Valentine’s Day is one of the easiest holidays to turn into playful learning. The colors, themes, and pretend play opportunities make it perfect for sensory bins that support fine motor skills, creativity, and early learning.
Free Valentine's Printable
Don’t forget to check out our free printable resource library for play-based learning activities, sensory play, and early literacy.
Download NowIf you’re planning Valentine activities for your homeschool routine, preschool classroom, or play-at-home days, these themed sensory bins can carry you through the entire month.
Here are ten Valentine sensory bin themes to rotate all February long.
1. “You’ve Got a Pizza My Heart” Sensory Bin
A pretend pizza shop is always a hit. Children can scoop, sort, and create their own pizzas using themed sensory fillers and toppings.
Ideas to include:
Dyed rice or pasta as pizza toppings
Felt or foam hearts
Pizza cutters and trays
Small containers for pretend orders
This theme encourages dramatic play and sequencing skills.
2. Loads of Love Construction Bin
This construction-themed Valentine bin mixes vehicles and building play with hearts and pink/red sensory fillers.
Ideas to include:
Toy trucks and excavators
Pink or red sensory filler
Heart gems or foam hearts
Scoops and mini containers
This theme is perfect for kids who love vehicles and building play.
3. Valentine Bakery Sensory Bin
Pretend baking is a Valentine favorite and pairs beautifully with dramatic play.
Ideas to include:
Pink rice or kinetic sand
Silicone cupcake liners
Rolling pins and cookie cutters
Small trays and plates
This bin supports imaginative play and social storytelling.
4. Love Letters Post Office Bin
A sensory bin that doubles as early literacy play.
Ideas to include:
Shredded paper filler
Envelopes and paper hearts
Mailboxes or small containers
Stamps and stickers
Packing Peanuts or Packing Foam
Children can sort, deliver, and “send” love letters.
5. Spa Day Sensory Bin
A calming and sensory-rich theme that encourages quiet play.
Ideas to include:
Cotton balls or pom poms
Mini containers and jars
Scoops and spoons
Small towels or cloths
Perfect for practicing pouring, scooping, and calming play.
6. Sweetheart Café Sensory Bin
Turn your sensory table into a pretend café.
Ideas to include:
Coffee cups or mugs
Felt food or pretend desserts
Scoops and containers
Order forms and trays
This theme supports social interaction and pretend play.
7. Love Potion Sensory Bin
A Valentine classic that blends science and imagination.
Ideas to include:
Dyed salt, rice, or chickpeas
Funnels and droppers
Small jars or bottles
Heart gems
Kids love mixing and creating “potions.”
8. Human Heart Sensory Bin
A fun way to introduce early science concepts in a playful way.
Ideas to include:
Red sensory filler
Heart models or visuals
Tweezers or tongs
Sorting containers
This theme pairs beautifully with books about the human body.
9. Valentine’s Love Bugs
Perfect for toddlers learning early math and sorting skills.
Ideas to include:
Red dyed rice
Cut out or felt/wool ladybugs
Tongs or scoops
Encourages categorizing and color recognition.
10. You’re Dino-mite Valentine Dinosaur Bin
A “dig and find” sensory bin that builds focus and attention.
Ideas to include:
Shredded paper or dyed pasta
Hidden hearts or mini toys
Scoops and tweezers
Children can search, discover, and collect hidden treasures.
Featured Printables
These easy to setup, designed for busy moms, printables are perfect for making your sensory play last even longer!
Tips for Rotating Valentine Sensory Bins All Month
Rotate one theme each week
Swap tools instead of replacing fillers
Follow your child’s interests
Store materials to reuse next year
A few simple bins can last the entire season.
Final Thoughts
Valentine sensory bins make it easy to bring learning through play into your February routine. With just a few materials and a little imagination, you can create themed play experiences that support fine motor skills, early learning, and creative storytelling.
Save this list and rotate these ideas throughout the month.
