Dive into the world of sensory bottles! Learn how to make a sensory bottle with our simple instructions and creative inspiration for all ages.

Crafting a Colorful and Calming Sensory Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
I absolutely love sensory bottles. They are such a fun and easy project for kids. My kids love sitting and staring at them forever. They really can be a calming, sensory experience. For a child who struggles with sensory issues, developmental delays, and anger issues, they are especially great. However, they are wonderful for any child, and even adults too!
There are also so many possibilities for different seasons, holidays, designs, and more!
Essential Materials and Supplies for Your DIY Sensory Bottle
- Empty Bottle
- Glitter
- Sequins
- Clear Elmer’s glue
- Food coloring
- E6000 or super glue
- Warm filtered or distilled water
Creating Unique Textures and Movements within Your Sensory Bottle
First, you’re going to want to take your empty bottle. You will fill it 3/4 of the way full with warm distilled or filtered water.
Next, you will add your clear glue. You can always add more later if your glitter is falling too quickly.
After that, add your glitter and sequins, or whatever add-ins you chose. Don’t be afraid to add a lot of both.
You will now add your food coloring. You will need quite a bit to achieve a bright color, but you can always add more drops if it’s not the desired color you’re looking for.
You’re going to be supergluing your jar last. You want to troubleshoot any problems before you do this final step. You may want to add more glitter, glue, water, food coloring, etc. Put the lid on super tight and see what you think. THEN, you can super glue the lid.

Choosing the Right Liquids and Objects for Visual and Tactile Interest
In this tutorial, I am using some glitter, sequins, and food coloring, but there are so many different types of liquids and fillers you can use. Some use corn syrup, baby oil, hair gel, glitter, waterbeads. It really is endless!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Visual Effect in Your Sensory Bottle
Don’t be afraid to use too much, but also realize, if you don’t get the desired effect, you can always add more of whatever you want. Maybe you even decide you want to add different types of accessories. You can’t tell exactly what it will look like until you’re close to the end. Sensory bottles are so easy to make and very tough to mess up.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Enhancing Your Sensory Bottle’s Appeal
If the glitter is falling too quickly, add more glue; if it’s falling too slowly, add more water.
Before you superglue your jar lid, you want to make sure it looks how you want. It’s usually as simple as adding a bit more of certain items. Maybe you want more glitter or more color. It’s pretty easy to fix your bottles. Once your lid is glued on though, you’re locked in!
How to Make a Sensory Bottle
Materials
- Empty Bottle
- Glitter
- Sequins
- Clear Elmer’s glue
- Food coloring
- E6000 or super glue
- Warm filtered or distilled water
Instructions
- Fill the bottle 3/4 of the way full with warm water
- Add clear Elmer’s glue
- Add glitter and sequins, don’t be shy.
- Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into the water.
- You're going to be supergluing your jar last. You want to troubleshoot any problems before you do this final step. You may want to add more glitter, glue, water, food coloring, etc. Put the lid on super tight and see what you think. THEN, you can super glue the lid.
Notes
Want more hands-on projects for kids?
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How to Make a DIY Bird Feeder for Kids