We like to use a variety of sensory bin fillers at our house, including both food and non-food items. However, I know there are a lot of people who prefer not to use food in their sensory bins.
So I have compiled 50 non-food sensory bin fillers to try with your kids, including example sensory bin ideas for each single item.
And to make your life even simpler, I've included a free printable list of all 50 sensory bin fillers. That way you can reference it when you want to create a sensory bin of your own. The possibilities are endless!
50 Non-Food Sensory Bin Fillers for Kids
1. Pom pomsFuzzy, sparkly, small, large...the possibilities are endless, but kids will love the soft texture of pom poms and they're great for scooping and practicing fine motor skills.
Ideas to try: Pom Pom Sensory Bin Ideas | Counting Pom Poms Sensory Bin | Pom Pom Sensory Bin
2. Cotton balls
Another great soft and fuzzy texture for kids to explore. You can also add color or scents to the cotton balls to enhance the sensory experience.
Another great soft and fuzzy texture for kids to explore. You can also add color or scents to the cotton balls to enhance the sensory experience.
3. Straw or hay
Straw and hay is an interesting and unique texture for kids to explore.
Straw and hay is an interesting and unique texture for kids to explore.
Ideas to try: Colored Hay Sensory Bin | Simple Farm Sensory Play | Scarecrow Sensory Play | Pumpkin Patch Small World
4. Packing peanuts
An awesome sensory bin filler is to reuse all those packing peanuts you might get from parcels. You can also build with them if you add toothpicks or skewers to the mix!
An awesome sensory bin filler is to reuse all those packing peanuts you might get from parcels. You can also build with them if you add toothpicks or skewers to the mix!
Ideas to try: Packing Peanuts & Pom Poms | Packing Peanuts Sensory Bin | "Snowy" Sensory Bin | Knight Small World Sensory Bin
5. Epsom salts
Another interesting dry texture, epsom salts can also be dyed or scented with essential oils. Epsom salts also make great writing trays for kids to practice handwriting skills!
Ideas to try: Gold & Silver Epsom Salts | Writing Tray on Light Table | Rainbow Epsom Salts | Calming Epsom Salt Sensory Play
Another interesting dry texture, epsom salts can also be dyed or scented with essential oils. Epsom salts also make great writing trays for kids to practice handwriting skills!
Ideas to try: Gold & Silver Epsom Salts | Writing Tray on Light Table | Rainbow Epsom Salts | Calming Epsom Salt Sensory Play
6. Water
What kid doesn't love playing with water? Add some color or some glitter or even some scents to boost the sensory experience.
Ideas to try: 20 Water Sensory Soups
7. Shredded paper
Shredded paper is ridiculously fun for kids to play with! Recycling for the win.
Ideas to try: Music Themed Sensory Bin | Easter Sensory Bin | Winter Sensory Bin with Paper Pulp | Life Sized Easter Sensory Bin
Shredded paper is ridiculously fun for kids to play with! Recycling for the win.
Ideas to try: Music Themed Sensory Bin | Easter Sensory Bin | Winter Sensory Bin with Paper Pulp | Life Sized Easter Sensory Bin
8. Grass (fake or real)
Use fresh grass clippings as a base for a farm sensory bin or use the plastic Easter grass for an easy Easter sensory bin filler. Don't feel limited to farm or Easter bins as there are lots of other ways to try grass as a sensory bin filler!
Ideas to try: Fresh Grass Sensory Bin (Farm Theme) | Play With Me Sensory Bin | The Lorax Sensory Bin
9. Leaves (fake or real)
Fall is the perfect time to use leaves as a sensory bin filler since they're so colorful.
Ideas to try: Fall Sensory Bin | Fall Leaves & Pumpkin Sensory Bin | Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin
10. Water beads
If you haven't tried water beads before, then you should! They're squishy, slimy, bouncy balls of fun. The giant water beads are lots of fun too!
Ideas to try: Earth Inspired Sensory Bin | Winter Sensory Bin on Light Table | Arctic Small World Sensory Bin | Water Bead Seaside Sensory Tub | Frozen Water Beads Sensory Bin | Glow in the Dark Water Beads
11. Sand
You can try colored sand or regular sand as a sensory bin filler. It's a perfect base for an ocean themed sensory bin!
Ideas to try: Spring Craft Sand Sensory Bin | Sand & Rock Sensory Box | Digging for Shark Tooth Fossils Sensory Bin
You can try colored sand or regular sand as a sensory bin filler. It's a perfect base for an ocean themed sensory bin!
Ideas to try: Spring Craft Sand Sensory Bin | Sand & Rock Sensory Box | Digging for Shark Tooth Fossils Sensory Bin
12. Kinetic sand
It's no secret we love kinetic sand. If your kids don't enjoy the texture of sand, then they will likely prefer this alternative. It doesn't stick to hands like sand does. Plus, it can be molded and shaped like play dough.
Ideas to try: 35 Kinetic Sand Activities | Kinetic Sand Activities
It's no secret we love kinetic sand. If your kids don't enjoy the texture of sand, then they will likely prefer this alternative. It doesn't stick to hands like sand does. Plus, it can be molded and shaped like play dough.
Ideas to try: 35 Kinetic Sand Activities | Kinetic Sand Activities
13. Aquarium gravel
These colorful little rocks are a neat texture for kids to explore.
Ideas to try: Teeny Tiny Ocean Small World Activity Bin | Pet Frog Sensory Bin | Sorting Shapes Sensory Bin | Space Themed Sensory Tub
These colorful little rocks are a neat texture for kids to explore.
Ideas to try: Teeny Tiny Ocean Small World Activity Bin | Pet Frog Sensory Bin | Sorting Shapes Sensory Bin | Space Themed Sensory Tub
14. Rocks
My boys love playing with rocks! So go on a scavenger hunt, collect some rocks, and make a sensory bin with them.
Ideas to try: Simple Rock Sensory Bin | Rock Sensory Bin | Construction Themed Rock Sensory Bin
My boys love playing with rocks! So go on a scavenger hunt, collect some rocks, and make a sensory bin with them.
Ideas to try: Simple Rock Sensory Bin | Rock Sensory Bin | Construction Themed Rock Sensory Bin
15. Glass stones
These round, flat marbles are so versatile. They're especially great for sensory bins on the light table. They have a cool, smooth texture that my kids absolutely love.
Ideas to try: Rainbow Stone Soup | St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin | Watermelon Soap Foam
These round, flat marbles are so versatile. They're especially great for sensory bins on the light table. They have a cool, smooth texture that my kids absolutely love.
Ideas to try: Rainbow Stone Soup | St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin | Watermelon Soap Foam
16. Buttons
Buttons come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, making them a great sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Buttons Soup | Button Sensory Bin | Buttons & Eggs | Button Water Play
Buttons come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, making them a great sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Buttons Soup | Button Sensory Bin | Buttons & Eggs | Button Water Play
17. Ice
Brrrr! Ice is a great sensory filler, especially for winter themed sensory bins.
Ideas to try: Arctic Small World Sensory Bin | Rainbow Ice Ball Sensory Bin | Arctic Ice Sensory Bin | Rainbow Ice
Brrrr! Ice is a great sensory filler, especially for winter themed sensory bins.
Ideas to try: Arctic Small World Sensory Bin | Rainbow Ice Ball Sensory Bin | Arctic Ice Sensory Bin | Rainbow Ice
18. Coins (fake or real)
My three year old loves coins. He used to hoard real coins in his pockets all the time. Try using them in a sensory bin!
Ideas to try: Piggy Bank Coins Sensory Bin | St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin
My three year old loves coins. He used to hoard real coins in his pockets all the time. Try using them in a sensory bin!
Ideas to try: Piggy Bank Coins Sensory Bin | St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin
19. Shaving cream
Looking for something messy and squishy? Try shaving cream! It's also great for handwriting and mark-making practice.
Ideas to try: Kool Aid & Shaving Cream | Shaving Cream & Water Beads | Starfish & Sand Dollar Shaving Cream Dig | Rainbow Shaving Cream Dig
Looking for something messy and squishy? Try shaving cream! It's also great for handwriting and mark-making practice.
Ideas to try: Kool Aid & Shaving Cream | Shaving Cream & Water Beads | Starfish & Sand Dollar Shaving Cream Dig | Rainbow Shaving Cream Dig
20. Play dough
My kids love play dough! Play dough is a great sensory bin filler, especially for small worlds, because you can make it any color and/or scent you choose.
Ideas to try: Play Dough Sensory Mud | Snow Play Dough Bin | Play Dough Ocean Small World Sensory Play
My kids love play dough! Play dough is a great sensory bin filler, especially for small worlds, because you can make it any color and/or scent you choose.
Ideas to try: Play Dough Sensory Mud | Snow Play Dough Bin | Play Dough Ocean Small World Sensory Play
21. Feathers
Feathers are a great soft texture for kids to explore and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures.
Ideas to try: Rainbow Feathers Sensory Bin | Thanksgiving Sensory Bin | Gold at the End of the Rainbow Sensory Bin
Feathers are a great soft texture for kids to explore and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures.
Ideas to try: Rainbow Feathers Sensory Bin | Thanksgiving Sensory Bin | Gold at the End of the Rainbow Sensory Bin
22. Dirt
Most kids love to dig in the dirt, so why wouldn't you include it in a sensory bin?
Ideas to try: Dirt Sensory Bin | Garden Sensory Bin | Spring Garden Sensory Bin
Most kids love to dig in the dirt, so why wouldn't you include it in a sensory bin?
Ideas to try: Dirt Sensory Bin | Garden Sensory Bin | Spring Garden Sensory Bin
23. Snow
We get a lot of snow here, but it's also fun to bring inside to explore with.
Ideas to try: Arctic Small World Sensory Bin | Real Snow Sensory Bin | Snow Painting Sensory Bin
We get a lot of snow here, but it's also fun to bring inside to explore with.
Ideas to try: Arctic Small World Sensory Bin | Real Snow Sensory Bin | Snow Painting Sensory Bin
24. Mud
Messy, glorious mud. My youngest loves to play in mud!
Ideas to try: Build Your Own Mud Pond
Messy, glorious mud. My youngest loves to play in mud!
Ideas to try: Build Your Own Mud Pond
25. Soap shavings
Soap comes in a variety of colors and scents, but try grating or shaving it with a vegetable peeler and using it as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Fairy Mud | Ghost Mud | Rainbow Clean Mud
Soap comes in a variety of colors and scents, but try grating or shaving it with a vegetable peeler and using it as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Fairy Mud | Ghost Mud | Rainbow Clean Mud
26. Soap foam
Goodness, we love soap foam here! It's easy to make, versatile, and easy to clean up. You definitely must try soap foam!
Ideas to try: 25 Soap Foam Sensory Activities
Goodness, we love soap foam here! It's easy to make, versatile, and easy to clean up. You definitely must try soap foam!
Ideas to try: 25 Soap Foam Sensory Activities
27. Fabric scraps
The perfect first sensory bin filler for babies or small toddlers is fabric scraps. Provide a variety of fabric types and colors to keep it really interesting for small hands.
Ideas to try: Fabric Scraps Sensory Box for Baby | Cloth Napkin Sensory Bin | Fabric Scraps Sensory Bin
The perfect first sensory bin filler for babies or small toddlers is fabric scraps. Provide a variety of fabric types and colors to keep it really interesting for small hands.
Ideas to try: Fabric Scraps Sensory Box for Baby | Cloth Napkin Sensory Bin | Fabric Scraps Sensory Bin
28. Baby oil
As an alternative to using other liquids, try baby oil!
Ideas to try: DIY Sensory Bottles with Baby Oil | Ice, Baby Oil, & Glitter
As an alternative to using other liquids, try baby oil!
Ideas to try: DIY Sensory Bottles with Baby Oil | Ice, Baby Oil, & Glitter
29. Tinsel
Before you pack up all that tinsel after Christmas, try it in a sensory bin. It's really a unique and sparkly texture for kids to explore.
Ideas to try: St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin | Christmas Sensory Bin | Valentine's Day Sensory Bin
Before you pack up all that tinsel after Christmas, try it in a sensory bin. It's really a unique and sparkly texture for kids to explore.
Ideas to try: St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin | Christmas Sensory Bin | Valentine's Day Sensory Bin
30. Ribbon
You can either use fabric ribbon or curling ribbon as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Letter R Sensory Bin | Ribbon Sensory Bin | Ribbons & Bells Sensory Bin
You can either use fabric ribbon or curling ribbon as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Letter R Sensory Bin | Ribbon Sensory Bin | Ribbons & Bells Sensory Bin
31. Raffia
Raffia is what I like to call craft straw or hay, but it provides a really cool texture for sensory bins.
Ideas to try: Letter R Sensory Bin | Fall Sensory Bin | Farm Sensory Bin
Raffia is what I like to call craft straw or hay, but it provides a really cool texture for sensory bins.
Ideas to try: Letter R Sensory Bin | Fall Sensory Bin | Farm Sensory Bin
32. Flower petals (fake or real)
Have a flower bouquet that's about to be tossed out? Save it and try it as a sensory bin filler. Fake flower petals work great too!
Ideas to try: Fine Motor Flowers Sensory Bin | Rose Petal Sensory Bin | Flower Sensory Soup | Silk Flowers Sensory Bins
33. Beads
Beads come in all sorts of shapes and colors! Try wood beads, perler beads, pony beads, or plastic beads. The possibilities are endless!
Ideas to try: Wood Bead Sensory Bin | Pony Beads Sensory Bin | Beads & Stones Sensory Bin | Beads Sensory Bin
34. Foam bits or blocks
Kids seem to enjoy the texture of foam so it makes sense to try it as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Foam Bits Sensory Bin | Foam Block Building Sensory Bin | Foam Blocks Quiet Box | Square Themed Sensory Bin with Foam Blocks
35. Corks
Save all those wine corks and fill up a sensory bin with them! Kids will love to stack and build with them.
Ideas to try: Cork Sail Boat Sensory Bin | Corks Sensory Bin
36. Seashells
Seashells have such a great variety of textures: bumpy, pointy, smooth, ridged, etc. They make a great sensory bin filler!
Ideas to try: Seashells Sensory Bin | Seashells & Shaving Cream
37. Aloe vera gel
Soft and squishy, aloe vera gel makes for a really fun and messy sensory experience. Plus, it's great for the kids' skin!
Ideas to try: Earth Inspired Sensory Bin | Slimy Aloe Vera Sensory Play for Babies | Arctic Penguin Habitat Bin
38. Cut up straws
Get the kids to work on fine motor skills by helping cut up some straws. The cut up straws provide a really unique sensory experience when used as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Plastic Straw Sensory Bin | Drinking Straw Sensory Tub | Straw Spring Sensory Bin | Halloween Sensory Bin with Straws
39. Cotton batting
Batting is a great substitute for fake snow in a sensory bin. Kids will love the soft, fluffy texture.
Ideas to try: Winter Theme Sensory Bin | Polar Bear Sensory Bin | Weather Sensory Bin
40. Tissue paper
If you recently had a birthday party or celebrated some other gift giving occasion, save the tissue paper for a sensory bin filler. It's simple and fun, but the kids will love ripping and tearing it as they play!
Ideas to try: Tissue Paper Sensory Bin | Ghost Sensory Bin | Airplane Sensory Bin | Tissue Paper Squares Sensory Bin | Tissue Paper Sensory Box
41. Crepe paper or streamers
Similar to tissue paper, kids will love being able to rip and tear the crepe paper.
Ideas to try: Wild Kratts Sensory Bin
42. Play silks or scarves
Another great sensory filler for babies and small toddlers who are just starting to explore sensory bins. So many wonderful colors and textures to explore!
Ideas to try: Spring Time Sensory Basket for Toddlers | Rainbow Scarves Discovery Box | Play Silks & Textured Balls Sensory Bin
43. Polyfill pellets
Here's another fun sensory bin filler. Kids will have a blast scooping and pouring the pellets.
Ideas to try: Glowing Letter Recognition Sensory Bin | Christmas Ornament Sensory Play | Magnetic Christmas Sensory Bin
44. Balls
From ping pong balls to spiky balls to ball pit balls, you can easily make a fun sensory bin using just balls. Or try making a full-body sensory bin by doing a ball pit! Balls make a great first sensory bin filler for babies and small toddlers!
Ideas to try: Sensory Ball Pit for Baby | Snowman Sensory Bin | Exploring Textures Through Balls Sensory Bin
45. LEGO
Whether you use the small bricks or the DUPLO bricks, LEGO is a great texture to explore what with its hard and bumpy edges.
Ideas to try: LEGO Sensory Soup | LEGO Sensory Bin
46. Sticks
My kids love sticks! So let your kids go collect some sticks and use them to fill up a sensory bin.
Ideas to try: Sticks Sensory Bin | Build an Apple Tree Sensory Bin | Cherry Blossom Tree Sensory Bin
47. Wool roving
Soft and fluffy, wool roving would be a lovely sensory bin filler. You can even get it in a variety of colors.
Ideas to try: Make a Lorax Themed Bin with these Truffula Trees
48. Yarn or string
You can find a variety of textures, colors, and sizes of yarn or string so they work nicely as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: 4 Yarn Sensory Bins | Yarn Sensory Bin | Christmas Light Sensory Bin | Small World Stables
49. Jingle bells
Add a little sound to your sensory bins by adding jingle bells.
Ideas to try: Jingle Bells & Cookie Cutters | Jingle Bell Sensory Bin | Jingle Bell Soup | Ribbons & Bells Sensory Bin
50. Rubber bands or loom bands
My kids are always drawn to rubber bands and they would love to play with a sensory bin filled with them.
Ideas to try: Sensory Bag with Loom Bands & Glitter | Rubber Loom Bands in a Discovery Bottle | Rainbow Loom Sensory Bottle
Have a flower bouquet that's about to be tossed out? Save it and try it as a sensory bin filler. Fake flower petals work great too!
Ideas to try: Fine Motor Flowers Sensory Bin | Rose Petal Sensory Bin | Flower Sensory Soup | Silk Flowers Sensory Bins
33. Beads
Beads come in all sorts of shapes and colors! Try wood beads, perler beads, pony beads, or plastic beads. The possibilities are endless!
Ideas to try: Wood Bead Sensory Bin | Pony Beads Sensory Bin | Beads & Stones Sensory Bin | Beads Sensory Bin
34. Foam bits or blocks
Kids seem to enjoy the texture of foam so it makes sense to try it as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Foam Bits Sensory Bin | Foam Block Building Sensory Bin | Foam Blocks Quiet Box | Square Themed Sensory Bin with Foam Blocks
35. Corks
Save all those wine corks and fill up a sensory bin with them! Kids will love to stack and build with them.
Ideas to try: Cork Sail Boat Sensory Bin | Corks Sensory Bin
36. Seashells
Seashells have such a great variety of textures: bumpy, pointy, smooth, ridged, etc. They make a great sensory bin filler!
Ideas to try: Seashells Sensory Bin | Seashells & Shaving Cream
37. Aloe vera gel
Soft and squishy, aloe vera gel makes for a really fun and messy sensory experience. Plus, it's great for the kids' skin!
Ideas to try: Earth Inspired Sensory Bin | Slimy Aloe Vera Sensory Play for Babies | Arctic Penguin Habitat Bin
38. Cut up straws
Get the kids to work on fine motor skills by helping cut up some straws. The cut up straws provide a really unique sensory experience when used as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: Plastic Straw Sensory Bin | Drinking Straw Sensory Tub | Straw Spring Sensory Bin | Halloween Sensory Bin with Straws
39. Cotton batting
Batting is a great substitute for fake snow in a sensory bin. Kids will love the soft, fluffy texture.
Ideas to try: Winter Theme Sensory Bin | Polar Bear Sensory Bin | Weather Sensory Bin
40. Tissue paper
If you recently had a birthday party or celebrated some other gift giving occasion, save the tissue paper for a sensory bin filler. It's simple and fun, but the kids will love ripping and tearing it as they play!
Ideas to try: Tissue Paper Sensory Bin | Ghost Sensory Bin | Airplane Sensory Bin | Tissue Paper Squares Sensory Bin | Tissue Paper Sensory Box
41. Crepe paper or streamers
Similar to tissue paper, kids will love being able to rip and tear the crepe paper.
Ideas to try: Wild Kratts Sensory Bin
42. Play silks or scarves
Another great sensory filler for babies and small toddlers who are just starting to explore sensory bins. So many wonderful colors and textures to explore!
Ideas to try: Spring Time Sensory Basket for Toddlers | Rainbow Scarves Discovery Box | Play Silks & Textured Balls Sensory Bin
43. Polyfill pellets
Here's another fun sensory bin filler. Kids will have a blast scooping and pouring the pellets.
Ideas to try: Glowing Letter Recognition Sensory Bin | Christmas Ornament Sensory Play | Magnetic Christmas Sensory Bin
44. Balls
From ping pong balls to spiky balls to ball pit balls, you can easily make a fun sensory bin using just balls. Or try making a full-body sensory bin by doing a ball pit! Balls make a great first sensory bin filler for babies and small toddlers!
Ideas to try: Sensory Ball Pit for Baby | Snowman Sensory Bin | Exploring Textures Through Balls Sensory Bin
45. LEGO
Whether you use the small bricks or the DUPLO bricks, LEGO is a great texture to explore what with its hard and bumpy edges.
Ideas to try: LEGO Sensory Soup | LEGO Sensory Bin
46. Sticks
My kids love sticks! So let your kids go collect some sticks and use them to fill up a sensory bin.
Ideas to try: Sticks Sensory Bin | Build an Apple Tree Sensory Bin | Cherry Blossom Tree Sensory Bin
47. Wool roving
Soft and fluffy, wool roving would be a lovely sensory bin filler. You can even get it in a variety of colors.
Ideas to try: Make a Lorax Themed Bin with these Truffula Trees
48. Yarn or string
You can find a variety of textures, colors, and sizes of yarn or string so they work nicely as a sensory bin filler.
Ideas to try: 4 Yarn Sensory Bins | Yarn Sensory Bin | Christmas Light Sensory Bin | Small World Stables
49. Jingle bells
Add a little sound to your sensory bins by adding jingle bells.
Ideas to try: Jingle Bells & Cookie Cutters | Jingle Bell Sensory Bin | Jingle Bell Soup | Ribbons & Bells Sensory Bin
50. Rubber bands or loom bands
My kids are always drawn to rubber bands and they would love to play with a sensory bin filled with them.
Ideas to try: Sensory Bag with Loom Bands & Glitter | Rubber Loom Bands in a Discovery Bottle | Rainbow Loom Sensory Bottle
Download the Free Printable List
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