Sensory bottles, also known as calm-down bottles or discovery bottles, are a popular tool used in sensory play for children and adults alike. These bottles are typically made from clear plastic bottles filled with various materials and liquids to create a visually stimulating and calming effect when shaken or turned upside down. They are a great way to engage the senses, promote mindfulness, and provide a sensory experience that can be calming and soothing. In this guide, we will discuss how to make sensory bottles and provide you with some ideas for different types of sensory bottles you can create.
Materials needed:
- Clear plastic bottle with a secure lid
- Water or clear liquid substance
- Glitter, sequins, or beads
- Food coloring or liquid watercolors
- Craft supplies such as pom poms, feathers, or buttons
- Glycerin (optional, to slow down the movement of the materials inside)
- Super glue or hot glue gun
Steps to make a sensory bottle:
1. Choose your bottle:
Start by selecting a clear plastic bottle with a secure lid. You can use any size or shape of bottle depending on your preference. Make sure the lid fits tightly to prevent any leaks.
2. Fill the bottle:
Pour water or a clear liquid substance into the bottle, leaving some space at the top to allow room for the materials to move around. You can use water, baby oil, or clear glue mixed with water for different effects.
3. Add sensory materials:
- Glitter: Add glitter in different colors and sizes to create a sparkly effect.
- Sequins or beads: These can add texture and visual interest to your sensory bottle.
- Food coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors to create a colorful liquid inside the bottle.
- Craft supplies: Use pom poms, feathers, buttons, or any other craft supplies to add variety and texture to your sensory bottle.
4. Optional: Add glycerin:
If you want to slow down the movement of the materials inside the bottle, you can add a few drops of glycerin. This will create a more calming effect as the materials move more slowly when the bottle is shaken.
5. Seal the bottle:
Once you have added all your sensory materials, secure the lid tightly on the bottle. You can use super glue or a hot glue gun to ensure the lid stays in place and prevent any leaks.
Ideas for sensory bottles:
1. Glitter sensory bottle:
Create a mesmerizing sensory bottle filled with different colored glitter and sequins. This bottle is perfect for calming down and focusing the mind.
2. Ocean sensory bottle:
Add blue food coloring, small shells, and tiny sea creatures to create an ocean-themed sensory bottle. Watch as the underwater scene swirls around when you shake the bottle.
3. Rainbow sensory bottle:
Add rainbow-colored beads and pom poms to create a vibrant and colorful sensory bottle. This bottle is great for promoting color recognition and visual stimulation.
4. Nature sensory bottle:
Fill your bottle with small sticks, leaves, and pebbles to create a nature-themed sensory bottle. This bottle is perfect for exploring textures and the natural world.
5. Glow-in-the-dark sensory bottle:
Add glow-in-the-dark paint or glow sticks to create a sensory bottle that glows in the dark. This bottle is great for nighttime calming and sensory play.
In conclusion,
Creating sensory bottles is a fun and creative way to engage the senses and promote relaxation and mindfulness. Whether you are making them for yourself, your child, or your students, sensory bottles can provide a calming and soothing sensory experience. Experiment with different materials and colors to create unique sensory bottles that cater to your interests and preferences.
