Glitter Jars for Kids

Do your kids love sensory bottles, glitter jars, or glitter bottles? Our DIY glitter jars are perfect for helping kids of all ages relax and regulate their emotions. Whether you’re making a calming jar for toddlers or mindfulness glitter jars for older kids, this simple sensory craft is a must-try!

DIY Glitter Jars for Kids: A Calming Sensory Craft

These mesmerizing glitter jars can be easily customized for any season or holiday. Plus, with just a few simple supplies, you can make them again and again for endless fun.

Why Glitter Jars Are So Popular with Kids

Glitter jars are more than just pretty to look at! They are fantastic tools for emotional regulation and sensory play. When kids are dealing with big emotions like frustration or anxiety, shaking their calming glitter jar and watching the glitter slowly swirl to the bottom of the jar can help them find their calm.

What Do You Need to Make Glitter Jars?

Making DIY glitter jars doesn’t have to break the bank. You probably have most of these supplies at home! If you’ve made slime before, chances are you already have clear glue, glitter containers, and food coloring on hand.

💡 Make sure to look through all of our Sensory Activities for Kids here.

Supplies:

• Plastic jar or plastic bottle with a tight-sealing lid or cap
• 2/3 cup of clear glue (or a 6-ounce bottle)
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup of warm water (or hot tap water for better mixing)
• 1 tablespoon or more of fine glitter or chunky glitter
• Confetti or sequins (optional for added texture)
• Food coloring (any color you like)
• Pipe cleaners or construction paper (optional to decorate the outside)
• Hot glue gun (optional to seal the lid of the jar to prevent spills)

💡We use plastic containers such as these jars or the VOSS water bottles. Please use caution if using glass jars.

Optional Add-ins:

• A few drops of glycerin or 2-3 drops of dish soap can change the consistency of your glitter jar for a slower swirl.
• Some people like to use vegetable oil instead of water to experiment with a different combination of glitter movement!

How to Make a Glitter Jar – Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Pour the clear glue into the plastic jar or bottle.

STEP 2: Add warm water and stir well with a bowl or spoon until thoroughly combined.

TIP: Using hot water helps the glue dissolve better. If you’re concerned about bacteria, you can also use a cup of distilled water.

STEP 3: Mix in a few drops of food coloring. Then, add your glitter, confetti, and sequins.

You can use 3-5 types of glitter for a more colorful swirl! Don’t add too much glitter or it may clump together.

STEP 4: Shake well to create a good swirl! If needed, adjust the ratio of glue and water to change how fast or slow the glitter settles.

Want more science? Adjusting the glue and water changes the viscosity, which affects how the glitter moves. Try different recipes to see what your kids like best!

STEP 5: Seal the lid tightly. For younger kids, you can use a hot glue gun or even Gorilla Glue to secure the lid and prevent spills.

Why Make Glitter Jars?

• Encourage emotional regulation and calm-down time.
• Support sensory play for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids.
• Perfect for craft projects, classroom toys, or even gifts.
• Pair them with other mindfulness activities during quiet time.

Science Behind Glitter Jars

Glitter jars teach kids about liquid density, viscosity, and simple chemistry! Try making two jars—one with water and glue and one with vegetable oil—to compare how the glitter moves. Kids will notice how water-based and oil-based mixtures behave differently.

💡 Plus, these sensory bottles double as a fun sensory science experiment.

Glitter Jar Tips:

• Always leave a half-inch of space at the top to ensure there’s room to shake.
• If your glitter clumps at the bottom of the jar, stir gently or add a little bit of water.

More Fun Glitter Jar Ideas and Sensory Bottles

• Gold and Silver Glitter Bottles
• Ocean Sensory Bottle
• Glow In The Dark Sensory Bottles
• Valentine’s Day Sensory Bottles
• Fall Glitter Jars
• Fall Sensory Bottles
• Snowman Sensory Bottles
• Halloween Glitter Jars
• Frozen Glitter Jars

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Glitter Jar Recipe

You don’t need pricey colored glue to make our glitter jars! These calming glitter jars with clear glue do the trick. All you need is clear glue, food coloring, and glitter.

Supplies:

• Bottles or jars (any shape, size you like) – this recipe is based off an 8-ounce size jar.
• 2/3 cup (or 6-ounce bottle) of clear washable school glue 
• 1/4-1/2 cup of water (warm or room temperature is best we found for mixing with the glue)
• Food coloring
• 1 tablespoon or so of glitter or confetti
• Pipe cleaners and construction paper (optional for decorating jars)

Instructions:

STEP 1: Empty the glue into your jar. 

STEP 2: Add about 1/4 cup of warm water to the glue and mix well to combine.

NOTE: For DIY glitter jars or sensory bottles, you can use tap water instead of distilled water. Distilled water is often recommended to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria in certain situations where the water might sit for an extended period. However, for a short-term project like making a glitter jar, tap water is generally sufficient.

STEP 3: Next, add your choice of food coloring and stir to combine! If you are adding glitter or confetti, stir the glitter or confetti into the glue mixture now.

You can even combine glitter and confetti! Look for fun theme confetti for any season or holiday and this basic process will be so easy to repeat to make a glitter jar for any occasion.

STEP 4: Now it’s time to get your glitter jar sparkling! Seal the jar and shake well.

SENSORY BOTTLE TIP: If the glitter or confetti does not move around easily, add more warm water. If the glitter or confetti moves to quickly, add additional glue to slow it down.

Changing the viscosity or consistency of the mixture will change the movement of the glitter or confetti. There’s a bit of science for you too!

You could also try making a glitter jar with vegetable oil instead of glue and water, and compare! Do remember though that a water soluble food coloring will not mix into oil.