Let’s make a snow globe for kids that is simple and fun without a lot of mess. We will tell you what liquid goes in a homemade snow globe and how to make your own snow globe step by step. It is easier than you think! These beautiful glitter snow globes are mesmerizing, and a fun Christmas or winter craft to try!
How To Make A Homemade Snow Globe
For a mess free activity, create a preschool snow globe craft with paper!
Watch the video:
Snow Globe Materials:
- Plastic Snow globe (find them in craft stores and on Amazon)
- Distilled water
- 1/2 tsp Vegetable glycerin
- Chunky size glitter in snow colors
- Hot glue or watertight adhesive
- Small waterproof toys
Snow Globe Instructions:
STEP 1: Start by gluing your toy(s) to the base provided with the snow globe container. You will want to make sure the item is secured well and the glue is completely dry before continuing.
STEP 2: Next, fill the globe pretty much all the way to the top with distilled water just leaving a little bit of room at the top so you can screw on the base.
STEP 3: Next, add the vegetable glycerin to the water followed by the chunky glitter or regular glitter. Screw on the base and get shaking!
Personalizing Your Snow Globe
What can you put in a homemade snow globe for children? There are so many fun options and you can make themes to go with your kids’ favorite hobbies or interests. Here’s a few fun snow globe ideas we loved…
A homemade snow globe for the dinosaur fan. You can even add a small plastic tree.
For the MLP fan or unicorn lover, this snow globe idea makes a beautiful wintery scene!
Your mini-figure lover or Lego enthusiast will love one of these. Add a few accessories or a couple of extra bricks!
Tips & Tricks For Making Your Snow Globe
You will need a few special items for making snow globes with kids but nothing too fancy!
Plastic Snow Globe vs Mason Jar
I have been asked if you can use mason jars to make snow globes. Yes, you can! However, I think the plastic DIY snow globes are much more kid-friendly, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. We’ve used both, and I am always partial to the fun snow globe shape too!
What liquid goes in a homemade snow globe?
The two most common snow globe liquids in a homemade snow globe are distilled water and vegetable glycerin! It is the addition of glycerin that will thicken the water for a snow globe. Grab them both at the supermarket on your next trip to the store.
Why should you use distilled water over regular tap water?
Distilled water is much purer and free of impurities that can cloud the snow globe. If you can’t get distilled water, try to use bottled water instead of tap water.
Can you use baby oil instead of glycerin for snow globes?
Another option is to fill your snow globe with mineral oil or baby oil instead of using distilled water and glycerin.
Can you use glue instead of glycerin?
Yes you can also use a clear glue for your snow globe. You can see how we used glue to make these glitter jars.
Do you need to add glycerin to a snow globe?
The simple answer is no, you don’t have to add glycerin to a snow globe but your homemade snow globe will look more awesome if you do!
How much glycerin should you put in a snow globe?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin for your snow globe and up to a tablespoon or even more depending on your preference. Why do you add glycerin to a snow globe? To slow the snow! Watch out because too much glycerin can make your “snow” clump.
MAKE IT AN EXPERIMENT: Glycerin changes the thickness or viscosity of the liquid in the snow globe. The change in thickness will also slow down the glitter. There’s a bit of snow globe science. Set up an experiment and test which amounts of glycerin you like best.
Free Printable Snowflake Activities Guide
More Easy Snow Theme Activities To Try
- How To Make Fake Snow
- Paper Snow Globe Craft
- 3D Paper Snowflakes
- 3D Snowman Craft
- Snowflake Oobleck
- Snow Slime Recipe
Printable Winter Art Projects Pack
Celebrate the Winter season with winter themed art!
Everything you need is included. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Winter.
Snowflakes, Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
Hi! This is perfect for a kindergarten class Christmas party craft!! Where do you find small toys like that? I’ve only seen dinosaurs at the dollar store, but no ponies or anything like that.
Stores such as Target often have what is called “blind” bags with favorite characters or you can have the kids sift around the bottom of the toy bin!