Bells, Bows and Peppermint Christmas Sensory Bin

Our son is really into musical sounds lately, so I knew that I wanted this Christmas sensory bin to include something that makes sounds. What’s more appropriate during the month of December than some good old jingle bells? So, with a little inspiration from my fellow bloggers’ peppermint sensory bins, I created this Bells, Bows and Peppermint sensory bin. It was a big hit.

First, we scented and dyed the rice, and it’s easy to do. Just put a few cups of dry rice into a large freezer bag, add a tablespoon or two of peppermint extract and some food coloring, and shake, shake, shake until it’s evenly coated.

Spread the rice onto a cookie sheet covered in wax paper, and allow it to dry overnight.

Isn’t it pretty? From there, you just add your bibs and bobs.

I chose bows because they’re pretty and sparkly (and he had fun sticking them on his toys and saying they were surprises). In addition to the small jingle bells, I added two large bells for pouring and a measuring spoon for scooping. I also put a bell-shaped cookie cutter in there, but it didn’t get much use.

Here’s a collage of the kiddo playing with his “surprise.” First, he rang the jingle bells and sang a long and hilarious version of “Backyard Beach” from Phineas and Ferb. He then played with the bows, affixing them to his various toys and saying that they were gifts for Mommy, Daddy, his grandparents and basically every person he could think of. He spent a long time scooping the rice into the bells and then pouring from one bell to another. Finally, he decided that Elmo needed to eat some rice. He says that Elmo thinks the rice is yummy. 🙂