DIY Sensory Bottles for Babies and Young Children


If you have been hanging around for a little while you know a couple things about me: 1. I don't like glitter.  2. I love the Dollar Tree!

Here is yet another tutorial including things I've picked up at my favorite store!

I purchased these adorable small, plastic milk bottles.  I found them in the arts and crafts section of Dollar Tree.  I knew they would be perfect for small, baby hands to hold and manipulate.

Sensory bottles are a great way for young children and babies to explore items that they may not get to otherwise.  You can fill the bottles with any small items that would attract the child's senses.  When I chose the items for my sensory bottles, I thought about choosing a variety of colors and sounds (when you shake the bottles).

***It is very important that you still monitor the children as they play with the sensory bottles.  Check the lids often to make sure the glue is still holding tight.***

Jingle Bell Bottle

The bells were the only additional item I purchased.  Everything else I got from our art stash at home.  I put in a small handful of bells and glued the lid shut.  Simply put a bead of hot glue around the inside threads of the lid and shut tightly.


Pom Pom Bottle

My daughter helped me fill this bottle halfway full with different colored pom-poms.  I like that this bottle does not make any noise when you shake it. Glue the top shut, like before.


Cookie Monster Bottle

I'm making this set for my 1-year-old niece.  Over Thanksgiving, she and I played a turn-taking Cookie Monster game and she laughed and laughed.  After making this colored rice and googly eye bottle, I thought it reminded me of the Cookie Monster! Glue the top shut, like before.


Water and Loom Bands Bottle

Put 3-6 squirts of clear liquid soap into the bottom of the bottle.  Fill to the top with water.  Put a pinch of rubber band looms into the jar.  Test how slow they sink.  If you want them to go slower, add more soap.  I would let this one sit for a night to make sure you like it before you glue the lid shut.



Complete Set

I'm telling you, you can find everything at the Dollar Tree!  This plastic woven basket makes the perfect holder for four of the bottles.
I think my niece will love this Christmas gift.  If you give it a try, be sure to let me know!  I have already been blown away by your creativity!  Please post pics on FB or Instagram and tag Branch & Blossom Atelier!

If you missed the FB Live video, you can watch my disheveled helper make these sensory bottles with me.

How to dye rice that is taste-safe


This is another super simple tutorial!  If it isn't simple, then I don't know how to do it ;)

I love colored rice, and I love how easy it is to make.  We use colored rice for many invitation activities.


What you need: 

1 Cup of rice
1 tsp vinegar
couple drops of food coloring
gallon size baggy
cookie sheet

How to make it: 

1. Put one cup of rice in the bag.
2. Put 3-4 drops of food coloring into the bag.
3. Drizzle 1 tsp of vinegar over the rice.

4. Seal the bag and squish the rice. Your children will love to help with this step!


5. Empty the rice onto a cookie sheet and let dry overnight.

The vinegar prevents the coloring from transferring to your hands when you are playing. Vinegar is safe to taste, versus some recipes that use rubbing alcohol.