How do you make a snow globe for kids that is simple and fun without a lot of mess? Find out below how to make a super cute DIY snow globe using just a few ingredients and classic toys. If you love to make calm down sensory bottles or glitter jars, snow globes are a MUST try! Sensory activities are hit for kids of all ages and these beautiful DIY snow globes are mesmerizing!
HOW TO MAKE A SNOW GLOBE FOR KIDS
HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBE
Snow globes are a fun winter craft project, but of course, you can make them any time of the year! A personalized snow globe also makes a fun gift for kids to give each other or to relatives. Snowy, sparkly, and mesmerizing for kids of all ages, these DIY snow globes are just what you need for a busy season!
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THE BENEFITS OF A SNOW GLOBE
- Visual sensory play for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary.
- Excellent calming tool for anxiety. Simply shake and focus on the glitter.
- Great for calm down time. Create a basket of calm down goodies in a quiet space for when your child needs to regroup and spend a few minutes alone. Check out our homemade calm down kit.
- Color play or science-themed for additional educational value.
- Language development. Anything that can spark curiosity and interest makes for great social interaction and conversation.
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HOW TO A MAKE A SNOW GLOBE
You will need a few special items for making snow globes with kids but nothing too fancy!
I have been asked if you can use mason jars to make snow globes. Yes, you can! However, I think the plastic snow globe containers are much more kid-friendly, We’ve used both, and I am always partial to the fun snow globe shape too.
What liquid do you use to make a snow globe?
The two most common liquids in a snow globe are distilled water and vegetable glycerin! Grab them both at the supermarket on your next trip to the store.
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.
HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBE CRAFT
SNOW GLOBE MATERIALS:
- Snow globe containers (find them in craft stores and on Amazon)
- 1/2 tsp + Vegetable glycerin
- Chunky size glitter in snow colors
- Hot glue or watertight adhesive
- Distilled water
- Small waterproof toys
HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBE
STEP 1: Start by gluing your item(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.
STEP 2: Next, fill the globe pretty much all the way with distilled water just leaving a little bit of room at the top so you can screw on the base.
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.
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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!
SNOW GLOBE TIPS AND TRICKS
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 homemade snow globe?
Start with at least a 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin 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.
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DIY SNOW GLOBES FOR KIDS
What can you put in a personalized 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 ideas we chose.
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 brick enthusiast will love one of these. Add a few accessories or a couple of extra bricks!
A homemade snow globe is the perfect DIY Christmas present for kids to make and give. In fact, these super simple snow globes are perfect at any time of the year. Once you learn how easy it is to make one snow globe, you will want to make a whole collection of your own homemade snow globes!
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MAKE YOUR OWN SNOW GLOBE FOR KIDS!
Click on the link below or on the image for more fun winter ideas for kids.
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Noelle
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.
littlebins
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!