Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin With Magnetic Pipe‑Cleaner Hearts: A Simple, Engaging Fine‑Motor Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Close‑up of small pipe‑cleaner hearts in red, pink, being held in a hand. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to sprinkle a little extra magic into your play routine—and this Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin with Magnetic Pipe‑Cleaner Hearts is the sweetest blend of hands‑on learning, fine‑motor strengthening, and pure childhood joy. Whether you’re a mom looking for an easy afternoon activity or a teacher planning a themed sensory center, this bin checks every box: simple setup, b
Jan 10
Valentine’s Day Heart Stamps: A Simple, Recycled Process Art Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to slow down, get creative, and enjoy simple crafts that spark joy without requiring complicated prep. Moms of toddlers and early‑childhood teachers know that the best activities are the ones that are easy to set up, developmentally meaningful, and calming for little hands. This Valentine’s themed paper‑towel‑roll heart stamping activity checks every box. It’s a recycled craft. It’s process‑based. It strengthens fine motor skills and motor
Jan 1
Melting Snowman Sensory Play: A Festive STEM Adventure for Kids
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make a melted snowman and the benefits of STEM play. Looking for a winter activity that’s equal parts fun, festive, and educational? Our melting snowman experiment is a hands-on way to bring science, creativity, and sensory play together. It's fun, its festive and it is 10/10 for strengthening fine motor skills! As kids squeeze and pinch, they are working their fingers and hands and getting them ready to do big tasks such as writing
Dec 4, 2025
Christmas Kids Arts and Crafts: How to Make Homemade Puffy Paint
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make puffy paint. This is such a fun and engaging holiday craft! Kids of all ages love it (adults too!) and it’s super simple to throw together! Painting is such a fun and relaxing activity for kids (and adults) and it can be differentiated in so many unique ways. Puffy paint takes the joy of creating to the next level! It’s colorful. It’s textured. It’s unlike any craft experience you’ve had before! The best part…you only need THREE
Nov 11, 2025
FIVE fun and festive Thanksgiving Crafts using Feathers
In this BLOG post I will teach you five fun and festive activity ideas using craft feathers. We love a simple and fun activity, especially during the holidays! Fall is a perfect time to bust out those craft feathers and create! These activities are not only engaging, but they are 10/10 for strengthening motor skills! Try them today and be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife when you do! Are you looking for turkey craft ideas? Check out our BLOG post- it has 25 different ideas for yo
Nov 9, 2025
The Ultimate Guide of Turkey Crafts for Thanksgiving
In this BLOG post I will show you twelve different ways to craft a turkey! Perfect for home, school or the kids table on Thanksgiving Day! What Thanksgiving is complete with a cute turkey craft?! Whether you are looking for something simple, quick or mess-free, we have a little something for everyone. Don't forget to download the FREE printables to help get your crafting off to a stress-free start! Tag us @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try them, we love to
Nov 6, 2025
Halloween-Themed Ice Cream Play Dough Tutorial
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make Cloud Dough (pretend ice cream), storage tips and the benefits of sensory play. Cloud...
Oct 4, 2025
The Ultimate Guide of Number Activities: 25 Hands-on, Sensory-based ways to practice learning, writing and identifying numbers
In this BLOG post I will teach you 25 different ways to learn, explore and play with numbers. Learning numbers doesn’t have to mean...
Sep 29, 2025
The Ultimate Guide of Alphabet Activities: 25 Hands-on, Sensory-based ways to practice (letters, shapes, numbers or words)
In this BLOG post I will teach you all of my favorite ways to practice writing. Learning the alphabet doesn’t have to mean sitting still...
Sep 19, 2025
Oobleck + Pop Rocks = Sensory Science Fireworks!
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make Oobleck and explain the magic behind adding in pop rocks. Looking for a hands-on activity...
Aug 24, 2025
