If you make a sensory bin, you need a sensory bin base! And of course, you need it to be affordable. I’m walking through Dollar Tree to find sensory bin bases you should try that are also budget-friendly. Some of these can even be recycled from things you have at home.
If this is your first time doing a sensory bin or want a basic walk-through of building sensory bins, make sure to check this playlist.
But for now, let’s focus on bin bases. Bases are the primary bin filler, that can be moved and manipulated. Sensory bins are meant to provide sensorial input, so I look for items that are fun to touch items.
Things to keep in mind, do you have a sensory seeker or a sensory sensitive? Think about what textures that won’t be overwhelming or be too much for those that don’t do well with sensory overload.
The first stop is the Gift Section. One thing Dollar Tree is never short on its options for ribbons. Ribbon is a really non-threatening texture and curling ribbon can make a good base. You can cut it up and curl it or not. Buy some pre-curled. I just don’t buy a lot of those as it isn’t cost-effective. They are also reusable. There are a lot of color options too which is great for matching the sensory bins’ themes.
Also in the gift wrap section, the bags of “Decorative Shreds” aka crinkled paper or paper shreds. Makes for a quick easy base and there are also a lot of color options. If you have a paper shredder you can also make some yourself.
The Floral Section! Now this one is one of The Purple Alphabet’s all-time favorites! This is the decorative mesh. I love to cut this in 1-2 inch lengths. Fills up a sensory bin pretty quickly. They come in so many different colors and change in the store seasonally too. And definitely non-threatening!
I also see people suggesting and using cut-up artificial flowers. Just a word of caution, I do know they sometimes can fall apart. and you want to be very careful to cut off any sharp bits.
Another favorite of ours comes from the Craft Section! Feathers! Lots and lots of colorful feather options make for a fun base. Though the bags are small, so you might want to shop around if you need a larger amount to fill your bin.
We also use yarn. Cut-up yarn makes for a great base filler. I also save and reuse leftover yarn I have on hand from other crafts we do.
They also have pom-poms, which we are a big fan of. (Though you might want to check Amazon for a larger quantity.)
Dollar Tree has also started stocking fabric in their craft sections, I have seen people cut these into shreds or reuse leftover bits from other home sewing projects. Just another texture to use.
Another one people tend to use is beads. They are great for scooping and dumping. But, I think it might be more cost-effective to check elsewhere because it may require a lot of beads to fill your bin though it might be fine for those smaller bins.
Next up, the Toy Section! I actually have used the (cheerleader style) pom-poms before. I cut off those pom-pom strings to use. They are soft and fun to touch and add a shiny element.
I have also read people using Dollar Tree’s brand of Silly String as a base. I have not myself, but if you have please comment below and let me know how that worked for you. But, I am very curious.
Can’t forget the Home and Kitchen section! Especially for the sponges. Cut them into strips or into shapes. Useable for wet or dry sensory bins.
Dollar Tree also has mops. I have cut off the stringy yarn ends of their mops before and that worked. They also have different texture options.
Straws are another popular filler! Lots of colors to use. Paper or plastic. You can also reuse them for a lacing activity and then cut them into smaller bits and use them in the bin. I have used them in my tinker activities as well. Very fun and easy to use.
The Grocery – Food Section, now I get some people don’t like using food, but I think things like rice can make a great bin filler. I have also seen people use lentils as their bin bases. Things like rice, noodles, and lentils being stored dried can last a long time. Also, dying adds another layer of color-theming fun, and Dollar Tree has food coloring.
Salt is another idea, there are even salt lessons from Montessori learning.
Colored sprinkles (might be in the Party section) or cereal is another idea and adds a taste safe element. Still keep allergies in mind and probably avoid the super sugary cereals. Maybe your stale cereal? Grind them up for a sand texture. I just avoid the sugary ones because they can also get really sticky.
Speaking of sticky, I have seen some use Jello/Pudding as a base too. You can make your Jello stiffer as well as jiggly. If you are okay with the mess then go for it!
The Beauty Section. Okay, I’m not a big fan especially because of all the fragrance ingredients, but continuing with the “messy” shaving cream is also another base option. But what I prefer to get from the section that works well is a bag of cotton balls. Very cheap and easy clean-up filler option.
From the Baby Section, I pick up their washcloths. Like the fabric or paper fillers adds texture. Also can be used for fill and dump water play. A very good one for your toddler.
Always! Always check your Seasonal Section.
Right now it’s our Halloween/Fall section, but no matter the season I like to get the garland. Garland is easy to cut into strips and chunks to make a quick filler. Builds in the theme really easily.
The section might also have more of the decorative tubing. Ours had Halloween options in our seasonal section.
Speaking of Halloween, another is their spider web. Kind of sticky and you can hide things in the web.
Things I Don’t Recommend:
(I want to add a little caution section, here are a few things I don’t recommend using from Dollar Tree for this.)
- Sand – the sand from the floral section. It is very dusty and is not made for children’s play just for decorative.
- The Gravel & Rocks – same, dusty, and not safe. But the glass pebbles I have used for manipulatives. They seem safe, but for those that aren’t oral seeking.
- “Sure Scents” beads – from the home section. They look like Orbies but they are a BIG NO-NO. Don’t get them. Not made for play and have fragrances that are unsafe.
- “Glass Filler” or vase filler beads – from the party section. They look like colorful glittery balls to fill a vase, but if you aren’t a fan of glitter this will be your nightmare. Definitely not meant for handling.
- Foam/Slime – from the toy section. There are non-toxic ones that are safe to use, but it probably isn’t the most cost-effective place to get them. The small quantities won’t fill bin bases that much. Get more for your dollar (.25) else wear.
Quick Link:
Past Sensory Bin Videos Playlist
Disclaimer: The products featured in this video/post were purchased by myself or sent to me for review for free. Some videos may be sponsored by brands that I enjoy. Make sure to * ALWAYS* use discretion when deciding age-appropriate activities and supervise your children.
MUSIC: courtesy of Soundstripe.
