy sensory bin! I love to “bake” figurines in JELLO to encourage my littles to dig them out. 
83. Tapioca Pearls
    • Noticing a theme? Another squishy option, Tapioca pearls are a safer alternative to water beads. A tapioca pearl-filled sensory bin is great for a bubble-themed bin.
84. Marshmallows
    • An edible alternative to cotton balls! Wonderful for a snowy-themed bin or cloud bin. 
85. Yogurt/Pudding
    • An edible alternative to a mud- or snow-themed bin. Be warned that it can get a little messy! 
86. Whipped Cream
    • A dreamy and delicious option for a snow or cloud-themed bin.
87. Cereal
    • I used old stale cereal as a fun pet-themed sensory bin as it looked like dog food. You can also crush up cheerios for edible play sand.
88. Herbs
    • This is a great option to engage the olfactory sense. Not many sensory bins provide opportunities for our smell. Have extra herbs in your garden? Throw them into a water bin!
89. Aquafaba
    • An edible alternative to a foamy bin.
90. Pumpkin Guts
    • An amazing Halloween sensory bin. If you plan on carving pumpkins, your sensory bin is planned for you!
91. Citrus Slices
    • Throw in with water, and enjoy outside on a summer day. There isn’t anything better.
92. Apple Peels
    • Similar to pumpkin guts, if you are already making applesauce or something similar, throw those apple peels in a bin and call it good!
93. Ice
    • A fun, summer activity to do on a hot day. I like to add warm water and basters to help melt the ice. I also enjoy freezing figurines in the ice for my little ones to “rescue” with warm water.

DIY

94. Fake DIrt
    • There are several ways to make fake dirt. I combined two large instant pudding mixes, 2 cups of baking soda, 1/2 cup water, and 6 tablespoons vegetable oil to make a delicious-smelling play dirt for your kid’s sensory bin. (Yes, you can also just go outside and just play in the dirt but it won’t smell as good 🤪).
95. Bubble Foam
    • To make this use 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup bubble bath with food coloring. Mix with a hand mixer or standing mixer. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
96. Oobleck
    • To make oobleck, mix 1 1/2 cups cornstarch with 1 cup water. Add food coloring to give it a little extra razzle-dazzle. When you ‘let it dry out, it becomes a new sensory experience as it becomes quite crumbly. Please put it in the garbage when it is time to dispose of the ooblek. DO NOT wash the oobleck down the sink drain as it will clog your drain
97. Playdough
    • Although, I typically setup playdough (and cloud dough/salt doughs/all the doughs) separate from the sensory bin, I still wanted to include them on this list because playdough is amazing for a sensory experience.

Recyclables

98. Pouch Caps/Lid Caps
    • We somehow collect these so easily, and they are an easy alternative to the poker chip/checkers option.
99. Mason Jar Lid Rings (and other metal jar lids)
    • Mason jar lid rings are another item that I end up with a lot of as I use the jars but rarely use the lids! So if you have enough, through them in a sensory bin! They make an interesting sound when banged together.
100. Cardboard Tubes
     • These are great to fill up a bin with or use as a secondary filler as they provide explorations with tubes. They are great to pair with pom-poms, felt balls, beads, or other round objects.

Whew- We made it to 100! Happy playing!

If your little one is too little for sensory bins, check out my blog post on the big list of black and white newborn toys.