The short answer: Everyday household items like shaving foam, jelly, cooked spaghetti, mirrors, and bubbles are all you need for meaningful sensory play. These simple activities support brain development, motor skills, language, and emotional regulation. The best developmental tools are probably already in your kitchen.
Ever watched a child squish jelly through their fingers, giggle at bubbles, or stare in fascination at their own reflection? That's sensory play — and it's one of the most powerful things you can do for your child's development.
The best part? You don't need expensive toys or special equipment. The most effective sensory tools are already in your kitchen cupboard.
As a paediatric physiotherapist, I see every day how sensory play supports brain growth, body awareness, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. When children explore through touch, smell, sight, and sound, their brains are busy building the connections that matter.
So grab your old Tupperware, some shaving foam, and a curious little helper. Let's make something wonderful out of what you already have.
Why Does Sensory Play Matter for Child Development?
Sensory play isn't just about mess — it's about development. Every time a child squishes, pours, splashes, or tastes something new, they're strengthening neural pathways that support:
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Language and communication
- Balance and coordination
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving and creativity
By offering rich sensory experiences, you're literally helping your child's brain grow stronger connections.
What Are the Best Everyday Objects for Sensory Play?
Here are some of my favourite low-cost, high-fun activities — all designed to stimulate the senses while building important developmental skills.
1. Shaving Foam in the Bath
What you need: Shaving foam, a bath or plastic tray, food colouring (optional)
How to play:
Spray a bit of shaving foam onto the bath wall or tray and let your child "paint" with it. Add a few drops of food colouring for fun swirls.
Developmental benefits:
- Strengthens arm and hand muscles (important for later writing skills)
- Builds sensory tolerance through texture exploration
- Encourages creativity and bilateral hand use
Tip: Draw simple shapes or letters for your child to trace.
2. Bubble Blowing in Your Milk
What you need: A straw, milk or water, and a cup
How to play:
Let your child blow through a straw to make bubbles — watch their amazement as the bubbles overflow!
Developmental benefits:
- Strengthens oral muscles used for speech and feeding
- Teaches cause and effect
- Encourages deep breathing and self-regulation
Tip: Add a drop of food colouring for fun "rainbow milk bubbles."
3. Finger Play with Dyed Spaghetti
What you need: Cooked spaghetti, a bit of oil, and food colouring
How to play:
Mix cooked spaghetti with a touch of oil and food colouring. Spread it out on a tray and let your child squish, squeeze, and twist it.
Developmental benefits:
- Builds tactile awareness and finger strength
- Encourages coordination and fine motor control
- Supports sensory exploration and curiosity
Tip: Hide small toys or pom-poms inside for a "spaghetti treasure hunt."
4. Hide-and-Seek in Jelly
What you need: Prepared jelly (Jell-O), small waterproof toys
How to play:
Once your jelly is set, hide a few toys inside. Invite your child to dig them out with fingers or spoons.
Developmental benefits:
- Develops tactile discrimination and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages perseverance and problem-solving
- Stimulates curiosity through sensory discovery
Tip: Try using different textures — soft jelly, firmer gelatin, even jelly mixed with rice!
5. Mirror Play and Expression Games
What you need: A mirror (handheld or wall-mounted)
How to play:
Sit with your child in front of the mirror. Make silly faces, copy each other, or name emotions ("happy face," "surprised face").
Developmental benefits:
- Enhances body awareness and visual attention
- Builds emotional intelligence
- Encourages imitation, language, and social connection
Tip: For babies, tummy time in front of a mirror is fantastic for motivation and head control.
6. Sound Scavenger Hunt
What you need: Everyday objects — pots, wooden spoons, rice in a bottle, or a set of keys
How to play:
Explore sounds together. Let your child shake, bang, and tap safely to discover different tones.
Developmental benefits:
- Improves auditory processing
- Strengthens cause-and-effect learning
- Builds rhythm, coordination, and timing
Tip: Create a "music corner" with recycled household items — your very own kitchen orchestra!
7. Nature Sensory Box
What you need: A small box or basket filled with natural treasures — leaves, stones, shells, pinecones, sand, or sticks
How to play:
Let your child explore by touch and smell. Talk about what they find — rough, smooth, prickly, soft.
Developmental benefits:
- Promotes descriptive language
- Enhances sensory discrimination
- Builds a connection to nature and mindfulness
Tip: Keep it fresh — change items weekly to keep your child's curiosity alive.
How Can I Make Sensory Play Safe and Effective?
A few simple guidelines help keep play both fun and beneficial:
- Always supervise — especially for activities involving small parts or food
- Watch for sensory overload. Some children need time to adjust to new textures
- Keep it short and positive. 10–15 minutes a day is often enough
- Follow your child's lead. The goal is exploration, not perfection
The more your child explores safely, the more confident their body and brain become.
Can Clean-Up Be Part of the Learning?
Absolutely! Clean-up doesn't have to end the fun:
- Use a spray bottle and cloth for "foam washing"
- Scoop bubbles with spoons
- Sing a tidy-up song — rhythm builds structure and routine!
This teaches responsibility, fine motor skills, and makes transitions easier for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Support on Your Journey?
Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, trying to figure out which therapies your child needs, or just not sure where to start, I'm here to help. Let's find the right path forward together.
Get in Touch