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How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Help your preschooler calm down with a mesmerizing sensory bottle. Making it is just the beginning of the fun these bottles bring.

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Why Make a Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles create a visual sensory experience for preschoolers (and people of all ages). The glitter and small items shaking and swirling motions help soothe little ones.

These sensory bottles paired with a quiet space are amazing tools for when your little learner feels strong emotions (e.g., mad, sad, angry).

Making the sensory bottles is a fabulous fine motor and pouring practice. If little ones are helping to pour, be sure to do this activity in a deep pan. We speak (type?) from experience on this one. 😂

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

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Maybe the coolest part of making a sensory bottle is that it is customizable for your little ones! Use their favorite color for the glitter and add items you know they will like.

You can make a “search and find” type sensory bottle by making a list (using pictures) of the items added. As your little one calms down, have them look for the items on the list.

Another way to use the sensory bottle activity is to place letter beads inside. Have your little one find different letters and cross them off of a list you have with the bottle.

Shaking and watching the mesmerizing glitter swirl is also a totally acceptable way to use them. 😉

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Items Needed

*empty clear bottle with lid (yay for reusing!)

*water

*oil

*glitter

*small items (see below)

*funnel (optional)

*pan with high sides (to contain the possible mess)

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Ideas for Items to Put in Sensory Bottles

*buttons

*sequins

*small plastic animals

*beads

*feathers

*paper clips

*any other small items your little one may want to try

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Sensory Bottle How To

1. Place the empty clear bottle inside the deep pan.

2. Let your little one place the funnel in the bottle and help pour the oil. You can play with the ratio, but we filled ours about halfway full.

3. Take the funnel out and have your little one put the small items inside the bottle.

4. Add a little bit of glitter. You can always add more later if you decide you want more.

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

5. Have your little one put the funnel back into the sensory bottle and fill it the rest of the way with water.

6. Put the top back on TIGHT.

7. Shake the sensory bottle. If it needs more glitter, remove the top and add more.

8. Once the bottle is how your little one likes, you may want to dap some hot glue around the threads on the top of the bottle so that when you place the lid on, it gets glued shut.

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

Preschool Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles are fun for kids of all ages. Use them as teaching tools or to help calm your preschooler down. You may even want to make one for yourself. 😍

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