The IN BETWEEN
Where play becomes something more
DIY Play Experience
Create it your way.
Choose your bins.
Shape your setup.
Create a play experience that feels just right for your gathering.
Simple materials -thoughtfully offered-become something more in the hands of play.
What is the DIY Experience?
The DIY Play Experience gives you the freedom to design your own play setup - while still being supported by carefully selected materials and tools.
You'll build each bin step-by-step, choosing the pieces that best fit your space, your group and your vision.
From simple sensory setups to more imaginative small world play, each experience is entirely your own.
We provide the materials.
You bring the play to life.
This experience is perfect for birthday parties, playdates, family gatherings, indoor and outdoor setups, mixed-age groups and slow, intentional play at home.
Whether you're creating something simple or something special, the DIY Experience meets you where you are.
How it Works
Step 1
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE
Packages begin with a set number of bins, with the option to add more.
Step 2
BUILD YOUR BINS
For each bin, you'll choose the elements that shape the play experience - creating something that feels just right for your group. Each bin is designed for 2-4 children to play around and includes a filler, basic tool set (bowls, scoops & tweezers) and play elements to go along with your theme
Step 3
CUSTOMIZE + ENHANCE
Optional upgrades allow you to simplify your choices or add something extra.
STEP 4
PICK UP + PLAY
Pick up your bins, set up your space and facilitate the experience in your own way.
When you're finished, simply pack everything back into the bins and return.
Build Your Experience
Fillers
Sensory Foundations
Each bin begins with a base that sets the tone for play.
You'll choose from a variety of sensory fillers - ranging from soft and scoopable to textured and natural - each offering a different experience for exploring, pouring, sorting and creating.
Tools
Tools for Exploration
Each bin includes a simple set of tools to support play -encouraging scooping, sorting, transferring and fine motor exploration.
Additional tools may be available to expand and enhance the experience.
Play Elements
Play Elements & Themes
Play elements bring imagination and the play into each bin.
You'll have the option to choose a general theme, with thoughtfully selected pieces that may include small world elements, loose parts and open-ended materials.
Each combination becomes an invitation -something simple that opens the door to storytelling, discovery and creativity.
Add-Ons
Enhancements for Play
Optional add-ons allow you to expand your setup.
These enhancements are designed to support different types of play, introduce new materials or elevate the overall experience.
Details and availability are shared within the request form.
Upgrade Your Experience
Styled (Curated) Bin
Prefer a simpler approach?
Choose a styled bin and we'll take care of the details -curating the materials and elements based on your selected theme.
Mystery Bin
Looking for something unexpected?
A mystery bin is thoughtfully created using available materials and inspiration -often including unique combinations or elements not typically offered. May also include messy play elements.
Planning Your Experience
DIY Play Experiences are designed to be flexible -so you can create something that fits your space, your group and your plans.
Experiences begin at $45 for the 2 bin set, with the option to add additional bins and enhancements as needed.
Final details are shaped by:
-
Number of bins
-
Optional upgrades
-
Added enhancements
Full options and details are shown within the request form.
All experiences are submitted as a request. Availability will be confirmed before finalization.
Everyone should have access to play, so if cost feels like a barrier, please reach out or make a note within your request form.
Pickup & Details
Play Experiences are picked up in Alexandria and returned after your scheduled rental period.
-
Pickup: Day before or day of your event
-
Return: Within 24 hours (additional time available)
Play Experiences are designed to be easy to set up and simple to return.
A Space for Everyone
Play is for everyone -every child, every family and every gathering.
A limited number of scholarships are available to help make these experiences more accessible.
If cost feels like a barrier, please reach out or make a note on the request form.
There is also an option to sponsor a play experience -whether for a family, childcare setting, classroom or community space like a senior living facility.
These shared experiences create opportunities for connection, creativity and joy in places where play might not otherwise be available.
A small act of play can ripple further than we often expect.
Ready to Create Your Experience?
Start building a play experience that fits your space, your people and your moment.
Where thoughtful materials become something more -and play unfolds naturally.