DIY Sensory Toys

For At Home Play

Looking for some fun, hands-on activities to keep your little ones entertained while boosting their development? Sensory play is a great way to spark curiosity, build important motor skills, and help kids explore their senses. Whether you’re looking to calm your child, engage their imagination, or simply have fun, these DIY sensory toys are easy to make and can be used over and over again. Let’s get crafting!

DIY Sensory Bottles

Instructions

  1. Fill the bottle halfway with warm water.

  2. Add a few tablespoons of clear glue or baby oil (this affects the viscosity, making the contents move more slowly).

  3. Pour in glitter, sequins, or small beads for visual interest & add a few drops of food colouring for a vibrant touch.

  4. Secure the lid tightly. Seal it with hot glue for added safety.

  5. Shake, tilt, and roll to watch the magic unfold!

Bonus Tip: For added sparkle, try mixing different colours of glitter or adding small, light-reflecting beads.

Sensory bottles, or "calm down jars," offer visual and tactile stimulation. They are perfect for relaxation, focus, and emotional regulation.

Materials Needed

  1. A clear plastic or glass bottle with a secure lid

  2. Warm water

  3. Clear glue or baby oil

  4. Glitter or sequins

  5. Optional: food colouring, small beads or confetti

Texture boards are great tactile tools that help children explore various sensations, encouraging sensory integration and fine motor development.

Materials Needed

  1. A sturdy piece of cardboard or wooden board

  2. Glue or double-sided tape

  3. Assorted textured materials (felt, sandpaper, bubble wrap, cotton balls, fabric swatches, etc.

DIY Texture Board

Instructions

  1. Cut the board into a manageable size.

  2. Cut your chosen materials into similar-sized squares or fun shapes.

  3. Glue or tape the materials to the board in a grid or random pattern.

  4. Ensure all edges are secured to avoid peeling or potential hazards.

How to Use: Encourage kids to explore the board by touching, rubbing, or pressing on different sections. This helps them recognize various textures and develop tactile awareness.

Bonus Tip: Portable and lightweight, texture boards are ideal for on-the-go sensory play during long car rides or appointments.

Colourful Rice or Pom Pom Bin

Playdough or Cloud Dough

Sensory bins are a wonderful way to stimulate touch and sight, building fine motor skills and promoting imaginative play.

Materials Needed

  1. A plastic bin or box

  2. Uncooked rice or soft pom-poms

  3. Food colouring (optional)

  4. Small toys or treasures for "hidden" fun

Instructions

  1. To make colourful rice, divide uncooked rice into separate bags.

  2. Add a few drops of food colouring and a teaspoon of vinegar to each bag. Seal and shake until the colour is evenly distributed.

  3. Spread the rice on a baking sheet to dry for a few hours.

  4. Fill the bin with rice or pom-poms, and add small toys or treasures for a "find and sort" activity.

Play Ideas: Children can scoop, pour, and dig through the rice or pom-poms, enhancing hand-eye coordination and sensory perception.

Bonus Tip: Include themed items such as animal figures or letters to make the activity educational and engaging.

Playdough is a timeless sensory toy that helps strengthen hand muscles and boosts creativity. It is easy to make at home than you might think!

Materials Needed

  1. 2 cups of all-purpose flour

  2. 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or baby oil

  3. Optional: cornstarch (for cloud dough)

  4. Food colouring or essential oils (for added sensory input)

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and oil in a bowl. For a lighter, softer version, use cornstarch instead of flour.

  2. Knead until the dough reaches a smooth, pliable texture.

  3. Add food colouring for visual stimulation or a drop of essential oil for a calming scent.

Play Ideas: Children can squish, cut, and shape the dough into various creations, improving their fine motor skills and creative thinking.

Bonus Tip: Store in an airtight container for multiple uses. Try adding scented oils like lavender for an additional sensory dimension that promotes relaxation.

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