The Ultimate List of Sensory Bin Fillers

January 13, 2021

What Are Sensory Bin Fillers?

Sensory bin fillers are the materials that you use as the base of your sensory bin. They can be almost anything.

When picking a filler think about what feels good and relaxing to touch. I have put together two lists for you, food sensory bin filler ideas and non-food sensory bin filler ideas.

I have to add a MAJOR disclaimer here: All sensory bins require adult supervision. Many of the items on this list are choking hazards.

blue and yellow water in a larger bin for sensory play

Food Sensory Bin Filler Ideas

Basic pantry items are the most common sensory bin fillers for preschool. We tend to have food on hand and they are fairly inexpensive. I typically like food fillers because I can dye or paint them to change their color.

Rice – uncooked
Pasta – uncooked
Pasta – cooked
Marshmallows
Crunchy Pantry Items
Crumbled Cake
Cereal
Beans
Corn Kernels
Oats
Citrus

Cornmeal
Coconut
Baking Soda
Flour
Salt
Barley
Whipped Cream
Pizza Dough
Quinoa
Seeds
Cranberries

Dried Garbanzo Beans
Ground Coffee
Chia Seeds
Coffee Beans
Lentils
Dried Peas
Jelly Beans
Sprinkles
Ice
Cocoa Powder
Gum Drops

Non-Food Sensory Bin Filler Ideas

A friend recently asked me for some suggestions on sensory bin filler ideas that are not made from food. She brought brought up the fact that not all families have enough food as it is so using food as a filler seems wasteful. I loved her point and instantly started working on this list. Non-food fillers also benefits students and kiddos who have food allergies or sensitivities.

I do want to note, you should not dump any food fillers you already have out of guilt. That would be the ultimate act of waste. If you already have sensory bin fillers that are food based, but you would like to be more mindful, use them until you no longer can. When you buy new sensory bin fillers look for non-food items.