Perfect for preschool, Pre-K, and kindergarten

Sensory bins aren’t just fun—they’re powerful.

For children with big feelings or busy bodies (or both!), sensory play offers a way to regulate, reset, and re-engage. Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or just trying to get through the last ten minutes of class without chaos, a good sensory bin can work wonders.

Below you’ll find ten easy, budget-friendly sensory bin ideas that support emotional regulation, encourage creativity, and pair beautifully with yoga and mindfulness activities.

1. Calm Down Cloud Bin

• Materials: Cotton balls, pom-poms, blue and white felt strips, cloud printables

• Pair with: Cloud breathing pose or use as part of a calm corner

• Why it works: Soft textures and cool colors send gentle calming cues to the nervous system.

2. Dino Dig Bin

• Materials: Kinetic sand, mini dinosaurs, paintbrushes, small rocks

• Pair with: Dinosaur yoga cards and a roaring breath warm-up

• Why it works: Tactile input + imagination = deep engagement and fine motor focus

3. Ocean Breathing Bin

• Materials: Blue water beads, sea animals, shells, clear scoops

• Pair with: Whale breath, fish pose, and ocean-themed yoga cards

• Why it works: Cool textures + scoop-and-pour rhythm mimics breathing and encourages regulation

4. Rainbow Rice Bin

• Materials: Dyed rice, color-coded scoops and cups, rainbow printables

• Pair with: Color-based yoga (red = Warrior I, blue = Fish, green = Tree)

• Why it works: Combines visual order with repetitive motor input—great for transitions or station work

5. Bug & Garden Bin

• Materials: Dry black beans, plastic bugs, artificial grass or moss, tongs

• Pair with: Butterfly, bee, or ladybug yoga poses

• Why it works: Encourages imaginative storytelling and cross-body coordination

6. Lavender Rice Bin

• Materials: Dyed purple rice, dried lavender, small bowls and spoons

• Pair with: Resting pose with lavender eye pillows or mindful breathing

• Why it works: Adds scent-based sensory input for calming and focus

7. Construction Calm Bin

• Materials: Gravel or dry beans, mini construction trucks, wood scraps

• Pair with: Strong poses like Plank, Chair, or Bridge

• Why it works: Heavy tactile play supports grounding and bilateral coordination

8. Snowy Sensory Bin

• Materials: Baking soda and conditioner “snow,” arctic animals, scoops

• Pair with: Polar bear pose or slow animal walks

• Why it works: Cool temperature + squishiness = excellent for tactile seekers

9. Fall Leaves Bin

• Materials: Dry pasta dyed in autumn colors, fabric leaves, mini pumpkins

• Pair with: Tree pose, leaf breath (arms float like leaves falling down)

• Why it works: Combines visual theme and fine motor sorting

10. Mindful Match Bin

• Materials: Cut-up affirmation cards, matching symbols, mini clipboards

• Pair with: Read the affirmation aloud, then choose a yoga pose to match the feeling

• Why it works: Connects emotional literacy with movement and play

🧘‍♀️ Wrap-Up

These sensory bin ideas are more than just fun—they’re tools to help kids build emotional awareness, body connection, and moments of calm.

When paired with yoga and mindfulness, they become part of a whole-child routine that supports movement, regulation, and learning.

Want yoga pose cards, breathing prompts, or themed lesson plans to go with these bins?