1.Containers/Bins/Trays
The plastic under the bed storage bins are great because they're big enough for a small child to sit in, plus, less mess. I think you might be able to find a better deal at Target or Walmart. But here's a link for Amazon just in case.
I also use the medium size bins 16 qt when I use two materials at the same time. If you don't want to get a pack of 10, get them at Target for about 3 dollars each. I also use these to store materials! So if you do want to get a whole pack of them, here is the link.
For a smaller set up, for example on top of a table, or simply because I don't have a lot of material I like to use a large tray. I bought mine at at ANKO, sadly, they're closed for good. Mine is 14 inch diameter and 3 inch tall. I found this one at amazon that could work:
It is16inch and 3.5 tall, so I would say it's pretty big and has a great height.
2. Utensils
Scoops/ Spoons/ Funnels/ Cups/Jars/ Ice Cube Trays/ Muffin/ Tongs or Cupcakes Trays. The perfect place to find these: your kitchen. Don't spend too much on this, anything can be used to play. Rotate the materials around. You can also find many of them at the dollar tree, if you don't feel like sharing.
Other than that we've really enjoyed the following Learning Resources materials.
My brother gifted my daughter small wooden utensils he brought from Thailand, and we love them. If you're a fan of wooden tools, this set looks pretty cool.
If you don't want to spend 30 dollars, but still like the wooden tools, here is a little set of tiny scoops for much cheaper. They are really small so take a look at the measurements!
3. From your Kitchen Pantry
You might want to have: Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Food Coloring, Vinegar. Buy the bulk version of these if you have place to store them.
For food coloring, this is an option for many colors for just 10 dollars.
4. Basic Materials for slime and other fun types of dough
Glitter, Glue Washable Paint, Shaving Cream, Cheap Conditioner and Shampoo, Contact Lens solution. If you ever find a super sale going on on any of these supplies, definitely pick them up. About the glue, skip the hassle of not having glue around and buy glue by the gallon:
Michaels has great deals on glue too: https://www.michaels.com/clear-glue-by-craft-smart/10610026.html
Biodegradable glitter, I would just get silver to start with and add color with dye, instead of buying 10 different glitter colors.
For shaving cream: definitely buy at the dollar tree too.
Contact lens solution to make slime. I'm not sure if it's cheaper at Walgreens or any other store. But if you ever see it on discount get it!
5. Recycled Materials:
Small Cardboard boxes, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, paper towels rolls. These are all free! Just have a box and home and store these. You'll thank yourself later.
6. Keeping it clean:
-Cling wrap: wrap your table with it to protect it.
-Shower Curtain liner: buy a cheap one and set under the sensory play area to make cleaning easier. I did this when she was younger, especially with water play in winter, when we can't go outside.
-Those Eraser Sponges are a must. Food coloring stains surfaces, but it eventually disappears.
-Oh, and having a infant or toddler is DEFINITELY a good time to get an amazing vacuum cleaner. I have the Dyson cordless here. It's expensive but it makes cleaning up a breeze!
7. Food to buy in bulk!
-Rice, Garbanzo (Chickpea) Beans, White Beans. All kinds of beans are great! The lighter colored ones you can dye with the food coloring and some vinegar.
-Pasta is also great, alphabet mini pasta, even cooked noodles!
-All kinds of seeds! Chia seeds are great for a slimy experience.
Note: you can conserve all of the dry elements very very well if you keep them in a sealed container. Don't toss after please!
8. Extra Fun and adding Texture -Water Beads For smaller children use the extra large ones. Please don't throw these out. You can re-use them if you let them dry out. Just rinse throughly. Always, always, keep an eye on your children when using this or any other type of small material. This is a link for a set: https://amzn.to/30CWLnB
-Pompoms: Buy them anywhere you can find them cheap. They have some at the dollar tree too. Michaels have these super great coupons once in a while. But here is also a link for amazon: https://amzn.to/2BjacjO
9. Animal figurines or any figurines:
We love Safari LTD toobs, good quality and cheaper than Schleich .
Bugs: https://amzn.to/3fQwJne
Baby Zoo animals: https://amzn.to/3hpPqyA
Pets: https://amzn.to/2CAwrCv
Artic: https://amzn.to/3eQ3lMy
Antartica: https://amzn.to/3jvKSbs
Collect small toys from birthday party favors. Go to the dollar tree sections of toys. Hello Happy Meal toys. All these can work.
10. Natural Materials Sand, Rocks, Pebbles, Shells, Glass stones, Flower Petals, Mud. etc. Every time you're outdoors make sure to bring some free materials back to keep for those rainy days!
You really don't have to spend a lot or any money on these. First take a look at what you already have and can adapt before buying anything.
Happy sensory playing,
Georgina