How to Make a Playdough Winter Sensory Kit

DIY

February 4, 2022

How to Make a Playdough Winter Sensory Kit

Winter Sensory Kit. What’s more fun than squishing, molding, and creating with playdough? I’ll tell you; adding fun objects of different sizes and colors too! Below are simple directions and ideas to help you create a fun winter playdough sensory kit your child will love and keep entertained for hours.

Here, it is freezing which means we aren’t spending near as much time outside. Staying indoors more means the temptation of the television is stronger (at least in my home). Ugh!

Have no fear, I have a fun and easy way to help occupy kids during bad weather, long trips, restaurants, and other scenarios where a little peace and quiet is appreciated. A playdough sensory kit is the perfect way to keep kids engaged in an activity for more than 5 minutes and using their imagination instead of becoming a lump on the couch.

*Disclaimer: I am in no way saying we don’t watch tv over here. We especially use the tv as a tool when we’re sick, I need to get something done, etc., but we all know less tv and more play is better:).*

Creative Fun!

My girls had so much fun with the valentines themed sensory kit I made last winter; think pinks, white, red, hearts, and lots of pom poms. This year, I decided to make a winter theme sensory kit as party favors for each guest at my daughters birthday. These kits are easy to make and can cost as little or as much as your budget allows.

What I love most about playdough sensory kits are that you can make them any theme you can think. They can be tailored to match your child’s interests, the season, holiday, etc… the options are endless. For this example, I will be using a winter theme to make playdough sensory kits (think a certain magical ice queen with freezing powers).

Here is what the birthday girl made with her sensory kit, decorated cookies and ice creams.

Planning.

I did spend a couple hours searching the internet for on theme items and price comparisons. It was a bit surprising the vast difference in prices vs the amount of product you get at different stores. With making 12 kits as party favors, it was worth the time spent to shop around, it will save me nearly $100 overall.

A few places that were sure winners when rounding up all the supplies needed to make playdough sensory kits include:

Dollar Tree – Perfect place to buy for large scale assembly. I found a lot of seasonal small odds and ends which makes for an inexpensive holiday/ seasonal themed sensory kit. Shopping here will keep costs very low. Keep in mind the variety may be limited if looking for exact items; you may need to shop other places to fill out the kit.

Amazon– Who doesn’t love Amazon. You can find anything under the sun and most things ship free with prime and quickly too!. The variety of items is unbeatable, but prices are truly all over the place. Some items will cost significantly less while others much more than the craft store. It is best to check around for the best price.

Joann Fabrics, Michaels, Hobby Lobby– Great for a wide selection of beads, buttons, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and small containers. Large quantities typically aren’t available.

Small Containers.

Small organizing boxes can get expensive! If making many of these kits for many children, plan in advance and shop the sales for the best prices. I waited for the small organization containers to go on sale (50% off) before purchasing. Waiting and shopping the sale saved me $18.00.

For more DIY décor inspo check out this post, How to Make a Wooden Advent Calendar.

I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the exact products I use at no additional cost to you. For full disclosure statement, click here.

Winter Sensory Kit Items:

Labels
Plastic Wrap
Small boxes
Purple pompoms
Blue and White mix sparkle pompoms
light blue play-doh
White art dough (I added my own glitter for a pretty shimmer effect)
Pony beads
mini “diamond” jewel decorations
Wooden white snowflakes
Acrylic crystal gems
Snowflake confetti
Rhinestones assorted sizes
Snowflake cookie cutter

Nice Additions:

Large beads
Pipe cleaners
Small figurines or dolls
Mini rolling pin
Cookie Cutters
Buttons
Stamps

These winter sensory kits don’t require much prep work once the supplies are purchased. Here are the “instructions” to make the process of creating the sensory boxes seamless.

Instructions to Make a Winter Theme Sensory Kit:

Open all supplies and spread them out to see what you are working with. This includes setting out all 12 empty containers that will hold the materials for the kits.
Separate the playdough into balls sized for each box and wrap it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. I added a little glitter to the playdough. If containers are large enough, small plastic jars will also keep playdough fresh.
Add the playdough to each box.
Put a few of each of the objects into each box. Fill each kit with a variety of textures, shapes, and sizes, and colors that go with the chosen theme.
Close them up and add a label to each box.
Done! Give to a child and watch them enter their own little imaginative world.