We love any excuse for a themed sensory bin (they’re the best), and an Easter sensory bin is “eggs-tra” adorable. You can throw this together quickly and save it to use again year after year.
There’s something extra precious about an Easter sensory bin
We have made sensory bins for all kinds of holidays, and the Easter sensory bin is a favorite every year.
It could be the adorable colors (pastels!).
It could be the sweet, seasonal accessories (chicks and eggs!).
I am so excited to show you how to make your own.
🐇 Related: Bunny hop on over to our collection of the best Easter activities for kids.
Easter sensory bin materials
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The “secret” to making a great sensory bin is using what you already have. Use your kitchen ladles, pom poms, kids’ plastic cups, kids’ plastic bowls, beads, etc. to bring a sensory bin to life in seconds.
For extra fun, you can grab seasonal items such as the ideas listed below (but kids will be delighted with the tools you already have in your home or classroom, too).
- Dyed garbanzo beans (you could also make easy dyed rice)
- Bunny tongs
- Foam flowers
- Plastic eggs
- Fuzzy chicks
- Mini Easter erasers
- Shallow container or plastic trays
How to make an Easter sensory bin
1. First, add dried garbanzo beans into a zippered plastic bag along with a small squirt of acrylic paint. Zip the bag closed, shake until all the beans are covered, then lay on a piece of parchment paper to dry (breaking it up every few minutes so it doesn’t clump, about 2-3 times).
2. Once your dyed garbanzo beans are completely dry, toss them into a shallow container and add your tools (ex: tongs, bowls, spoons) and Easter accessories (ex: plastic eggs, bunny tongs, mini erasers, etc.).
Now it’s time for play!
💡 Teacher Tip: Check out our detailed, step-by-step guides for dyeing garbanzo beans with acrylic paint or liquid watercolors or food coloring.
What’s the best way to dye garbanzo beans?
I used acrylic paints here, but we also love dyeing them with liquid watercolors or food coloring.
Dried garbanzo beans are usually found in the Hispanic aisle of the grocery store, next to all the other dried beans.
Funny story…
For years, I had heard of people dyeing garbanzo beans for sensory play, and it used to completely gross me out.
“How does the color stick to the beans?” I would wonder to myself.
When I heard people would then KEEP their beans for YEARS?
“How does it not get stinky and rotten?” I would think (while gagging).
Then, one day while walking through the grocery store, I spotted dried garbanzo beans. Out loud, I said, “Ohhhhhh!”
I had only heard of and seen canned garbanzo beans, and I didn’t know you could buy them dried. 😂
I still giggle whenever I buy dried or canned garbanzo beans at the store.
Is an Easter sensory bin worth it?
Sensory bins are worth their weight in gold.
When kids are playing with sensory bins, they’re
- Using tons and tons of fine-motor skills
- Exploring cause and effect
- Using their senses of touch, sight, sound, and smell
- Practicing math skills when filling and emptying containers
- Hearing and using new vocabulary
- Sharing tools and materials
Plus, dyed materials like chickpeas and rice can be stored away and used year after year.
Sensory bins are the gift that keeps on giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any that can safely use the materials. While garbanzo beans are food, they’re not safe to eat in this form. Ensure proper adult supervision whenever using sensory bins with children.
Not at all! Use simple free materials from your kitchen and/or craft supplies for hours of fun.
When stored in an air-tight container, they’ll last for years. Make sure they’re completely bone-dry before storing them.
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