Ultimate List of Sensory Bin Tools
When we talk about sensory bins, we’re often focused on what exactly goes into them — the Sensory Bin Fillers.
But just as important for creative sensory play are the Sensory Bin Tools you give your child to play with.

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When I talk about sensory bin tools, I don’t mean all of the extra stuff you put into the bin for fun. I’m talking about the tools your child will use to manipulate the objects in the bin itself.
How will your child sift the cornmeal, move about the dried beans or sort the candy?
These tools are going to be a big part of helping them strengthen their fine motor skills (think gripping onto a spatula or managing a bowl) while also allowing your child to exercise their ingenuity in how they use those objects.
Crisschirs Sensory Bin Tools with Wooden Box
Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid
Fine Motor Toys Counting Sorting Bin Filler
Micro Mini Construction Vehicles for Sensory Play
Just because we use a spoon one way doesn’t mean your child won’t come up with something different!
Don’t miss the Ultimate List of 100+ Sensory Bin Fillers going from A to Z!
What is a Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a container filled with fun materials like rice, pasta, sand, or water that kids can explore using their hands and tools to scoop, pour, and play.
It’s a playful way to engage their senses, build fine motor skills, and spark imagination while they learn through hands-on fun.
Benefits of a Sensory Bin
Sensory bins offer a wide range of benefits for kids:
- Boosts Fine Motor Skills: Scooping, pouring, and grasping help strengthen hand and finger muscles.
- Encourages Creativity and Imagination: Open-ended play lets kids create their own stories and worlds.
- Supports Language Development: Talking about textures, colors and actions builds vocabulary.
- Promotes Focus and Calm: Engaging the senses can help kids relax and stay focused.
- Teaches Practical Skills: Kids learn concepts like measuring, sorting and cause and effect.
- Encourages Independent Play: Sensory bins keep kids engaged and exploring on their own.
- Provides Multi-Sensory Learning: Kids process information better when multiple senses are involved.
- Improves Social Skills: Shared sensory play teaches cooperation and turn-taking.
Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid
Inspire My Play Sensory Bin with Lid and Removable Storage Inserts
wingyz Kids Table for Play Study Dining Toys Storage
edxeducation Sand and Water Table Set
Sensory bins are a fun, simple way to support your child’s development through hands-on discovery.
Ultimate List of Sensory Bin Tools
As always, please use common sense in deciding whether your child is old enough to use these objects and if they need supervision.
Don’t miss out on our other fun sensory activities for kids!
More Sensory Activity Ideas
Sensory play is a powerful way for children to learn, develop and engage with their surroundings, and it’s also a whole lot of fun!
Take your child on a sensory adventure that sparks imagination, creativity and learning.
- Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Easy Projects to Develop Fine Motor Skills, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Early Measurement Concepts
- The Ultimate Sensory Play Recipe Book: Learning Through Play
- Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids: 60 Easy Creative Play Projects That Boost Brain Development, Calm Anxiety and Build Fine Motor Skills
- Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play
- Sensory Adventures: A Guide to Increasing Literacy Through Sensory Play
- Playful Wonders: 50 Fun-Filled Sensory Play Activities
- The Book of Nature Connection: 70 Sensory Activities for All Ages
- 52 Weeks of Sensory Play
Fun Sensory Bin Ideas
- Outer Space Sensory Bin
- Soap Foam Sensory Bin
- Car Wash Sensory Bin
- Rock Sensory Bin
- Let The Ice Melt: A Pouring Station
- LEGO Sensory Bin with Water
- Fall Farm Sensory Bin
- Seed Sensory Bin
- Ice Cream Sensory Bin
- Dinosaur Sensory Bin
- Spring Sensory Bins
- Delightful Christmas Sensory Bins
This post is part of the Alphabet Sensory Activities series — sensory activities from A to Z!









What a great list! We use mostly what we already have, and some things I pick up at the dollar store 🙂
The Dollar Store is such a great place to go for easy sensory bin items! Love that place… a little too much 😉
We use alot of these items also! Great list for giving people ideas! I would love it if you would share your posts at my Monday of Many Blessings Link Up for my readers! They would love it! http://ourhomeofmanyblessings.com/