All Blogs
All Blogs
18 Sensory Play Ideas for a Sweet Holiday Break
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.
Jump to:
Foam & Bubble Play
Sweet Science & Fizzy Fun
Winter & Snowy Sensory Play
Scent & Imagination Games
Calming & Cozy Rituals
Why Sensory Play Matters
Shop the Essentials
Foam & Bubble Play
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.
Whipped Cream Bath Art: Turn bubble bath into peaks of “whipped cream” foam, then add food-coloring dots or bath crayons for festive art.
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
Bath Bomb Excavation: Drop Mini Drops into warm water and let kids “rescue” them with a spoon or net.
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.
Scented Slime (Oobleck): Combine cornstarch, water, and a small amount of 3-in-1 for easy, sweetly scented, squishy fun.
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
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.
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.
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
Holiday Scent Matching: Pump different Dabble & Dollop scents (Cherry, Vanilla, Strawberry) in cups and let kids guess which is which.
Mix-Your-Own Potion: Encourage kids to create a “signature scent” by combining 3-in-1s in small cups (Strawberry + Vanilla = Sweet Cream!).
“Sweet Shop” Pretend Play: Use foam or whipped bubbles as “ice cream,” “frosting,” or “milkshakes” for pretend café play.
Mix & Match Lab: Set up a “lab” with beakers or cups where kids experiment with scents, bubbles, and fizz.
Calming & Cozy Rituals
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.
Foam Prints: Spread whipped 3-in-1 foam on a tray, draw designs, then press paper on top to create bubble prints.
Gratitude Bubbles: As you fill the bath, ask kids to name one thing they’re thankful for with every handful of bubbles.
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
Shop 3-in-1 Shampoo, Body Wash & Bubble Bath
Shop Mini Bath Bomb Pouches
Shop Lotions
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.
Winter Skincare for Kids: A Gentle Guide to Softer, Happier Skin All Season
Jump to:
Why Kids’ Skin Gets Dry in Winter
The 3-Step Winter Routine
Product Picks We Love for Winter
Quick Tips for Everyday Comfort
FAQs: Winter Skincare for Kids
Safety & Ingredient Standards
Why Kids’ Skin Gets Dry in Winter
Cold air outside + heated indoor air = low humidity, which can make delicate skin feel tight or flaky. Add long, hot baths and heavy towels, and moisture disappears even faster. The fix isn’t more steps—it’s fewer, gentler steps done consistently.
The 3-Step Winter Routine (Cleanse → Pat Dry → Moisturize)
Step 1: Cleanse with lukewarm water (not hot)
Short baths or showers are best—aim for 5–10 minutes. Choose a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic cleanser designed for delicate skin.
Step 2: Pat dry, don’t rub
Leaving just a tiny amount of water on the skin is OK. Rubbing can increase friction; patting is gentler on the skin.
Step 3: Moisturize within 3 minutes
Apply lotion while skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.
Pro move: Keep your lotion right next to the tub so it becomes part of your bath-to-towel rhythm.
Product Picks We Love for Winter
3-in-1s (Bubble Bath + Body Wash + Shampoo)
A creamy, tear-free lather that cleans without stripping. Our washes are dye-free and scented with 100% natural fragrance (ISO 9235)—playful bubbles, gentle by design.
Why it helps in winter: A soft cleanse supports your moisture routine—no harsh surfactants needed.
What parents love: Minimal-ingredient formulas (10 or fewer), dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic.
Shop 3-in-1s
Lightweight Lotions
Fast-absorbing, non-sticky moisture kids will love—perfect right after the bath.
Why it helps in winter: Seals in hydration from the bath when applied within 3 minutes.
What parents love: Minimal ingredients, comforting feel, designed for daily use.
Shop Lotions
Bath Bombs
Short, lukewarm soaks can still be fizzy and fun. Our bombs use naturally derived colorants (never petroleum dyes) to keep bath time exciting—especially on chilly nights.
Why it helps in winter: Fun encourages short, gentle baths, which is exactly what delicate skin prefers.
What parents love: A playful variety of scents and colors that stay in the bath—not on skin or tubs.
Shop Bath Bombs
Bonus: If static hat-hair strikes all winter, our Cherry on Top Detangler helps make brushing quick and tug-free, so you can keep bath time short and sweet.
Quick Tips for Everyday Comfort
Skip hot water: Lukewarm water is kinder to the skin barrier.
Time your lotion: Moisturize within 3 minutes after bathing.
Humidify at night: A cool-mist humidifier adds back moisture to the air.
Fabric matters: Soft towels and breathable pajamas reduce friction.
Rotate scents playfully: Keep routines fun with mix-and-match fragrances from natural sources—kids stay engaged, parents stay consistent.
FAQs: Winter Skincare for Kids
How often should my child bathe in winter?
Aim for short, lukewarm baths or showers a few times per week, and quick rinses as needed for play, sweat, or spills.
What temperature counts as “lukewarm”?
Comfortable but not hot—think warm tap water you can leave your hand under for a full minute without discomfort.
Are Dabble & Dollop products safe for sensitive skin?
Yes—our formulas are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and designed with ingredient minimalism (10 or fewer per product).
Do you use artificial dyes or synthetic fragrance?
Our washes are dye-free and scented with 100% natural fragrance (ISO 9235). Bath bombs use naturally derived colorants.
My child has specific skin conditions. What should I do?
Our washes are hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and safe for sensitive skin, but always consult your dermatologist for eczema or specific skin concerns.
Safety & Ingredient Standards
Dabble & Dollop products are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and crafted to be gentle on purpose. We keep formulas simple and say a firm “no” to:
Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones
Polysorbates and formaldehyde donors
Petroleum-based dyes (our washes are dye-free)
We’re proud of what we leave out—and what we put in: playful scents, clean ingredients, and kid-friendly routines that make consistency easy.
Back to top ↑
Totally Tub-ular Tidings: Our 90s-Inspired Holiday Bath Collection
Grab your scrunchies and glitter gel—Dabble & Dollop is throwing it way back for the holidays. Our limited-edition Totally Tub-ular Tidings Holiday Collection brings 90s nostalgia straight to the bathtub with colorful packaging, playful scents, and clean, dermatologist-tested formulas that are gentle on sensitive skin. Parents get peace of mind. Kids get magical, fizz-tastic fun. Booyah!
Why a 90s Holiday Theme?
The 90s were all about color, creativity, and confidence—just like our approach to bath time. From neon-bright designs to mix-and-match scents, Totally Tub-ular Tidings celebrates self-expression while keeping things safe, simple, and seriously fun.
Meet the Totally Tub-ular Tidings Lineup
12 Days of Mini Drops Holiday Countdown Calendar
Make every night of the season a mini celebration with 12 kid-sized, naturally scented bath bombs (think: Strawberry, Peach, Mango, Coconut, Kiwi & Lavender). Each day reveals a new fizzy surprise for moisturizing, scentsational soaking.
Shop the 12 Day Countdown Calendar
Hot Chocolate Soak
Your favorite holiday drink—reimagined for the tub. Four All Natural Cocoa bath bombs deliver cozy, chocolatey fizz while our Vanilla Whip 3-in-1 works as bubble bath, shampoo, and body wash. Warm, sweet, and totally tub-ular.
Shop Hot Chocolate Soak
Custom Bubble Bath Set
Pick any three full-size 3-in-1s for a trio of bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo in one. Kids can mix and match scents to create custom blends while parents love the clean, tear-free formulas. It’s all that (and a bag of chips!).
Shop the Bubble Bath Set
Merry Fizzfest Mini Drops Stocking Stuffer
Small bath bombs, big holiday energy. This trio of mini bath bombs is the perfect stocking stuffer—fizzy, festive, and gentle for sensitive skin. Wrap it, gift it, and watch the tub-time joy unfold.
Shop Merry Fizzfest Stocking Stuffer
Clean, Gentle & Kid-Friendly (Because Parents Deserve Peace of Mind)
Dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin
Naturally derived, vegan formulas with no more than ten high-quality ingredients
No parabens, phthalates, or harsh sulfates
Tear-free washes designed for happy, stress-free bath time
Made in the USA with playful packaging kids love
Want the full ingredient story? Explore our Ingredients and discover how we keep bath time clean, safe, and totally rad.
Holiday Gifting That’s All That
From stocking stuffers to family gift bundles, these limited-edition sets are built for joyful unboxing and long-lasting memories. Start a new countdown tradition, cozy up with cocoa-scented soaks, or make every bath a bubbly celebration.
FAQs: Holiday Collection & Shipping
Are these bath products safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Our formulas are naturally derived, dermatologist-tested, and made to be gentle for kids and families.
Can I mix scents?
Totally! Especially with our 3-in-1s—combine a dabble of this with a dollop of that to create custom, kid-approved blends.
Will these arrive in time for the holidays?
Check our latest Holiday Shipping Info for cutoff dates and carrier updates.
Shop Totally Tub-ular Tidings