And Ways to Use them!!!!

This is a post in our Play on a Budget series.  Other posts include:

Play on a Budget: Tips and Tricks

A Sensory Starter Kit for under $20 from Target

A Sensory Starter Kit for under $20 from The Dollar Tree

1.  Dried Used Coffee Grounds

We use these all the time as a sensory material - not only are they technically edible (you still don't want your child eating them, though, so please discourage that), but they are an interesting texture that even smells good!  If you don't drink coffee yourselves, no problem!  Gardeners frequently use coffee grounds to alter the pH of soil - so much so that coffee shops are accustomed to saving and dispensing used grounds.  Our local Starbucks even has a bucket full of huge bags of used grounds ready to go.  Even a local coffee shop should be used to doling out the used grinds.  If you get a large bag all at once, I strongly recommend spreading them on a baking sheet in your oven on low to dry them out and discourage mold growth.  

Ways to play with Coffee Grounds!

(pictured: Dirt and Worms from Fun at Home with Kids)

From left to right: 

Insect World from Fun at Home with Kids

Preschool at Home:  Ground Coffee Sensory from Pink and Green Mama

Insect Sensory Bin from Train up a Child

Dinosaur Fossil Dig Sensory Bin from Play Create Explore

2.  Flowers

Though seasonal, flowers are a fun addition to sensory or open-ended play.  They are brilliantly colored, have different textures to them, and most are even scented!

Ways to play with Flowers!

(pictured:  Fun I had with S pre-blog by pelting her with rose petals)

From left to right:

Kids Painting Activity with Flowers from Fantastic Fun and Learning

Exploring Flowers with The Golden Gleam

Gardening Sensory Play and Flower Shop by Growing a Jeweled Rose

Dandelion Mud Pies by The Pleasantest Thing

3.  Rocks

Rocks are such a fun thing to play with.  They can easily make noise, and they have different shapes, textures, and colors.  You can also find them just about anywhere which is a great bonus!

Ways to play with Rocks!

(pictured: Insect World from Fun at Home with Kids)

From left to right:

Make Your Own "Rock" Band by Fantastic Fun and Learning

Rock Shapes and Other Rock Games from Mamas Like Me

Activities for Toddlers {Rock Sensory Bin} from Train Up a Child

4.  Recycled Containers/Plasticware

Save those old milk jugs, yogurt cups, etc and even that plasticware from your to-go order!  All of these things can be repurposed for any sort of sensory play.  Children love to scoop, dig, and pour sensory materials.  This makes it much easier.

(Pictured:  Upcycled Milk Jugs from Plain Vanilla Mom)

5.  Dirt

Good old dirt!  It's really a two-fold material, since all you have to do is add water and suddenly you have squishy, goopy, lovely MUD!

Ways to play with Dirt/Mud!

(Pictured:  S and friend playing in the dirt)

From left to right:

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud from Housing a Forest

Mud Party for Kids from Growing a Jeweled Rose

Mobile Mud Patch by Happy Hooligans

6.  Water or Ice

Even just a small dish of water is enough to excite a small child!  And two ways to play with water - freeze it for ice play and add a whole other slippery and cold option for play!

Ways to play with Water or Ice!

(Pictured:  Water Play from Fun at Home with Kids)

From left to right:

Ice and Warm Water from Fun at Home with Kids

Sink or Float Sensory Sink with Natural and Found Items from My Nearest and Dearest

Ice Art: Winter Crafts for Kids from NutureStore

Ice Painting from Mamas Like Me

7.  Leaves

Fall leaves are so gorgeous and giant piles of them are inviting, but even spring leaves or branches can be fun for play!

Ways to play with Leaves!

(Pictured: Nature Faces from Happy Hooligans)

From left to right:

Fun with Leaves:  Fall Themed Sensory Baby Play from Plain Vanilla Mom

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Sensory Bin from Stir the Wonder

8.  Grass

Fresh cut grass smells so wonderful - just like summer.  And it is such a vibrant green!

Ways to play with Grass!

(Pictured:  Farm World from Fun at Home with Kids)

From left to right:

Fresh Cut Green Grass Sensory Bin for Babies and Toddlers from Play Create Explore

Cutting Grass Sensory Tub from StrongStart

9.  Sticks

(Pictured: Alligator Stick Pals from Growing a Jeweled Rose)

From left to right:

The Four Seasons Winter Craft from Red Ted Art

Kids Craft:  Stick Man from Red Ted Art

Play doesn't have to be expensive to be fun - here are nine examples of playful materials that are FREE!

Follow along with Fun at Home with Kids on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest or Subscribe by Email or Bloglovin'!

All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children.  As your child's parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family.  I always encourage contacting your child's pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision.  Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies).  Observe caution and safety at all times.  The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.