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How To Make A Grinch Sensory Bin For Toddlers 

ByKate Tekurio

Calm your overstimulated toddler with this easy Grinch sensory bin. Bursting with colors from the movie, it focuses their energies into digging, feeling, and exploring all the textures and shapes inside. 

The holidays are pretty stressful for us adults; imagine how it feels for your little ones! Crowded stores, too many activities, and grumpy people lead to some cranky kiddos, too. 

Give them (and you) the gift of quiet playtime with a Christmasy theme. You’ll both appreciate the break!

Because you might already know how educational sensory bins are, but did you know they help to regulate emotions, too? Bonus! 

Plus, making the bin is a super-fun activity to do together, too! You don’t have to spend a lot to create a core memory.

Just grab a handful of art supplies, a plastic tub, and a few spoons and scoops – and you’re ready for an activity that gives you time to breathe. 

Grinch Sensory Bin all set up

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Grinch Sensory Tub Materials

Now that you know what’s in a sensory bin, here is what I used when I made mine. 

DIY Grinch Sensory Bin Steps

There are only three simple steps to making the sensory bin for toddlers. 

  1. Make The Green Rice

First, dye the white rice bright green. Place the rice in a resealable bag and add a few drops of neon green food coloring with a teaspoon of vinegar. Seal and shake the bag until all the rice is green. 

making the green rice

Then, let it dry! Spread the rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit until it’s completely dry. 

rice drying
  1. Fill The Sensory Bin

Next, fill up your bin with the rice and other Christmas materials. Either use the items I suggested or be creative and use things you and your toddler enjoy. 

Grinch Sensory Bin set up
  1. Add Scoops and Play! 

Finally, it’s time to play. Grab some scoops, spoons, or small cups and let your toddler dig in. See? It’s so easy! 

Grinch Sensory Bin

Grinch Christmas Lessons

Sensory bins are a wonderful way to give your child something to do during quiet time, which gives you both a little break. 

But if you wanted to get in there and play along, I have a few ideas that will help you make it even more educational:

  • Counting. Count the Christmas trees together. 
  • Color Sorting. If you used different colors of pom poms or Christmas trees, sort them by color. 
  • Name The Letter. Pick up each item in the bin and ask your child what letters they start with. 
  • Create stories. Enhance creativity by making up stories together about the items in the bin. 
close up of Grinch Sensory Bin

Sensory Bin Clean-Up and Storage Hacks 

If the thought of letting your child dig into a bunch of dried rice sounds like a recipe for disaster, I’ve got ya covered. 

Definitely consider the energy level of your toddler before handing this over to them. Some preschoolers make only minor messes, while others think it’s the funniest thing in the world to make rice rain from the ceiling. If your child is the latter, then a sensory bottle might be better for them. 

I also suggest setting up a large cloth on the floor first. Then, you just grab it up and shake it out over the trash can. 

And to store it, use a tub or a bin that has a lid. Snap the lid on and save it for those times when you need them to unwind or they need something quiet to focus on. 

Grinch Sensory Bin

FAQs

Is green dye safe for kids?

Yes, it’s non-toxic and safe if they put it in their mouth. There are also plenty of options for natural food coloring without artificial dyes, too. 

What other ways can I change this sensory bin? 

There are so many different ways to change it up. Sprinkle some natural spearmint essential oil (just a drop or two) onto the rice to make it smell like Christmas if your kids are older and won’t put it in their mouths. Or mix in some plastic letters or gift bows. 

I don’t have scoops. What can I use instead? 

There are a lot of different options that you can use instead of scoops. Cut a toilet paper roll in half and use that as a scoop.

A tablespoon, a plastic funnel, a mini measuring cup, or a plastic drink cap are all good options. 

Pin This Post For Later:

Grinch Sensory Bin pin image

Final Thoughts

If you make a Grinch sensory bin, please let me know! We had a blast I hope you do too!

Check out these other Christmas activities for toddlers:

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