Sensory Filler

There are tons of different types of filler that make awesome bases for sensory bins! We have a few to choose from. We have colored rice alphabet rice, chickpeas, water beads, play foam Pluffle, and instant snow (which is actually cold). 

Colored rice is an easy sensory filler to start with and safe for most children. We use food coloring and vinegar to dye our rice. 

Alphabet rice is colored and is great for kids in preschool through first grade. We use food coloring and vinegar to dye the rice. 

Chickpeas are another fun filler to use for sensory bins, but can be a major choking hazard for children who are still putting things in their mouths.  We use a non-toxic paint to color chickpeas. 

Water beads are simply the smallest gel balls that fill with water (takes about 4-6 hours). They do have a wet consistency and are non-toxic, but can cause serious health issues if swallowed.  (not recommended for young children)

One of our favorite fillers is Pluffle! We have 8 colors of pluffle and the best part is that it is easy to clean up.  It is also amazing and mesmerizing to play, because it moves even after you have taken your hands out of the bin.  It also never dries out. 

Our other favorite filler is instant snow.  It grows instantly with water and it is cold, fluffy, snow-magical. It can last several weeks to months depending on how it is used and stored.