How To Make The COOLEST Glitter Sensory Bottles!!!

For many parents raising children with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum, finding creative ways to support self-regulation is essential. That’s where sensory bottles come in. These calming, visually engaging tools are not just fun to make; they’re a fantastic way to incorporate applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) techniques into your child’s everyday environment.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create your own sensory glitter bottles at home. This activity is a great way to bond with your child while also giving them a tool they can use during moments of stress or dysregulation. Plus, you’ll learn how these bottles support emotional regulation using principles from ABA.

What Is a Sensory Glitter Bottle?

A sensory glitter bottle is a simple, homemade tool filled with glitter, water, glue, and optional items like beads or food coloring. When shaken, the glitter swirls around and slowly settles. This offers a visual cue that can help children calm their minds and bodies.

From an ABA therapy perspective, sensory bottles are useful for teaching children how to self-soothe, focus attention, and reduce anxiety during overwhelming moments. These bottles can also become part of a calming strategy toolbox, something we often help families create through personalized ABA programs.

Benefits of Sensory Bottles in ABA 

• Visual self-regulation: Watching glitter settle helps promote mindfulness and deep breathing.

• Distraction from emotional triggers: Bottles can redirect attention during meltdowns.

• Reinforcement tool: Use as a calming reward during ABA therapy sessions.

• Sensory input: Children who are sensory-seeking find the colors and movement soothing.

Materials You'll Need

Here’s what you need to get started:

• A clear plastic bottle or mason jar (plastic is safer for little hands)

• Warm water

• Clear tacky glue (not original glue - look for clear!)

• Glycerin (optional, but helps slow the glitter)

• Glitter (extra fine, chunky, shapes - mix it up!)

• Food coloring or watercolor paint (just a drop or two)

• Super glue (to seal the lid once complete)

  
  

Optional add-ins:

• Beads, marbles, letter charms, or small trinkets

• Coins (they add fun weight and sound - like a paint can!)

How to Make a Sensory Glitter Bottle

Step 1: Clean Your Bottle

Remove any labels and adhesive. Goo Gone works great for this. Rinse your bottle thoroughly and let it dry.

Step 2: Add Warm Water

Fill about one-third of the bottle with warm water.

Step 3: Add Clear Glue

Add a third of the bottle with clear tacky glue. This helps slow the movement of the glitter.

Step 4: Stir to Mix

Shake or stir gently to combine the water and glue.

Step 5: Add Glitter

This is where it gets fun! Add as much glitter as you want. Try combining different sizes and colors for maximum visual effect.

Step 6: Add Glycerin

Add just a splash of glycerin to help the glitter swirl slowly and settle gradually.

Step 7: Add Color (Optional)

Use a drop of food coloring or a chunk of watercolor paint to tint the water. Don’t overdo it, too much makes the bottle hard to see through.

Step 8: Fill with More Water

Top off the bottle with warm water, leaving a small air gap at the top.

Step 9: Seal the Lid

Once you're happy with how it looks, use super glue around the lid and seal it tight to avoid spills.

Step 10: Shake & Enjoy!

Shake the bottle and watch the glitter swirl, shimmer, and slowly settle.

Tips for Using Sensory Bottles with Children on the Autism Spectrum

• Introduce it when your child is calm. Teach how and when to use it before it's needed.

• Incorporate it into a calming corner in your home or classroom.

• Use it as a replacement behavior in ABA, when a child is frustrated, they can shake the bottle instead of engaging in problem behavior.

• Label it visually. A picture schedule or calming choice board can help remind your child when to use it.

• Let your child decorate or name it. Personalization increases engagement.

Crafting sensory glitter bottles is more than just a fun weekend activity. It’s a way to promote emotional regulation, encourage creativity, and support your child’s unique sensory needs. When paired with structured support through ABA therapy, sensory tools like these can become powerful aids in helping children with autism navigate their world with more confidence and calm.

So grab your glitter, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with your child in the process.