My most frequently asked question over the last few years has been, “how many cups do I need for ___?” This guide is my attempt at organizing the answers to that question! I have included some of my personal favorite and most used trays as well as a few that I do not own but several of my brand reps do. Some - but not all - of the links may be affiliate links.
We have tried to be thorough, but please know I can’t possibly include every single tray that is out there! If you have a tray you regularly use that you think should be added, please email info@hippiehoorayok.com.
I also want to gently remind you that you do not need several dozen play trays. You don’t even need one. Are they nice to have? Sure. Are they beautiful? NO DOUBT. But they’re not required for sensory play. Just like my fillers aren’t a required purchase for sensory play. I never want anyone to feel like they’re not doing enough or that they need to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars to provide meaningful play. The reason I made this guide is because I get asked this question constantly and I want to be helpful! If you’re on a budget - the first listed tray, the $5 dinner plate from target, is my #1 recommendation!
Target
Small tray - 3 cups
Large divided tray - 5+ cups without dividers or 1-2 cups per divider
Clear tray - 3-4 cups
Wonder & Whimsy Co
Wanderer - 1-2 cups per section
The Hope Learning Tray is my favorite tray for 3 cups of scoopable filler and 1-2 cups of chunky!!! Perfect for a mini Unmixit Kit!
TimberSprout Toys
Large scallop tray: 3-5 cups
Mini scallop tray: 1 cup
Inspire My Play
5 cups to cover the tray or 1-2 cups in each divider
Chickadees
Large round tray - 4-5 cups
Kookaroo
Divided rectangular tray - 3 cups
Hoyo Mats
Micro/Origami - 1 cup
Mini - 3 cups
Midi - 5 cups
IKEA Flisat (and similarly shaped tables)
Half-size bin - 3 cups
Regular bin - 3-8 cups (perfect for an Unmixit Kit)
MEKA Tuff Tray
Small: 5-8 cups
Large: 5-10 cups
Kingdom Carry
3-5 cups
Guidecraft Sensory System
5-8 cups depending on coverage desired
Full-size bin - 5 cups of scoopable or 5 scoopable and 3 chunky (an unmixit kit)