Sensory Bins vs. Busy Bags: What’s the Difference

There are a lot of ways to keep toddlers busy, content and engaged. Not all of them offer the same developmental benefits, though. Some activities entertain and support important skills like motor development, problem-solving and language growth. Sensory bins and busy bags are both really popular options that support these important skills, but they’re not interchangeable. 

Spoiler alert! We’re big fans of toddler sensory bins for a reason.

What Is a Sensory Bin? (And Why They’re So Valuable)

So, what actually is a sensory bin, and what are sensory bins used for?

Well, a sensory bin is a container filled with an assortment of hands-on sensory materials that encourage exploration, growth and imaginative play in little ones. Bins can easily be made from DIY materials lying around your house or bought pre-made for your convenience. Children can explore different textures with different sensory bin materials. Sensory bins can be used as a relaxing, calming play experience for babies, toddlers and preschool-aged kids.

The benefits of toddler sensory bins are endless. Besides providing a calming effect, they can also help with sensory regulation, open-ended creativity, and boost fine and gross motor skill development.

Bins and sensory boxes can double as sensory trays when you want less mess! Here are a few sensory box ideas parents can try at home:

• Scooping rice or beans
• Treasure hunting for coins or other objects
• Various themed play (construction site, ocean animals, zoo, nature-themed, etc.)
• Water bead sensory box
• Soapy water and toy dishes (great for a hot day outdoors)
• Playdough and cookie-cutter sensory tray

What Are Busy Bags?

So, what is a busy bag, then?

Busy bags are like sensory bins, but they serve different purposes. Busy bags or children’s activity bags are small pouches or containers with a single activity.

Here are a few examples of different busy bag ideas:

• Color matching game
• Number matching game
• Alphabet identification
• Pattern recognition cards
• Lacing cards
• Puzzles

A busy bag (or busy box) for toddlers can be a great, portable and mess-free sensory activity. The downside of these children’s activity bags is that they don’t offer quite the same level of sensory input or creativity that sensory bins do. For some kids, especially sensory seekers, these children’s activity bags just don’t hold their attention for a long period of time.

Why Sensory Bins Are Better Than Busy Bags

So, why do we love sensory bins more than busy bags?

Well, sensory bins offer children an immersive, hands-on experience that engages multiple senses at once. This can be especially important for early childhood development and self-regulation of their emotions. While busy boxes promote fine motor and cognitive skills, sensory bins dive deeper into creativity and exploration. They are more effective at calming sensory input than busy boxes.

Here are a few reasons why we prefer toddler sensory bins over busy bags:

• The various sensory supplies in the sensory bins offer more sensory input such as touch, sight, sound and even smell if you want to get creative.
•  Sensory boxes are better for brain development. Sensory play supports early learning; they are not just simply a distraction.
•  They offer longer engagements. Kids can stay focused for longer periods of time when they’re exploring and not just completing a task.
• Sensory boxes are totally customizable. They’re easy to adapt with seasonal themes, favorite characters or specific learning goals.

What You Need to Buy For a Bin

There are several different ways you can purchase sensory supplies. You can make DIY sensory boxes, buy pre-made sensory bins or you can purchase some sensory bin materials. A great way to get started is by purchasing a few simple sensory bin materials for your bin and gradually adding more to grow your collection.

Here’s a list of our go-to sensory supplies:

• Shallow tub to house your sensory bin materials
• Sensory fillers such are rice, dried beans and chickpeas
• Sensory tools like scoops, tongs or cups
• Small toys such as small figurines or themed toys
• Textured objects

We have several pre-made sensory bins and sensory supplies available for your convenience on our website.

To sum up, sensory bins are the real MVP when it comes to true, meaningful and engaging sensory play. They offer endless opportunities for creative learning and developmental skills while keeping little hands and minds busy and content. The countless benefits of sensory boxes far outweigh those of busy bags. 

Invest in play that actually matters with a sensory busy boxeper focus and longer engagement. Sensory boxes often encourage open-ended play and give children the freedom to use their imagination to create their own experiences.