$5 Dollar Tree Sensory Play

I began this blog only a little over a month ago but I began sharing kids activity ideas a bit over a year ago on an Instagram account devoted to kids crafts and activities. One of my favorite parts of having an Instagram account is the people that I have met through it. I have made many friends who share a love of crafting like me. Recently, I joined a challenge with a few of these ladies to create a sensory play activity with items from the Dollar Tree that cost $5 or less. Here are some of the $5 Dollar Tree sensory play ideas from this group of ladies:

Bug Sensory Bin

First, we will begin with the sensory bin that I created. The Dollar Tree currently has some very fun bug catching toys and my bug loving three year old instantly wanted them. I couldn’t find any bugs to go along with the sensory bin so I made my own out of glass stones. My son is all about bug activities these days.

To create the bugs, I first drew bugs on a piece of piece. Next, I traced the stone and cut the paper bugs out to fit the stones. Finally, I glued the paper bugs to the stones. I planned on using modge podge (which can often be found at the Dollar Tree) but I couldn’t find it at the time so I used regular Elmer’s glue and it worked well. 

I also created a counting board out of cardboard to add a learning aspect to the activity. 

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• 1 bag of black beans
• Bug catching kit (bug scoop and net)
• Magnifying glass
• 1 bag of red and clear glass stones
• Package of permanent markers

Supplies From Home:

• Elmer’s glue
• Paper

Summer Vacation Sensory Play

Next, Kaycee_mirando will have you ready for summer fun with this adorable summer vacation sensory play!

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• Summer Vacation pop up book
• Confetti
• Fishing net decor
• Ice cream bowls and spoons
• Flamingo decor

Letter Shell Sensory Play

Thirdly, this sensory play bin by Low Lift Fun is the cutest way to practice letter identification! It is cute, fun, and educational.

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• 1 bag of shells
• 1 bottle of paint
• 2 bags of great northern beans
• 1 pair of kids’ tweezers

Supplies From Home:

• Sharpie pen (to write letters)
• Letter matching mat

BBQ Fun

Next, get ready for summer barbecues with this adorable sensory play setup by that_peachmommy.

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• Package of 2 bandanas
• Grill pan
• Play veggies
• Condiment holders
• Tongs

Beach Sensory Tray

The fifth sensory play is a beach sensory tray created by Irishtwinsmommy, It is not only fun but also stunningly beautiful to look at. 

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• 1 bag of rice
• 1 bag of shells
• Fishing net
• 1 bag of sparking shells
• 1 bag of pearls

Unicorn Tea Party

I’m pretty sure this unicorn tea party created by entertainmytoddler is what little girls’ dreams are made of!

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• Ponies
• Beads
• Tea set

Supplies From Home:

• Water
• Bin
• Food coloring

Glow Stick Sensory Play

Everything is more fun when it glows in the dark! Check out this glow stick sensory play by my_busy_kid

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• 1 muffin tray
• 1 sensory bin 
• 2 packets of glow bracelets
• 1 skewer or chopstick

Supplies From Home:

• Water

Circus On The Sea

Next, Babysyddie brought her daughter to the Dollar Tree and said she wanted to buy everything there! Together they created this fun Circus On The Sea sensory bin.

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• 2 bags of blue building blocks
• Crush Petz Jiggle Pals
• Leaf coasters
• Water balls

Table Manners

Last but not least, forthisiveprayed used her Dollar Tree materials to create a fun way to teach her son how to set the table and practice table manners. She made placemats out of craft paper and napkins from a dish towel.

Dollar Tree Supplies:

• Dish towel
• Craft paper
• Flower
• Tablecloth
• Package of candles

Let us know if you create your own $5 Dollar Tree sensory play! We would love to hear about them!

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