DIY Mess-Free Sensory Bag Ideas for Playtime

Sensory bags are great sensory tools, but can also be educational. Here are a few different ideas for sensory bags that are simple to prep:

• Ocean Sensory Experience: gallon baggie + blue hair gel + glitter + animal figures

• Name ID: gallon baggie + permanent marker + hair gel + foam letters

• Maze: gallon baggie + permanent marker + hair gel + 1 pom pom *Tip: Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove white from baggie.
  

Make them with me in this video!

Uses:

• Tummy time

  • Even the tiniest littles can benefit from this by using it as a tool during tummy time. Often babies do not enjoy tummy time, so something like this can be distracting and mesmerizing + provides fun sensory play!

• Highchair or table

  • This was helpful when my 17 month old was waiting for dinner!
    

• Vertical surface: 

  • Vertical surfaces are great for the development of so many skills including fine motor skills, shoulder stability, visual perception, core strength, and bilateral coordination (using both hands together).
    

• Floor: 

  • Tape onto floor to explore during play.

Why use sensory bags?

• Sensory Stimulation: Sensory bags offer a multi-sensory experience. As children manipulate the bag, they engage their sense of touch, sight, and sometimes even hearing (if the bag contains items that make noise when moved).

• Mess-Free Sensory Play: Unlike sensory bins or messy play activities, sensory bags offer a mess-free alternative that's perfect for parents and caregivers who prefer to keep the cleanup process simple. Since all the sensory materials are contained within the sealed bag, there's no risk of spills, making it an ideal option for indoor play or travel. *Tip: Secure the opening with duct tape!

• Tactile Sensory Learning: The tactile input provided in sensory bags is amazing for children's sensory development. From squishing the materials between their fingers to tracing shapes, letters, and patterns, children refine their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while exploring different textures.

You can really put anything in these bags! For these 3 bags I used hair gel, glitter, animal figures, foam letters, and a pom pom! Other fun ideas include: Oil and water, shaving cream, sea shells, straws, water beads, sprinkles, sand, feathers, playdoh, paint, rice, etc. The options are endless!

*Always use with supervision for safety purposes.