Sensory bottles are always a popular play item amongst babies and toddlers. They are engaging and can be the perfect object to introduce during those moments when a sense of calm is needed. What is even better, it’s easy to learn how to make a sensory bottle for children. Below is an adorable Christmas sensory bottle for babies and toddlers that you can simply make at home.
Christmas is such an exciting time of year and it’s lovely to include some handmade toys amongst potentially a mountain of manufactured toys. A personalised sensory bottle makes a beautiful baby or toddler gift to add to any Christmas stocking. It’s sure to be more popular than any box or wrapping paper.
Recommended age: 6 months +
Strict and active supervision of children using a sensory bottle is required at all times.
Sensory bottles are super quick and easy to make and will captivate and delight your little one. They are great for developing visual and audial senses, which is how we learn about the world around us.
How to make a Christmas sensory bottle for babies and toddlers
Of course what’s inside a sensory bottle can be whatever you like. I often choose to make themed sensory bottles, which can depend on an occasion or interest the child has. Have a look at the many homemade sensory play items I’ve made for my children. They are sure to inspire you.
To make this particular Christmas sensory bottle for babies and toddlers, you will need –
- Clean empty plastic drinking bottle
- Jingle bells
- Pipe cleaners
- Pompoms
- Glitter
- Coloured rice (recipe here)
- Hot glue gun
Simply poke all the Christmas items into the neck of the bottle. Don’t be tempted to over fill the bottle! You want the items to be able to move around each other inside the bottle, give your child something to watch as they roll around.
Finally, add a good amount of hot glue to the inside of the lid before quickly and tightly securing it back onto the bottle. The hot glue will add extra protection from the bottle being opened.
Watch and Listen
This sensory bottle is wonderful as it’s interesting for children to look at and watch as the pieces move about inside the bottle. It’s also lovely to hear the rice and the tinkle of the Christmas bells inside.
Here is a video of me making a variety of sensory bottles, including this Christmas sensory bottle.
My little Boo (2 years) absolutely loved helping me make this Christmas sensory bottle. She loves walking around the house with it. She will often take a moment to stop and share it. Her particular interest inthis Christmas sensory bottle is locating the bells within the bottle.
Would your child like to play with a Christmas sensory bottle?
Hello, you’ve missed out what we will need; for the contents of the bottle, it’s blank in the article above? And there is no hyperlink to find out how to dye the rice.
Thanks
🙂
Kellie, how lucky am I to have you! Thanks for pointing that out for me. DOH! I’ll get onto fixing it now.
The reason the list of what you need is missing is because it points to Amazon, which might not be appearing for you. I’ll take that out and add the list so others (like yourself) don’t have the same trouble. Thanks so much for your help lovely. Kate
I know you are busy…I was hoping for some more “holiday” project ideas…for 3 year olds….
thank you
Joy, never too busy for gorgeous followers like you. Absolutely!
Here is a link to activities suitable for 3 – 5 year olds – https://laughingkidslearn.com/category/3-5-years/
I would love you to subscribe to receive this great FREEBIE as I’m sure it’s sometime your 3 year old would love to play and learn from – https://laughingkidslearn.com/peg-the-dot-number-counting-cards-with-free-printable/
I taught preschool for 40 years in Madison, Wisconsin. I retired in 2013 but I have 3 granddaughters (15, 5 and 2) who I like to do activities with. I also am guardian for my 80 year old sister in law, who has Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s patients have a lot in common with 3-5 year olds.
I love your site and have shared it with others.
Oh Gail, you sound AMAZING. I completely agree with you, these sensory bottles are great for all ages. They are so easy to make for others to enjoy too. Thank you for your kind words and sharing my blog with others. Wishing you a great Christmas ahead.
Love your video, and what a great idea. Sensory bottles would be good for elderly as well I think.
Oh Sonja! You are absolutely right, I completely agree with you. I can really see how these would benefit the elderly too. Lets be honest, if there is a sensory bottle around I’m tempted to play with it myself. Hahaha
Thanks for your kind words. I hope to do more Facebook Live videos shortly.
Making this today! Thanks!
Oh Carly, that’s so wonderful! We have been playing with our Christmas sensory bottle ever since I made it. Thank you so kindly for your support and I wish you and your family a beautiful and safe Christmas.
I’ve been wanting to make a new sensory bottle for my toddler and this is perfect! I love that is has the extra element of sound with the jingle bells – my daughter will love that. Thanks for sharing Kate!
Thank you so kindly Stacey! I love the tinkle sound of jingly Christmas bells.