Digging for Hearts Sensory Bin

I love finding little ways to make holidays feel special for my kid—but I’m not into loading up on more stuff we don’t need. Instead, I try to focus on simple experiences we can enjoy together. That’s why I use sensory bins like this one to slow down and actually do something fun and intentional.

This Digging for Hearts Sensory Bin is one of our favorite Valentine’s Day activities. It’s hands-on, themed just enough to feel festive, and gives us a chance to play together in a way that doesn’t involve a screen or a sugar rush. Whether we’re digging, sorting, or just talking about the different heart colors, it’s a sweet way to connect—and that’s what I want him to remember.

If you’re looking for something simple, engaging, and easy to pull together, this is one of those bins that delivers every time.

Instructions & Play Suggestions

1. Spread the Sand: Pour kinetic sand into a shallow bin or tray and spread it evenly across the bottom.
2. Hide the Hearts: Bury foam hearts under the sand. Tuck some deep for a challenge and leave others peeking out to spark curiosity.
3. Start the Dig: Give kids a toy shovel or scoop and let them go on a heart hunt. As they find each heart, they can pull it out and set it aside.
4. Color Sorting Game: Once all the hearts are found, encourage kids to sort them by color or size into separate piles. This adds a playful learning component without making it feel like work.
5. Challenge Round:
   • Re-bury the hearts and give each child a “mission,” like only digging for red hearts or only collecting small ones.
   • Turn it into a friendly competition to see who can find their color the fastest or count the most.
6. Add a Valentine’s Twist: You can also ask kids to “deliver” the hearts by placing them into envelopes or small mailboxes for some extra pretend play.

Benefits of the Digging for Hearts Sensory Bin

• Fine Motor Skill Development: Scooping, digging, and sorting help build hand strength and coordination.
• Color Recognition & Categorization: Sorting hearts by color or size introduces early math skills in a natural, hands-on way.
• Focus & Patience: Digging for buried items encourages kids to slow down and concentrate, which supports cognitive development and focus.
• Imaginative Play: Kids can pretend they’re archaeologists, post office workers, or treasure hunters—adding layers of creativity to the experience.
• Tactile Sensory Input: Kinetic sand offers a soothing, moldable texture that many kids find calming and fun to play with again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this sensory bin best for?
It’s great for ages 2 and up, but younger kids should always be supervised—especially around small foam pieces.

Can I use regular sand instead of kinetic sand?
Technically yes, but kinetic sand holds together better and is less messy indoors. It also adds a unique texture that many kids prefer.

What kind of foam hearts work best?
Any foam hearts will work, but ones with a little thickness (not the thin sticker kind) are easier for small hands to dig out and handle.

How do I store the bin afterward?
Just keep the kinetic sand in an airtight container or bag, and store the hearts separately. Everything will be good to go for another round of play.

Can I add more items to the bin?
Absolutely! You can mix in heart-shaped gems, mini spoons, tweezers, or small Valentine’s toys for added variety.

Want to make it even more festive? Play a Valentine’s Day playlist in the background while the kids dig and sort. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary afternoon into a holiday memory.