Make a Set of Toddler Sensory Bottles

To create a really neat set of toys for discovery, you will need four empty water, soda or other clear plastic drink bottles. Make sure they are clean, inside and out, before you get started. You don't have to make the entire set, you can pick and choose which ones you think would interest your toddler, or you can make up your own!

To make sure the lids stay on, put a little hot silicon glue inside the bottle caps before screwing them on. Let them sit for a while before letting your children play with them so there is no danger.

Glitter Bottle

To make this beautiful bottle, fill a bottle with ½ corn syrup and ½ water. Then add some glitter. You can go with just one color or two or three. The corn syrup will make the glitter fall slowly and sparkle on its way down.

Make It Better: Add a couple drops of food coloring for a brighter bottle. You can also include sequins and small, light beads for added effects . . . . and to teach your child about physics, as each item will fall differently.

Baby Lava Bottle

Fill a bottle halfway with water and add several drops of food coloring until you have the hue you are looking for. Darker is better in many cases. Next, top the bottle off with baby or mineral oil and cap. When you turn it upside down, the oil will form wobbling blobs or globules that will rise to the top.

Make It Better: Try including some glitter in your bottle for a sparkly lava lamp effect.

Search It Salt Bottle

Take a cup of salt and pour it into a clean, dry bottle. Drop in some small items, like bracelet charms, a coin, dice, bottle caps, shells, etc. As your child turns the bottle or shakes it, new items will rise to the surface.

Make It Better: Try using colored rice instead of salt. Just toss rice in a bowl with some food coloring until evenly colored. Spread on a baking sheet to dry for two days, then add to a bottle. You can mix several colors in the same bottle for a rainbow effect.

Super Noise Makers

If your toddler likes to make noise, and what toddler doesn't, make up these fun bottles. Drop a handful of dry beans or peas into a bottle and add about ¼ cup rice and two jingle bells, the mini kind. Cap and you have a very noisy bottle to shake and bang on things.

Make It Better: Instead of mixing all items in one bottle, try having one bottle for each. One bottle with beans, one with rice, etc.

This sensory bottle collection is a great way to produce some nice, cheap toys for your kids. Enjoy!