How to Make a Quick Sensory Kit

I have talked for a long time about our love for sensory kits. If you don’t know, a sensory kit is a container normally filled with something like water beads, rice, or sand as well as small toys, pom-poms, etc. that provides kids with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on play that engages their senses. These kits can be used in conjunction with different therapies (like the therapies Jackie participates in) because they encourage and support various types of development, but they are also great activities to have in your home to keep kids busy! I have a few places I like to buy themed sensory kits that we love, but also have found its pretty easy to throw together my own. I’m going to show you how with supplies you probably already have on hand!

How to Make a Quick Sensory Kit | Materials I Used

Materials List:

Rice

Gel food coloring

Parchment paper

Vinegar

Ziploc bags

Small assorted toys

How to Make a Quick Sensory Kit | Making Your Kit

First things first, choose how many colors of rice you’re wanting to have. For these kits, I used 4. Separate the rice into each bag adding 1 Tbs. of vinegar to every 2 C of rice. Squeeze in a little bit of food coloring into each bag and then knead it in the bag until all of the rice is coated and the color is as vibrant as you want it. This is going to take a few minutes, so be patient.

The next step is to line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This is a very important step because you don’t want the rice to stick to the cookie sheet. Now, pour your rice onto the cookie sheet making sure its in one even layer. I like to do two colors per cookie sheet. Now you let the rice dry, overnight is best!

How to Make a Quick Sensory Kit | Finishing Your Kit

It is very important that all of the rice is completely dry before you start doing anything else. Once it is dry, you can combine the different colors of rice without the colors blending together. I added a few animals into each one of these little Tupperware containers. I'm also going to add some other little fun things that we have like these little rocks and little palms. That’s it! Now you have two very easy sensory kits, perfect for entertaining any toddler.

How to Make a Quick Sensory Kit | More Ideas

Ideas For More Sensory Kit Add-ins:

Pom-poms

Buttons

Legos

Marbles

Faux flowers

Crinkle paper

Shells

Tools For Making Sensory Kits Even More Fun:

Tongs

Spoons

Measuring cups

Funnels

Popsicle sticks