18 Sensory Play Ideas for a Sweet Holiday Break

Two children using Dabble & Dollop bath products for sensory play

When the holiday hustle hits, finding calm, creative ways to keep little hands busy can be a challenge. That’s where Dabble & Dollop comes in — our gentle, dermatologist-tested products are designed for mixing, playing, and exploring the senses.

This season, turn bath time (and beyond) into a sensory playground that’s safe, simple, and naturally scented. Each idea below uses our clean, USA-made 3-in-1s, lotions, and bath bombs.


Foam & Bubble Play

  1. Foamy Sundaes: Whisk a few pumps of 3-in-1 with warm water to create thick, fluffy foam. Scoop into bowls and “decorate” with sprinkles for pretend sundaes.
  2. Whipped Cream Bath Art: Turn bubble bath into peaks of “whipped cream” foam, then add food-coloring dots or bath crayons for festive art.
  3. Bubble Volcano: Mix baking soda and our 3-in-1 gel in a cup, then pour vinegar for a fizzing, foamy volcano — safe, sensory science at its sweetest.


Sweet Science & Fizzy Fun

  1. Bath Bomb Excavation: Drop Mini Drops into warm water and let kids “rescue” them with a spoon or net.
  2. Mini Bath Bomb Painting: Crush bath bombs, mix with a few drops of water, and “paint” inside the tub. Designs fizz away at rinse time.
  3. Scented Slime (Oobleck): Combine cornstarch, water, and a small amount of 3-in-1 for easy, sweetly scented, squishy fun.
  4. Rainbow Fizz Jars: Place different colored mini bath bombs in a clear jar for a visual rainbow. Add water and stir to watch the colors swirl together.


Winter & Snowy Sensory Play

  1. Scented Snow Sensory Bin: Mix baking soda with a bit of 3-in-1 gel for cool, crumbly “snow.” Use scoops, cups, or cookie cutters to build scenes.
  2. Scented Ice Cubes: Freeze diluted 3-in-1 mixed with natural food coloring into ice cubes and drop into warm bath water for sweet-smelling, sensory magic.
  3. Holiday Hot Cocoa Tub: Add our All Natural Cocoa bath bombs and Vanilla Whip 3-in-1 to a warm bath and let kids “soak in the season.”


Scent & Imagination Games

  1. Holiday Scent Matching: Pump different Dabble & Dollop scents (Cherry, Vanilla, Strawberry) in cups and let kids guess which is which.
  2. Mix-Your-Own Potion: Encourage kids to create a “signature scent” by combining 3-in-1s in small cups (Strawberry + Vanilla = Sweet Cream!).
  3. “Sweet Shop” Pretend Play: Use foam or whipped bubbles as “ice cream,” “frosting,” or “milkshakes” for pretend café play.
  4. Mix & Match Lab: Set up a “lab” with beakers or cups where kids experiment with scents, bubbles, and fizz.


Calming & Cozy Rituals

  1. Lotion Spa Station: Set up a mini spa with Strawberry or Vanilla Lotion. Kids can “treat” dolls, siblings, or grown-ups — a mindful way to wind down.
  2. Foam Prints: Spread whipped 3-in-1 foam on a tray, draw designs, then press paper on top to create bubble prints.
  3. Gratitude Bubbles: As you fill the bath, ask kids to name one thing they’re thankful for with every handful of bubbles.
  4. Bubble Relay: In the bath, challenge kids to blow bubbles from one cup to another using straws — giggly fun that builds coordination.


Why Sensory Play Matters

Sensory play encourages imagination, builds fine motor skills, and helps little ones regulate emotions. By engaging touch, sight, scent, and sound, kids explore the world in creative, calming ways — and Dabble & Dollop’s clean, gentle formulas make it easy for parents to say yes to the fun (without the chaos).


Bring the Fun to Your Tub

 

Whether you’re hunting for winter break boredom busters or memories that don’t involve screens, these 18 sensory play ideas will fill your home with giggles and good, creatively clean fun. Go ahead — mix, bubble, and splash your way through the holidays.

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