The best type of toy is the one that can be used in a variety of ways by different children. The best way to learn is through play, and when your child is able to explore their senses while also having fun and learning new skills, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Sensory bottles are a fun way to explore texture, smell and taste. They’re easy to make and can be used to teach kids about the senses. Sensory bottles can be used for many different activities.
You can use sensory bottles at home, in the classroom or at a child’s birthday party.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| DIY sensory toys can be fun and easy to make at home. |
| Sensory play provides numerous benefits for children’s development. |
| There are many materials that you can use to make DIY sensory toys. |
| DIY sensory toys can be safe and affordable. |
| Sensory toys are beneficial for all children, not just those with special needs. |
Sensory Bottles
A sensory bottle is a fun way to keep kids engaged and entertained for hours. They’re easy to make, and they can be used in many different ways. Sensory bottles are made by filling a jar with water and other items, then placing the lid on top.
The items inside the jar will move about when shaken or otherwise moved, allowing kids to watch them go through their motions.
What you put in your sensory bottle depends on what you want it to do. For example:
- Add glitter so that it floats around like confetti in an ocean breeze
- Add herbs so that they hang like vines down from your ceiling
- Put some dry rice in it along with some seeds (such as beans or peas) so that they all float around together
Looking for some inspiration for DIY sensory toys? Our article on DIY sensory toy ideas for kids is filled with creative and easy-to-make ideas that will keep your child engaged and learning through sensory play.
Pom Pom Push
Pom poms are a fun, tactile sensory toy that can be used to make this DIY push toy.
| Materials Needed for Pom Pom Push |
|---|
| Cardboard box or plastic container |
| Scissors |
| Pom poms |
| Pipe cleaners |
| Glue |
Directions:
- Place your pom poms into the container and close it. Your child will enjoy shaking it and hearing all the sounds that come from their little movements. You could also add beans or rice if you want more noise!
Jars Of Water Beads
Water beads are small, colorful plastic beads that can be used for sensory play. Water beads are usually made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic that’s non-toxic and safe for children to use.
You can buy water beads at craft stores or online retailers like Amazon. They come in many colors and sizes, including pink, blue, green and yellow. These colorful orbs are inexpensive to buy but provide hours of fun for kids as they squish them between their fingers or throw them across the room as they bounce back up again.
Water beads can also be used to create sensory bottles with items inside such as glitter glue or contact lens solution!
To make a bottle: fill a jar halfway full with warm water; add 1 cup of activated water beads then close it tightly so no air gets inside; shake well until all the ingredients have blended together evenly before placing on its side so that gravity keeps everything inside from spilling out onto any surfaces nearby where someone might accidentally step in it later down the line after forgetting about their creation once again due to being too busy playing around outside with friends instead!
Don’t have a lot of time or supplies? No problem! Check out our article on easy DIY sensory toys for kids for simple, yet effective sensory toys that you can make with items you have at home.
Squish Bags
Squish bags are a basic sensory toy that can be created with things you may already have around the house. They’re easy to make and fun for kids of all ages.
What You Need:
- Yarn or string in different colors and textures
- Rubber bands (one per color)
- Stuffing (such as cotton balls, shredded paper, popcorn kernels)
Sensory Coloring Sheets
There are many ways you can use different materials to create a sensory sheet. You can use crayons, watercolors, or markers on paper. You can also try using paintbrushes on canvas or even paint rollers on a large piece of cardboard.
If your child is interested in tactile experiences they may enjoy using sandpaper or other types of brushes (hairbrushes, fabric ones) that allow them to see the results of their work as they go along.
Your child might also enjoy using tools like pencils and pens; tweezers; pom-poms; pipe cleaners; buttons or any number of other items that he enjoys playing with! Try having him draw with his hands first before allowing him access to more traditional toys like markers or crayons if this will help keep everyone safe from getting messy!
Benefits of Sensory Play
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Development | Sensory play promotes problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. |
| Language Development | Sensory play encourages communication, vocabulary development, and storytelling. |
| Emotional Regulation | Sensory play can help children to manage their emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. |
| Social Development | Sensory play can promote sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation with others. |
| Sensory Processing | Sensory play can help children with sensory processing disorder or other special needs to better understand and process sensory input. |
Sensory Tubs
What you’ll need:
A large tub (like an underbed storage container)
Rice, beans, lentils and other small objects to fill the tub (make sure they fit through the neck of your funnel)
A funnel that fits into the opening of your large tub. You can buy a funnel at a craft store or a hardware store for about $1.50 – $2.
An old-fashioned ball-shaped funnel will work best as it’s smaller at its top than other funnels so that it will fit nicely into the neck of your large tub. If you don’t have one on hand you could use something else like an empty plastic bottle or even a jar lid!
Making your own sensory toys doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Our article on 10 sensory toys you can make at home provides step-by-step instructions for sensory toys that are both fun and affordable.
Pop Bottle Bubbles
Bubble play is a great tool to help kids explore texture, as well as help them develop motor skills. It’s also really fun!
This is an easy diy sensory toy idea that can be made from any plastic bottle, and it can be made with dish soap or vinegar and water. You can use any liquid to make the bubbles! And if you want colored bubbles, food coloring works just fine for this activity too!
Pop Bottle Bubbles: What You Need:
- 1 clean 2 liter soda bottle
- 4 tablespoons white school glue (no brand name) or clear glue such as Elmer’s Glue All Clear
- ½ cup warm water (105°F-120°F)
Rice And Beans Activity Table
A rice and beans activity table is an easy DIY sensory toy that’s great for home daycare or preschoolers. It’s filled with rice and beans, which can be used to practice sorting, fine motor skills, counting and more.
- What you’ll need:
- A table (or any flat surface) that’s about knee height for your child.
- A shallow plastic container (a large takeout salad container works well).
- Water in a spray bottle. We like using this one because it has a flip-top lid that you can use on the go without spilling any water out! (It also makes the perfect “shower” sound when you squeeze.)
New to making your own sensory toys? Start with our beginner’s guide to DIY sensory toys to learn the basics and get tips on how to make sensory toys that are safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate for your child.
Textured Paintbrushes
Materials:
- Scissors
- Paintbrushes (I used textured paintbrushes)
- Paper cup or bowl, to mix the water and glue together in.
Directions:
Cut the end off of your paintbrush, about an inch from where it meets the handle.
Pour some hot glue into a paper cup or bowl, just enough so that you can dip your cut end into it for about 10 seconds.
You want to dip enough so that there is still plenty of space left for more glue on top of yours, but not too much that you have trouble getting it out later! Make sure not to get any hot glue on your fingers because that stings like crazy!
Craft Supplies To Explore Texture, Smell And Taste
Craft supplies are a great way to explore texture and smell.
- Use different types of materials to explore texture, smell and taste. Materials can include: food, craft supplies, sand, water and more! Exploring textures helps to develop sensory awareness and motor skills while exploring smells helps to develop sensory awareness and memory.
Sensory play doesn’t have to break the bank. Our article on making sensory playtime affordable with DIY sensory toys provides budget-friendly ideas and tips for creating sensory toys at home, so your child can have fun while learning and developing important skills.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you can find many ways to make sensory play more engaging at home. There are so many materials that you can use and the possibilities are endless!
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to let me know in the comment section below.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on DIY sensory toys and homemade baby toys:
Homemade Baby Toys: This article provides ideas for simple, safe, and inexpensive toys that you can make for your baby using household items.
DIY Sensory Toys: Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for DIY sensory toys. This board has a variety of ideas for different age ranges and developmental stages.
DIY Sensory Toys: 20 Easy Tutorials for Kids: This article provides step-by-step tutorials for creating 20 different DIY sensory toys, from slime to sensory bottles to playdough.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that are designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. They are often used in play therapy and occupational therapy to help children develop important skills, such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills.
What are the benefits of sensory play?
Sensory play provides numerous benefits for children, including improved cognitive skills, language development, emotional regulation, and social skills. It can also help children with sensory processing disorder or other special needs to better understand and process sensory input.
Are DIY sensory toys safe for children?
DIY sensory toys can be safe for children as long as they are made with non-toxic materials and are age-appropriate. Parents should always supervise their children while playing with sensory toys and should discard any toys that become damaged or worn.
What materials can I use to make DIY sensory toys?
There are many materials that you can use to make DIY sensory toys, including common household items like rice, pasta, and cotton balls. Other materials include playdough, water beads, and sensory sand. The possibilities are endless!
Are sensory toys only for children with special needs?
No, sensory toys are beneficial for all children, regardless of whether or not they have special needs. All children can benefit from sensory play, as it helps to develop important skills and promotes overall healthy development.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
