A.P.
I did "sensory time" with my little guy before he could to a craft. It was just a way to introduce something new. Sometimes I let him play with pudding or whip cream, other times it was large button and beads, He played in dry oatmeal digging for toys and packing peanuts. I did ice, colored water, tossed in a few penguins and polar bears and let him have fun. Some weeks it was as simple as different types of paper (tin foil, tissue paper, klenex, colored paper) in a rubbermaid bin. Yes it was messy but I think it was his favorite activity all week :)
If you google search sensory table fillers you'll get lots of ideas.
Have fun!