Easy Non-Food Sensory Bin for Kids ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While there is a time and place to use food in learning (occupational therapy for food needs is just one example), some preschool guidelines prohibit the use of food as a learning and sensory material in order to qualify for their rating system (such as ITERS and ECERS). So, while we have plenty of food themed sensory bins on Life Over C’s, we wanted to create some non-food sensory bins, like this one, to benefit those classrooms and situations.

two photos of a sensory bin made with colorful non-food items.

supplies for making a non-food sensory bin.

a sensory bin made with non-food items such as pom poms, feathers, and paper shred.

overhead view of a sensory bin made with colorful non-food items.

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool

Kindergarten

Supply List
Coordinating Activities

Materials for the Non-Food Sensory Bin:

1 pack of bendable straws
1 pack of bubble tea straws
1 pack of colored craft sticks
Pom poms (multicolored)
Beads (multicolored)
Mini erasers (multicolored)
Feathers (multicolored)
Decorative crinkled paper (multicolored)
Sensory bin
Scissors
Tongs
Cups
Scoops
Spoon

Non-Food Sensory Bin Activity for Kids

This non-food sensory bin still addresses the main goals of sensory play, while providing a food-free learning environment. You can check out our extensive list of sensory activities of all kinds here.

This easy non-food sensory bin idea leaves the rice, pasta, and beans in the pantry! There are so many benefits to sensory play and we don’t want any food stipulations stopping you from giving early learners the opportunity to explore with all of their senses! Our Preschool Snow and Ice Cube Sensory Bin for Winter is also a great non-food sensory bin idea to explore freezing, melting, colors and more. Or, check out our Ocean, Sand and Seashell Sensory Bin Activity for summertime fun!

Materials You Will Need for the Non-Food Sensory Bin:

1 pack of bendable straws
1 pack of bubble tea straws
1 pack of colored craft sticks
Pom poms (multicolored)
Beads (multicolored)
Mini erasers (multicolored)
Feathers (multicolored)
Decorative crinkled paper (multicolored)
Sensory bin
Scissors
Tongs
Cups
Scoops
Spoon

How to Make the Non-Food Sensory Bin

Step One:

First, just gather your supplies. Get creative! If you have other appropriate craft supplies available, please feel free to use them!

Step Two:

Once you have all of your items, simply dump them into a large container and mix! It’s that simple.

Tip: Place the sensory bin on a table cloth or sheet of butcher paper for easy clean-up.

Yay! You did it. What now?

If you’re like many early childhood educators, you love a good theme! Consider swapping out your non-food ingredients throughout the year to accommodate seasons, holidays, or other topics you want to cover like animals, plants, or weather.

Ways to Modify the Non-Food Sensory Bin

While sensory bins provide an amazing way for young learners to explore, there are all types of learners! Some kiddos become overstimulated, don’t do well with small parts, or can’t access a bin that’s too deep/wide. Here are a few ideas for modifications to accommodate everyone in your class:

Choose a bin that works for kids in a wheelchair where they can easily reach into it
Offer one sensory component at a time
Use larger objects that do not pose a choking hazard
Keep exploration time short at first, then gradually build

Benefits of Non-Food Sensory Play

It’s so natural for kids to want to explore with their senses right from birth. As they grow and mature, sensory play experiences give kids the opportunity to enhance brain development while exploring with their senses.

Using items other than food means you don’t have to worry about allergies, wasting food, or violating rules. Yet, the benefits of non-food sensory play are the same! You can expect children to benefit in the following ways:

Cognitive growth
Improves memory
Language development
Fine motor skill development
Creativity
Develops problem solving

Since sensory play is such a crucial part of child development, you probably don’t want to stop at sensory bins! Have you heard of sensory bottles? Check out our post about How to Make a Lemon Sensory Bottle for Summer (without real lemons, of course!)

Non-Food Sensory Activities for Kids

Language Development Through Non-Food Sensory Play

Language is the foundation for literacy. So when we want kids to eventually be strong readers and writers, it begins with oral language. Learn more about the importance of language development in early childhood here.

A non-food sensory bin provides wonderful opportunities for vocabulary and language development. Here are some vocabulary words associated with this non food sensory bin that will enhance the background knowledge of our young learners:

Eraser
Feather
Straw
Tongs
Cup
Spoon
Squeeze
Pinch
Soft/hard/bendable/crinkly

How do you make a non-food sensory bin? It’s easy, just gather your supplies and throw them together.

I love this sensory bin because it is so easy to put together! It contains common classroom items that are easy to find, probably right in your supply closet or craft bin!

More Ways to Explore Non-Food Sensory Play

Maybe until today you didn’t even realize you don’t need rice for sensory play! Your first non-food sensory bin is really just a jumping off point for many other sensory experiences! Don’t miss our Preschool Valentine’s Day Sensory Play With Ice or perhaps one of our printable sensory play activities. Get creative and see what else your students might want to explore that doesn’t come from the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about non-food sensory bins? We’ve got answers!

What are common non-food sensory bin items?

Rocks, pom poms, birdseed, cotton balls, sand, craft sticks, beads, feathers, material, ribbon, string, yarn, water, ice or leaves.

How often should I change the items in my sensory bin?

While some people like to change out “ingredients” each week, others opt to do it monthly. As long as children are still engaged, you can keep the items as long as you want to. Consider swapping with each new theme or holiday.

Should I establish rules for sensory play?

While you want kids to explore freely, it is definitely acceptable to establish some ground rules. For example, items must stay in the bin, keep items out of your mouth, do not throw items, and clean up when you are finished playing.