48 Quick Sensory Bags to Make for Your Kids (2024)

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Sensory bags are perfect for toddlers that still put things in their mouth and are even a great way for babies to explore!

48 Quick Sensory Bags to Make for Your Kids (1)

Sensory bags are squishy, slimy and the perfect medium to explore safely inside bag.

But they can also be a tool for kids to learn!

Yes! Learning can be done in simple bag (we’ve done it with colors, math problems and sight words)!

And what’s even more to like about sensory bags is that they are very versatile to use whatever you have on hand.

You can use almost anything in your pantry cupboards! Go dig around!

They are so easy to make.

Since we’ve done a few and have had really good luck with our sensory bags, here’s a collection of ideas for you to get some inspiration!

But I encourage you to be creative, find something new to put in your bags!

Share it in The Huddle!

Download FREE Week of Sensory Bins PDF here!

48 Ideas to Explore & Learn with Sensory Bags

Like I said, you can put almost anything in one of these bags.

Explore Nature in a Sensory Bag

Exploring nature can be super cool without the dirty mess (though I am certainly not one to be against getting messy, and here’s why).

Put together any of these nature bags and let the fun begin!

Learning Colors in a Bag

You can add in just a tad bit of color learning with these colorful sensory bags.

Or just let it be fun and colorful!

These colorful bags are bright and cheery for one of those days you’re stuck indoors.

Make Learning Sensory Bags

When you are jugglingmultiple kids, adding a sensory bag with additional learning in it will be great for the older kids.

They can work on these while the younger kids explore.

Don’t be afraid to substitute learning letters for numbers or sight words, or whatever it is that your child is working on.

Make it as simple or as hard as they’re up for.

Try a couple variations!

More Mess Free Sensory Fun

Push your horizons further with these simple ideas to fill your bags with.

Then just have fun!

Up for further exploration?

48 Quick Sensory Bags to Make for Your Kids (3)

Take the sensory out of the bag and keep the fun going!

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About Jamie Reimer

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

No-Prep Game for Preschool Fine Motor Skills
15 Quick Sensory Activities from Hands on Moms
10 Active Activity Ideas to Learn the Alphabet

Reader Interactions

39 Comments

Nicole Wells says
August 5, 2021 at 1:09 pm

This site is amazing. I work with children on a naval base and they are in love with the projects I chose from your website. Your such a blessing, thank you so much.
to Nicole Wells" aria-label='reply to this comment to Nicole Wells'>reply to this comment
Kimberly says
April 12, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hey Jamie,
I love your site! Anytime I look up something to do with my 3 yr old son I always find your blog. It has helped us so much!
to Kimberly" aria-label='reply to this comment to Kimberly'>reply to this comment
Deedee says
October 26, 2018 at 4:50 am

You never show what you use fir the Helvetia inside the bag.
to Deedee" aria-label='reply to this comment to Deedee'>reply to this comment
- Rachel says
  November 2, 2018 at 10:57 am
  
  You can fill them with different things depending on what you want to do with them, but usually we use hair gel or hand sanitizer. We have also used paint. Enjoy!
  to Rachel" aria-label='reply to this comment to Rachel'>reply to this comment
Chinwe says
July 14, 2017 at 4:19 pm

Great idea, I’ll try it out with my little friends. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
to Chinwe" aria-label='reply to this comment to Chinwe'>reply to this comment

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48 Quick Sensory Bags to Make for Your Kids (2024)

FAQs

What bags do you use for sensory bags? ›

Fill a resealable plastic bag with tactile materials like hair gel, pumpkin seeds, shaving cream, or marbles. Reinforce the seal with strong tape, then use painter's or washi tape to secure the edges of the bag to the floor or a table where your baby can play.

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How do you make squishy sensory bags? ›

Place flour, food colouring and water into the small mixing bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Scoop the mixture into the plastic zip-lock bag. Before fastening the end, place the squishy bag onto a flat surface and gently push any excess air out to avoid air bubbles.

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How do you make a simple sensory toy? ›

A plastic bowl and Tupperware containers with dried pasta and/or dried rice in. Put the pasta or rice in the bowl for your child to move their hands through with you assisting and encouraging them hand over hand if required.

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How to make a sensory Ziploc bag? ›

Step 1 – Add Hair Gel. Fully open the Ziploc bag and lay it on a flat surface. ...
Step 2 – Add the Food Coloring. Apply a couple drops of food coloring to the gel inside the large Ziploc bag. ...
Step 3 – Add the Glitter. Sprinkle the glitter into bag. ...
Step 4 – Finishing Touches.

What can you use instead of hair gel in sensory bags? ›

You can certainly reuse the plastic bag for new sensory bags and do not need to use chemicals such hair gel, detergent or liquid soup. If you need a gel like substance, you can use gelatine.

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How do you make sensory liquid? ›

How to make a themed sensory bottle with glitter

First, squeeze corn syrup into an empty water bottle. ...
Add warm water until it's about three-quarters full.
Add a few drops of food coloring and sprinkle in some glitter.
Put the lid on the water bottle and shake to mix the ingredients.

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What is an autism bag? ›

Sensory backpacks are designed to help children on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable and secure in different environments. They are also a great tool to help parents prepare for situations that may be overwhelming for their child.

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How do you make a sensory pack? ›

Here are items you can put in it:

Earbuds, folding headphones, or earplugs to help make noise less overwhelming.
Sticky notes to put over sensors for automatic flushing toilets and hand dryers.
A small bottle of hand lotion to soothe your child's need for touch.
“Smellies” (like scented lip balm)

More items...

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How do you make a nature sensory bag? ›

Create the sensory bag by putting hair gel, flowers, leaves, and grass inside the ziplock bag. Seal the bag. Duct tape all sides of the bag to prevent any liquid from spilling out.

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How do you make an adult sensory bag? ›

Instructions

Take a Ziplock bag and tape three sides with duct tape, trimming the edges as you go (carefully so as not to cut the plastic!)
Open zip side of bags and pour in gel, sand or shaving cream. ...
Insert decorations as you please.
Squeeze as much of the air out as you can when sealing the bag.

More items...

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What is a gel bag? ›

An ice pack or gel pack is a portable bag filled with water, refrigerant gel, or liquid, meant to provide cooling. They can be divided into the reusable type, which works as a thermal mass and requires freezing, or the instant type, which cools itself down using chemicals but can only be used once.

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How much hair gel do you put in a sensory bag? ›

How to make a squishy sensory bag: