How to Set Up a Flower Garden Sensory Bin for Toddlers

We’ve been wanting to dive into sensory play lately, so we finally got ourselves a sensory table! And let me tell you: I’m OBSESSED.

We chose the IKEA FLISAT table because it’s the perfect size for Lily (she’s two), it’s low to the ground, and you can do SO many amazing things with it. Like, endless ideas. Totally worth it.

Since Lily is absolutely in love with picking flowers. I thought it would be fun to set up a flower garden sensory bin. It turned out even cuter than I imagined, and she loved it way more than I expected.

Video Tutorial

Why Sensory Play is So Good for Toddlers

Sensory play isn’t just fun (though it is very fun). It’s also really important for toddler development.

It helps kids:

• Develop fine motor skills (all that scooping and pinching!)
• Practice focus and patience
• Explore pretend play and imagination
• Build language around what they’re doing
• Gain confidence through independent play

Honestly, I’ve seen all of that happen just through this one flower garden setup. It looks simple, but toddlers are learning SO much while they play.

Flower Garden Sensory Bin – How We Made It

I had a bunch of faux flowers left from old projects, so I gave them a little cut, just short enough to fit into small pots and baskets.

For the “dirt,” I used dried lentils. They’re a great texture, they pour easily, and they clean up like a dream (spoken from experience). I added a small shovel and rake Lily already had, and placed a bowl with chia seeds as pretend “flower seeds.”

And that was it! I just let Lily explore, and honestly… she surprised me.

After I showed her once how she could use the sensory table, she immediately started scooping the lentils into the little pots, sticking flowers into them like she’d been running her own floral shop for years.

Then came the chaos phase (in a good way): she dumped lentils onto the grass to “feed it,” tossed them in the air, got chia seeds in her neck… and laughed SO hard the entire time.

It was the perfect mix of play and discovery, and I got to sit back in the sun while she did her thing. Not mad about it.

And if you’re wondering — yes, this works perfectly fine indoors too. Everything is dry, and lentils are easy to sweep up.

How to Use a Sensory Bin with Toddlers

You don’t need to give a whole explanation — but a little modeling at the start can really help.

When I first set up the bin, I just sat with Lily for a moment and showed her how the lentils could be scooped into the little pots. I popped in a flower or two, and she picked it up from there right away.

It’s all about balance: you can give a gentle nudge by showing one or two actions, but then step back and let your toddler take the lead. The best part of sensory play is the freedom to explore!

Even if it doesn’t go how you imagined — that’s okay! Tossing lentils, burying flowers, pouring seeds into random places… it’s all part of the learning.

What You Need for a Flower Garden Sensory Bin:

• A sensory table or any big tray (we used the IKEA FLISAT) (Or a perfect alternative from Amazon)
• Faux flowers (cut short so they fit in small containers)
• Small pots, baskets, or cups
• Dried lentils (or other dry filler)
• Mini shovel and rake
• A bowl of chia seeds or similar to act as “flower seeds”

Ideas to Switch It Up:

• Use colored rice instead of lentils for a more vibrant garden.
• Try seasonal themes (spring flowers, autumn leaves, winter snowflakes).
• Add bugs or butterflies for a mini nature unit.
• Use real herbs like rosemary or mint for a scented garden.
• Make it into a flower shop with price tags and play money.

So many ways to build on this idea without making it complicated.

Little FAQ

Can I do this with real flowers? Sure, if you don’t mind replacing them when they wilt! Faux flowers are just easier and last longer.

What if my toddler tries to eat the lentils or chia seeds? Always supervise, of course — but both are non-toxic and not a choking hazard in small amounts. If you’re worried, you could use larger filler like dry pasta.

What age is this for? Anywhere from 1.5 to 4 years is ideal. Lily is two and totally into it.

I love love this activity — it was fun, low-prep, and so sweet to watch. Lily played way longer than I expected, and I already have a dozen new sensory bin ideas swirling in my head.

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