
SENSORY BOTTLES
For a younger child, these glitter jars make a great sensory toy. Kids get enthralled watching the glitter swirl around. If your kids are a little older, the bottles can be used in conjunction with a time out or cooling off period. The child simply shakes the bottle up and watches all of the glitter fall to the bottom. This takes approximately 2 1/2 minutes to occur.
HOW TO MAKE CALMING JARS
- 16 oz water bottle with water or you can use these sensory bottles
- Glitter glue (we bought ours in a 3 pack at the dollar store – each bottle is 3oz)
- Glitter
- Jewels
- Glue gun


Toni Barsi says
I made one of these when my daughter was 2, and it was great until the day it broke open. You're not kidding about the super human strength! I was sucking blue glitter out of the carpet for ages!
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Toni, I can so see that happening to me. I have them stored away when the kids aren't using them, since we have enough glitter all over our house. LOL!
Bethany says
When do the jewels get put in? The article doesn't say. Do they go in with the glitter?
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Yes, Bethany, it goes in with the loose glitter.Thanks for stopping by!
Shecki Grtlyblesd says
We made these this summer! Even my teens love them. 🙂 I have one in my room, and my 13 year old has a couple in hers, too.
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Love hearing they work with teens too Shecki. I will have to remember that!
Linda Ortiz says
I will try this with my kids…just looking at the picture make me calm….really after a stressful homeschooling day….Thanks for the post.
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Linda, thank you! I adore your blog and reading about your adventures with your family.
Linda Ortiz says
Thanks a lot I will try this with my kids!!!
Christi Parker says
I have now tried this twice and my glue just turns into a lava lamp looking thing. When I leave it overnight, it clumps at the bottom and then won't break apart. Does this happen with you too? I'm wondering if it is just the Elmer's Glitter Glue I'm using or the Smart Water. Thanks!
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Christi, I have to think it's the Elmer's glitter glue. I have only done this with the glitter glue from the dollar store and it is probably a different ratio of glitter to glue. I used plain tap water and the dollar store glitter glue if it helps.
rebecca speer says
I have read that you should use just clear glue. but if you want to use glitter glue you must use boiling water with it. hope this helps 🙂
Cathy Vey says
What works best for retarding stuff growing on the inside of the bottles. I have done sensory bottles before and after awhile end up with weird clumpy looking algae or something inside.
Cathy Vey says
What is the best thing to use to retard growths inside the bottle. I have done these before and eventually had strange things growing inside the bottles….
Kristi Burton says
How exactly do you glue the lid onto the bottle? I tried a couple of times, putting the glue into the lid and putting it on top but the lid does not go on straight and is not secure. Is it better to put the glue on the neck of the bottle, where the threads are? Or on the very top of the neck and then put the lid on? Thanks!
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Kristi, I had success with putting some glue in the lid and some on the threads.
Steph says
I’ve also used clear packing tape on the top of the lids. I’ve used this with my 3-5yr olds with Autism, and they loved it!
Dawn Garcia says
I tried the calming bottle and it leaks. I used a glue gun, then white glue, and tape. It still leaks badly.
Vicky says
That is a bummer Dawn. We had our for months and months and they never leaked once. Sorry it didn’t work out for you.
Jessica says
I wish I could take credit for this great idea as well! So simple, but so great. Thank you for sharing, I think i’ll make one for myself.