Dollar Store Sensory Bins
By now, you may know that sensory bins are my JAM and I use dollar store sensory bins whenever possible! Not only do I love them for my kindergarteners, but I create them for my own two children as well! My son, Luke, is 4 1/2 years old and my daughter, Emma is 2 1/2 years old. They absolutely LOVE them and I am enjoying all of the creativeness that I can put into them! You will see them in most of my sensory bin images on my website as well on Instagram. Whether I am creating them for my class or my own kids, I can use the same materials, just make the learning objectives different!
One myth about sensory bins is that they are expensive and time consuming to make! By shopping at our local Dollar Tree, I can make the sensory bin filler planning quick, easy, and cheap! Great…right?
Dollar Tree is my “go-to” and I know they are pretty nation-wide. If you do not have Dollar Tree around you, check out any dollar store and most items should be similar.
This post is compiled over a few seasons, so these items may not currently be available. But, each year the stock at these stores is similar and this is just to give you some ideas of fun fillers you can find there! Also, this post will contain mostly images, because face it, you are probably looking for images of sensory bins and products that I used to create them from the dollar store!
Let’s jump right in!
Dollar Store Sensory Bins
Below you will see images of some seasonal sensory bins that I have created! When I am searching for sensory bin fillers at the dollar store I search for little seasonal decorations, toys, jar fillers, gift wrap, stationary, mini bins, gifts, and ANYTHING else that you find!
Pictured with my children above are these sensory bin items! I spent at total of $10 on these TWO sensory bins, which comes out to be about $5 each. I also could have placed these fillers into one larger bin for a small group.
Repurposing Sensory Sensory Bin Fillers
When I clean up my sensory bins (or my children/students do), I separate all of the fillers into ziplock bags.
Why you ask?
Because I can repurpose many of the fillers for other themes and seasons. For example. the pinecones I use for my Christmas and Winter sensory bins. The red paper shred I can use for Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
Now, certain items like the ping pong eyeballs probably won’t fit another season, but I may be able to find a fun math center to use them with!
I am ALWAYS trying to repurpose materials so I don’t need to purchase or store as much!
Dollar Store Sensory Bins
Sensory bins do not need to be difficult expensive. Simply shopping at your local dollar store for seasonal items will do the trick. See the images below for some fun and inspiring dollar store sensory bins!
I used these items in this sensory bin focusing on kindergarten counting & cardinality standards here!
Dollar store sensory bins are so easy, inexpensive, and fun! Get creative with what you find!
You May Also Like:
For my kindergarteners, I like to include some sort of learning objective with my sensory bin centers so I can assure that I am hitting certain objectives and standards. To view some of these products I use, just click the image below! These do not add much more time to prep except printing recording sheets and printing/cutting the cards.
If you are looking for a way to create or manage successful sensory bin centers in your classroom, grab my FREE Sensory Bins Simplified guide! Just click the image below!
If you are looking for common core aligned sensory bin centers for your kindergarteners, see the activities listed below!
Counting & Cardinality
Letters & Sounds
Other blog posts you maybe interested in that relate to sensory bins are listed below! Just click on the name to go straight to that post!
The Sensory Bin Master Guide and a Freebie
Sensory Bin Kits for Preschool & Kindergarten
Recently, I have created a Facebook community for sensory bin support, ideas, and inspiration! Click the button below to join us!
Stay amazing at all you do!
Amber says
Your Valentine sensory bin looks amazing! I just want to drive my hands into it!
Kayla says
I love how fun these are, and that everything can be purchased from the dollar store! So practical on a teacher’s budget!
Jessica says
Love that everything can be purchased from Dollar Tree! Engaging activities don’t have to be super expensive and you proved that!
Victoria @CrazyCharizma says
Great ways to work with sensory bins!