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We love sensory tubs! Digging, scooping and my son’s favorite – pretending! Yes, these fun tubs filled with dry goods aren’t just for sensory development. They are also awesome for the imagination, too. I really love this Christmas sensory tub. Not just because it was a big hit with my son, but because it combines so many different textures as well as sounds as you play.
Christmas Sensory Tub
- Gather your materials. For this festively themed tub, we are using split peas, white beans, green matte garland, red and silver shiny garland, scoops, tongs and a plastic container. Additionally, my son grabbed a Christmas tin to fill up.
- Start by cutting the garland into the tub. Have your kids help if they want.
- Next, pour in the split peas.
- And then beans .
- As soon as he did, the hands dove in to explore. The shiny garland was smooth, the beans were hard, the green garland was crunchy, and, of course, the split peas were sharp. A wide range of textures for such a simple tub.
- Add the tools and enjoy.
- Play, and then use the tongs to sort the garland into the tin.
- Finally, add in the scoop for the beans.
- Eventually, he got all the bunches of garland out of his Christmas sensory tub.
Christmas Books
Merry Christmas, Mouse! (If You Give…)
A Small Christmas
JDaniel4's Mom says
The fire truck book looks wonderful. My son is so into machines and trucks right now. I will have to look for this one.
Vanderbilt Wife says
I love this idea! How fun. I may make a mini-version for my toddler depending on what I can find in my house. (Nearly 39 weeks pregnant + snow = not leaving the house.)
Emma says
Hi! I’m a mom of 2 littles & also a part time preschool teacher. I really like your blog & your sensory tubs but this one had me thinking – do we as parents know much about the lead content in christmas trimmings “intended for adults”? I’m guilty of small trees (from Michaels) for my kids & they’re active participants in much of our hands-on life (christmas decor included), but I’m not sure about the level of lead content in (disposable) decor intended for decoration & not child play (so I assume is less legislated). Wondering if you have any insight into this before we give them cut up garland? Apologies if this sounds abrupt, but I have all of our kids in mind (mine, those who I teach, yours & your readers) – not sure if anyone can share insight into this – I’m unfamiliar with specific lead level legislation in non-toys or materials not intended for child’s play & also what levels of lead are unsafe & therefore prevent our children from being healthy. Thanks 🙂
Emma says
Hi! I’m a mom of 2 littles & also a part time preschool teacher. I really like your blog & your sensory tubs but this one had me thinking – do we as parents know much about the lead content in christmas trimmings “intended for adults”? I’m guilty of small trees (from Michaels) for my kids & they’re active participants in much of our hands-on life (christmas decor included), but I’m not sure about the level of lead content in (disposable) decor intended for decoration & not child play (so I assume is less legislated). Wondering if you have any insight into this before we give them cut up garland? Apologies if this sounds abrupt, but I have all of our kids in mind (mine, those who I teach, yours & your readers) – not sure if anyone can share insight into this – I’m unfamiliar with specific lead level legislation in non-toys or materials not intended for child’s play & also what levels of lead are unsafe & therefore prevent our children from being healthy. Thanks 🙂
admin says
Emma – not abrupt at all! Before I did this I did some research online and all I found was- artificial trees and lights both carry risks of lead exposure, as well as vintage tinsel. Nothing I found for garland ( unlit) came back with results for lead.
It’s a great point though, to wash hands after , watch carefully and stay informed. Also make sure the activity fits your child’s abilities, this is not a put everything in your mouth still toddler activity.
If anyone has found something suggesting otherwise I am eager to read it- but as far as I could find there was nothing.