Texture Treasure Basket

Texture Treasure Baskets are a beautiful way to support your baby’s sensory development using everyday objects. By offering a small selection of safe, interesting items with different textures, shapes and weights, babies can explore the world around them in a calm, open-ended way.

This kind of tactile play helps develop fine motor skills, curiosity, and concentration. It also supports early language learning when parents and carers describe what babies are feeling, holding and discovering.

Materials Needed

• Shallow basket or soft container
• A variety of clean, baby-safe household items with different textures. Examples include:
  • Wooden spoon (smooth)
  • Silk scarf or soft fabric (slippery)
  • Natural sponge (bumpy)
  • Rubber ball (squishy)
  • Textured teething ring
  • Ribbon or string (with supervision)
  • Velcro strip or fabric with different surfaces

Tools Needed

• None

Steps

1. Prepare the Basket
   Gather 4–6 safe objects of different textures and place them in a shallow basket or soft tub.
2. Position Baby Comfortably
   Place your baby in a seated or well-supported position on the floor or in your lap.
3. Explore Together
   Let your baby choose which items to reach for, or offer one at a time to explore with hands and mouth.
4. Talk About the Textures
   Describe what they’re feeling: “That’s soft”, “This one’s rough”, “Ooh, it’s cool and smooth!”
5. Follow Their Lead
   There’s no right way to play — let your baby explore at their own pace.

Variations

• Themed Baskets: Try baskets based on colours, materials (e.g. natural objects), or seasonal themes.
• Add Sounds: Include safe items that rattle, crinkle or squeak for extra sensory interest.
• Outside Basket: On a dry day, take a nature-themed basket outdoors with grass, leaves and pebbles (with close supervision).
• Swap Regularly: Change the items every few days to keep the basket interesting and engaging.

Safety Tips

• Always supervise your baby closely during sensory play.
• Make sure all items are large enough not to be swallowed and free from sharp edges or loose parts.
• Check that materials are clean and baby-safe — avoid anything breakable or made of toxic materials.
• Clean and rotate items regularly to keep them safe and hygienic.