We believe hands-on experiences are the best way for young children to learn and express themselves. Sensory play is not only a wonderful way to develop fine motor skills and creativity — it also provides a fun, calming space for little ones to explore their feelings.

This Mother’s Day, why not combine sensory play with a celebration of the special mums and mother figures in our children’s lives? Here are some lovely, easy-to-set-up sensory ideas that help children engage, create and show their love.

Floral Water Play

Add flower petals, herbs (like mint or rosemary), and citrus slices to a shallow tub of water. Toss in cups, spoons and small jugs for pouring and scooping.

Let the children mix their own “perfume” or “tea” for Mum — they’ll love the scents and textures, and it’s a beautiful way to explore nature through the senses.

Mother’s Day Playdough Station

Create a playdough set-up using calming colours like lavender, rose pink and soft yellow. Add dried flowers, buttons, shells and natural elements to decorate with.

You can even add a few drops of essential oils (lavender is a favourite!) to give the dough a soothing scent. Children can sculpt hearts, flowers or “cakes” for Mum, using their hands and imaginations to craft one-of-a-kind gifts.

Sensory Rice or Pasta Tray

Dye rice or pasta in soft pastel colours and fill a tray or tub. Add scoops, heart-shaped cutters, and small containers for sorting and filling.

Pop in laminated photos of mums (if available) or little notes that say things like “I love you because…” for the children to find and read aloud.

Nature Collage Sensory Table

Set out natural items like leaves, bark, gum nuts, dried flowers and feathers alongside glue sticks and paper.

Encourage children to create a special collage for their mum — a visual and tactile way to show their love using the beauty of the outdoors.

Sensory play encourages children to connect their feelings with action — whether they’re creating a gift, mixing scents that remind them of Mum, or just having a calm moment in the middle of a busy day.

Wishing all our Sorella mums a beautiful, joy-filled Mother’s Day. Your love is at the heart of everything we do.