The Sensory Table Materials List That Will Make Your Life Easier
Do you sometimes have a difficult time thinking of new materials to add to your sensory table or sensory bin? Here is a huge list of sensory table materials to help you out.
Sometimes I’m trying to keep track of a million things in my brain and it’s hard for me to think of new ideas. Do you ever have a hard time thinking about new ideas for your sensory table? I made a huge list to help you out.
The lists below include filler ideas, additional items that you can mix in with the fillers, as well as ideas for tools and containers to use with the materials. If you mix and match the columns, the possibilities are endless.
Wouldn’t it be cool if I knew how to create a sensory table spinner and you could just spin up some combinations? Maybe one day I’ll figure that out. Until then, I have some lists below.
If you prefer a printable copy of the material ideas list, I have one of those for you at the bottom of the page.
Remember to use caution when selecting sensory table materials for your kids. Some of these materials may not be appropriate for kids under 3 without close supervision.
Sensory Materials
FILLERS
MIX-INS
TOOLS
sand
plastic dino fossils
paintbrushes
rice
washers, nuts, bolts
magnetic wands
dried beans
magnetic letters
small sorting containers
lentils
plastic coins
piggy banks
uncut straws
plastic cheese containers
scissors & sorting containers
feed corn
toy tractors and wagons
small scoops and funnels
cut-up straws
pipe cleaners
muffin tins
popcorn
cardboard tubes
scoops and small bowls
FILLERS
MIX-INS
TOOLS
aquarium rocks
construction vehicles
small scoops and spoons
water
pool noodle slices
water pitchers and cups
soapy water
baby dolls
sponges and washcloths
water with icebergs*
plastic penguins
tongs
straw/hay
farm animals and fences
toy barn
dry pasta
toy vegetables
toy pots & pans, spatulas
buttons
pipe cleaners
ice cube trays
bottle caps
pom-poms
color sorting containers
cotton balls
plastic snowflakes or erasers
plastic jars and lids
*Make icebergs by freezing large containers of water.
FILLERS
MIX-INS
TOOLS
birdseed
birds
buckets and small scoops
snow (real if you have it)
plastic polar animals
buckets, shovels, gloves
cornmeal
gems or vase fillers
rakes, scoops, strainers
mixed dried beans
magnetic numbers
cups, spoons, ice cube trays
silk fall leaves
plastic acorns or pumpkins
rakes, tongs, baskets
Easter grass
Easter eggs, small chicks
egg cartons, small baskets
scrap paper
scissors
sorting containers
organic potting soil
peat pots and marbles
trowels or spoons
FILLERS
MIX-INS
TOOLS
oiled cooked spaghetti
twisty pasta
tongs and bowls
beads
ABC beads & pipe cleaners
small sorting containers
rubber bands or hair ties
cardboard tubes or bottles
spoons
sawdust
plastic bugs
bug containers tongs
baking soda
small containers of vinegar
eye droppers
fresh herb stems
scissors
magnifying glasses
shredded wrapping paper
]jingle bells
plastic containers/lids
plastic poker chips
containers with slots in the lids
plastic tweezers
shaving cream
foam block
paintbrushes
FILLERS
MIX-INS
TOOLS
yarn
scissors
oven rack (for weaving)
sticks
a large piece of Styrofoam
pieces of yarn or ribbon
pom-poms
cardboard cones
ice cream scoops
feathers
toy birds & nests
magnifying glasses
salt
plastic polar bears
applesauce containers
toy cars
bar of soap
spray bottle and toothbrushes
balls of foil
toy rockets
glow sticks
pumpkins
golf tees
small hammers/mallets
clothespin clips
pieces of felt
oven rack
pieces of bubble wrap
jingle bells
small boxes
large cardboard box
rolls of masking tape
markers
Download the Sensory Table Materials List
Well, I hope that these sparked a few ideas. My personal favorites are the oiled spaghetti, water beads, and lentils….so much fun. What are your favorite sensory table materials? Would you like a printable copy of the materials listed in this article? Just click on the link below to get it.
Do you prefer to not use any food items in your sensory table or bin? I also have a list of non-food ideas for your sensory table.
