Christmas Sensory Bin Ideas for Toddlers

A Christmas sensory bin is a container of safe, textured material that toddlers can dig through and pour. Oats, a few pine sprigs and big shatterproof ornaments give them plenty to feel, smell and scoop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread the tablecloth on the floor and set the bin in the middle.
2. Pour the oats into the bin, about 2 inches deep.
3. Press the pine sprigs into the oats so the green tips stick up.
4. Add the ornaments, spoons, scoops and cups.
5. Show your toddler how to scoop oats into a cup and tip it out.
6. Sit next to the bin and name what they touch, such as “soft,” “prickly” or “round.”
7. Hide a big ornament under the oats and let your toddler find it.
8. When finished, shake the cloth outside and store the oats in a sealed jar for the next play session.

Tips for Little Hands

• Stay within arm’s reach the whole time. Oats are edible, but the other items are not.
• Skip glass ornaments, cranberries, popcorn kernels and anything small.
• Check pine for sharp needles and sticky sap, or use soft fir.
• Sweep up quickly, because oats on a hard floor are slippery.

Make It Your Own

• Swap oats for dry rice and add red food coloring (rub it in and dry it first).
• Make a “snow” bin with cotton balls and large tongs for scooping.
• Use cinnamon sticks and orange slices for a scent-focused version.