Very Merry Makers
Ways to Play: Very Merry Fun Fillers
Ho, ho, ho! The holiday season is here, and it’s time to spread some Christmas cheer. We’ve got 4 fun and festive ways to play with our NEW Very Merry Fun Fillers! Ready to deck the halls with fun? Let’s jump into these four merry activities!
1. Very Merry Sensory Bin
This sensory bin is full of Christmas magic! Simply fill the bin with water, sprinkle in a little of each Very Merry Fun Filler packet, and mix it all together. In no time, you’ll have a magical and merry sensory bin that looks like a snow globe, just waiting to be explored! With tiny ornaments, candy canes, glitter, snowflake confetti, and more, it's the ultimate holiday sensory experience. Add in some fine motor tools and Cubes, and watch it sparkle and shine like a Christmas tree on a magical winter’s night!
2. Play Dough Christmas Cookies
Who’s ready to bake some Christmas cookies—play dough style?! Grab some festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes and gingerbread people) and let your kids roll out the play dough. Once they’ve cut out their shapes, it’s time for the best part—decorating! Use the Very Merry Fun Fillers as “cookie sprinkles” to decorate your play dough cookies. The bright colors and fun trinkets will make their creations sparkle, just like a real batch of Christmas treats. Plus, there’s no baking required, so you can “bake” as many as you want!Â
Here’s our go-to playdough recipe if you want to make your own at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
-
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. -
Add the wet ingredients:
Add the water and vegetable oil to the saucepan. If you want colored playdough, now’s the time to add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture. -
Cook the mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. Keep stirring until the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball (this usually takes about 3–5 minutes). -
Cool and knead:
Remove the playdough from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Once it's cool enough to handle, knead the dough for a few minutes until it's smooth. -
Store:
Store your homemade playdough in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It should stay soft and ready to play for weeks!
TOP TIPS:
- Customization: Get creative with colors! Divide the dough and mix in different food coloring for a rainbow of playdough options.
- Add texture: You can mix in glitter or tiny beads for a fun, sensory twist.
- Scented dough: Try adding cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or spices like cinnamon to make scented playdough that adds an extra sensory element. Â
3. Very Merry Sensory Bag
Let’s make a Very Merry sensory bag that’s packed with Christmas magic! Start by filling a ziplock bag with water—just enough to make it squishy. Drop in some Cubes, and watch them light up like tiny Christmas lights! Then, sprinkle in a little of each pack from the Very Merry Fun Fillers. Seal it up tight, and let your little ones squish and slide the holiday fun around. It’s a fun way to explore without the mess!
4. DIY Christmas Ornament
Create a keepsake that will add a touch of magic to your tree! For this activity, you’ll need a clear plastic ornament that can be filled. Let your little one fill it with Very Merry Fun Fillers—they can customize which trinkets and accessories to add inside to create a one-of-a-kind holiday decoration. You can even add a sprinkle of glitter or tiny bells to give it some extra jingle! Once the ornament is filled, pop the top back on and hang it on the tree, or gift it to a special family member. It’s the perfect handmade gift that is made with love!
From sensory play to creative crafting, these activities using Very Merry Fun Fillers are sure to bring holiday cheer to your home this Christmas! We hope you enjoy these fun activities and be sure to tag @glopals so we can see your creations! Happy Holidays, Pals!
