As the snow falls and the holiday spirit fills the air, there’s no better time to cozy up with a good book and dive into hands-on sensory adventures. We’ve curated a delightful collection of winter and Christmas-themed sensory bin ideas that pair perfectly with some of our favorite story time reads.
Whether you’re looking to spark creativity, encourage exploration, or simply add a little extra magic to your holiday season, this roundup has something for everyone. From snowy wonderlands to Santa’s workshop, each idea is designed to bring stories to life and create unforgettable moments of learning and play.
So grab a cup of cocoa, gather your little ones, and let’s make this winter a season to remember – one sensory bin and story at a time!
Please ensure all materials are age-appropriate and that activities are conducted under adult supervision. These ideas are not edible and are not suitable for children who may put items in their mouths.
PIPE CLEANER CANDY CANE HUNT SENSORY BIN IDEA
TEN LITTLE CANDY CANES – AFFILIATE LINK
MAKE MOON DOUGH AND USE IT TO “BAKE” UP CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR – USE POM POMS AND VARIOUS ELEMENTS
CHICKA CHICKA HO HO HO BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
SCRUNCH UP COLORFUL TISSUE PAPER TO MAKE A SNOW CONE PLAY TABLE
DRAGONS CAN’T EAT SNOW CONES – AFFILIATE LINK
TEN LITTLE REINDEER – AFFILIATE LINK
FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS LOOKING FOR SANTA BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS FINGER PUPPETS – AFFILIATE LINK
MAKE A DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS SCENE WITH RED KINETIC SAND AND PLASTIC DINOSAURS
SANTA CLAWS BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
CHICKA CHICKA HO HO HO BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
USE LARGE FELT SNOWFLAKE CUTOUTS AND POM POMS FOR THIS WINTER TABLE IDEA
PETE THE CAT SNOW DAZE – AFFILIATE LINK
WHO SAYS FLAMINGOS ARE ONLY FOR SUMMER – USE POM POMS AND FLAMINGO DUCKIES FOR THIS BIN IDEA
MINGO THE FLAMINGO BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
SNOWY FARM BIN IDEA USING WOOD CUTOUTS AND CRINKLE PAPER
SNOWY SQUIRREL PLAY – USE POM POMS, PLASTIC LEAVES AND TONGS
THE SNOW THIEF BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
GRAB LARGE WOOD CUTOUTS AND DECORATE WITH POM POMS AND RIBBON
MAKE A COZY CAVE FOR BEAR – USE LEAVES, STICKS AND POM POMS
BEAR SNORES ON – AFFILIATE LINK
SNOWMEN AT CHRISTMAS BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
USE FELT CHRISTMAS TREE CUTOUTS AND POM POMS FOR THIS QUICK STORY TIME TABLE
USE FELT SNOWFLAKE CUTOUTS AND POM POMS FOR THIS QUICK WINTER THEMED STORY TIME TABLE
BUILD A BEADED CANDY CANE PLAY IDEA
TEN LITTLE CANDY CANES – AFFILIATE LINK
POM POM BUILDING CANDY CANE ACTIVITY
TEN LITTLE CANDY CANES – AFFILIATE LINK
MAKE MOON DOUGH AND USE IT TO MAKE AN ARTIC SCENE
CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR – use craft felt cut up into small squares
DON’T LET PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH – USE POM POMS AND A METAL SLEIGH DON’T LET
PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH – AFFILIATE LINK
POLAR EXPRESS PLAY TABLE – USE A TRAIN SET, FAKE SNOW AND MINI ELEMENTS
POLAR EXPRESS BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
SANTA PACKING STATION – USE LITTLE BOXES AND BOWS
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING – USE FELT TREE SHAPES AND PLASTIC TILES
HELLO WINTER PLAY BIN – USE FAKE SNOW, FELT TREES AND A STUFFED REINDEER
GOODBYE AUTUMN, HELLO WINTER BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SNOWY SCENE – ADD A SMALL SLEIGH, STOCKINGS AND TREES
SNOWY HIDE AND SEEK BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
SANTA JAWS – USE BLUE KINETIC SAND AND PLASTIC SHARK TOYS
SANTA JAWS BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
A MISCHIELF OF MICE – FAKE SNOW, PLASTIC LEAVES AND MOUSE PLUSHIE
BUILD A SNOWY BIRD NEST – USE DECORATIVE LEAVES, PIPE CLEANERS, STICKS AND A LARGE BOWL
A SNOWY OWL NEST – USE FAKE SNOW, PLASTIC LEAVES, WOOD PIECES AND MORE!
LITTLE OWL’S SNOW BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
SNOWFLAKE DECORATING TABLE – USE FELT CUTOUTS AND PLASTIC TILES
TEN WAYS TO HEAR SNOW BOOK – AFFILIATE LINK
LITTLE SNOWFLAKE PLAY TABLE – USE POPSICLE STICKS AND POM POMS
CHRISTMAS POPCORN STATION – USE POM POMS AND CANDY CANES
SNOWFLAKE PLAY TABLE – USE POPSICLE STICKS, PIPE CLEANERS AND COTTON BALLS
Please ensure all materials are age-appropriate and that activities are conducted under adult supervision. These ideas are not edible and are not suitable for children who may put items in their mouths.