Treasure Tray
This is the perfect at home activity to do with your baby and they can get involved usually from about 6months, or when they’re sitting up and can reach out and pick things up themselves. Put together a selection of everyday items, as many as possible made from natural materials. Treasure baskets and trays are a great way of allowing children to explore different textures and sensory items. Babies explore using their mouths and so much of what we give children is plastic, which really has its limitations in sensory appeal! Let your baby access the tray and make their own choices of what to explore, with parents nearby for support and encouragement. This activity is ideal for children from 6-18months but toddlers and older children love to explore these trays too and will use them in different ways! Enjoy!
Ideas of what to include:
If you don’t have a tray, use a basket or a cardboard box!
Shells
Wooden or metal spoons
Wicker coasters
Lavender bags
Herbs in a thin material bag
Pinecones
Brushes/ make up brushes
Purses (you can hide things in here for your baby to find)
Jewellery (chunky bangles which are safe, nothing with small beads)
A bunch of old (cleaned) keys
Small gift or jewellery boxes to open and close
Natural sponge
Musical instruments e.g. wooden/natural ones or bells
Off cuts of different material