Sensory Bottle

Activity Description: Youth create a calming bottle filled with water, glitter, and/or small objects.

Items Needed:

Clear plastic bottle with lid
Water
Glitter
Small beads or buttons
(Optional) Food coloring
(Optional) Small plastic charms or confetti
(Optional) Glue to seal the lid

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15 min):

Fill the bottle with water. (3 min)
- Fill it about three‑quarters full.
- (Optional) Add a few drops of food coloring to tint the water.
Add sensory items. (4 min)
- Add glitter, beads, buttons, or other small objects.
- Use a mix of colors and sizes to make it interesting.
Close the bottle. (2 min)
- Screw the lid on tightly.
- (Optional) Use glue to seal the lid so it does not open during use.
Shake and explore. (3 min)
- Shake the bottle and watch the items swirl and settle.
(Optional) Decorate the outside. (3 min)
- Add stickers or tape to personalize the bottle.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Capturing Parenthood – Oil & Water Galaxy Sensory Bottle – A shimmering galaxy-themed bottle using baby oil, glitter, and neon food coloring.
Chalk Academy – Rainstick Sensory Bottles – A musical twist using beads and rice to create sound-based sensory bottles.
Childhood101 – 21 Super DIY Sensory Bottles – A huge variety of themed bottles including glow-in-the-dark, seasonal, and emotion-based ideas.
Craftsy Hacks – DIY Sensory Bottles – Features three unique bottle styles with layered beads, glitter, and glue.
Little Bins for Little Hands – 21 Sensory Bottles You Can Make – Includes seasonal, science-themed, and character-inspired bottles with clear instructions.
Meredith Plays – DIY Sensory Bottles in 7 Steps – Includes visuals and safety tips for creating bottles that support emotional regulation.
Preschool Inspirations – Perfect Sensory Bottle Guide – Offers tips for choosing the right bottle, slowing movement, and customizing designs.
Special Education Journey – Step-by-Step Sensory Bottle Guide – Explains the calming science behind sensory bottles and includes themed ideas.
YouTube – Easy Sensory Bottle Tutorial by Little Learners – A video walkthrough with chapters showing materials, assembly, and creative variations.

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

IF created with objects you can search for:

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Senses badge requirements.

IF created with objects that make sound when shaken:

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Senses badge requirements.

IF created with objects with different densities:

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Brownie Home Scientist badge requirements.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on January 2, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on Youth Activity Archive and The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

al-Abbas, Maia. “How to Make DIY Sensory Bottles in 7 Simple Steps – Meredith Plays.” Meredith Plays, 5 July 2025, http://www.meredithplays.com/diy-sensory-bottles/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Burnett, Christie. “21 Super DIY Sensory Bottles for Kids of All Ages.” Childhood101, 18 Feb. 2021, childhood101.com/sensory-bottles/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Choi, Betty. “How to Make a Rainstick Musical Sensory Craft for Kids!.” Chalk Academy, 13 June 2018, chalkacademy.com/how-to-make-rainstick-sensory-bottles-musical-activity/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Christiansen, Katie T. “How to Make a Perfect Sensory Bottle.” Preschool Inspirations, 27 Jan. 2016, preschoolinspirations.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-sensory-bottle/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Hanson, Jennifer. “How to Make Sensory Bottles?” Special Education Journey, 8 Aug. 2025, special-education-journey.com/how-to-make-sensory-bottles/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Little Learners. “How to Make a Sensory Bottle Easy + Quick DIY.” Youtube.com, 21 June 2017, youtu.be/D7zp7KbxbKY?si=FIyiGwnlnt70iDxA. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
McClelland, Sarah. “21 Sensory Bottles You Can Make – Little Bins for Little Hands.” Little Bins for Little Hands, 8 July 2022, littlebinsforlittlehands.com/recycled-sensory-bottles-common-household-bottles/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Miles, Karolina . “DIY Sensory Bottles.” Craftsy Hacks, 30 May 2025, craftsyhacks.com/diy-sensory-bottles/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
“Oil & Water Galaxy Sensory Bottle.” Capturing Parenthood, 11 Oct. 2017, capturingparenthood.com/oil-water-galaxy-sensory-bottle/. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.