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This DIY butterfly sensory bottle has quickly become one of my favorites. Tipping it from top to bottom keeps the colorful butterflies in constant motion.

Sensory bottles like this can be used in many ways. They can be used for no mess safe sensory play, a time out tool, a science teaching aid, and to help children (and adults) calm down and unwind.

For more information about sensory bottles and their uses check out Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.

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DIY Butterfly Sensory Bottle Calm Down Jar

DIY Butterfly Sensory Bottle Materials

Voss Water Bottle (These are our favorite bottles to use)
Goo Gone
Butterflies
Gold glitter
Clear Liquid Hand Soap
Gorilla Super Glue

DIY Butterfly Sensory Bottle Directions

1. Peel off sticker. Use Goo Gone to remove sticky residue.

2. Empty and/or drink water in Voss bottle.

3. Pour 1/2 cup of tap water into the bottle.

4. Place all of the butterflies into the bottle. (We started with less but ended up adding them all in.)

5. Sprinkle in a few shakes of gold glitter. (Start with a small amount, you can always add more later.)

6. Fill the bottle up the rest of the way with clear liquid hand soap. You want to fill it all the way to the top so there is no air in it.

7. Place lid on bottle and shake it up. (It will be a bit murky for a few hours until the contents mix and settle.)

Play with this butterfly sensory bottle for a day or two to make sure you like the way it moves. If you want the butterflies to move faster pour some of the liquid out and add more water.

If you want the butterflies to move slower pour some of the liquid out and add more clear liquid hand soap.

Want more glitter? Add some more. Easy peasy!

Once you are happy with it glue on the lid with super glue and hand it over to your kids. Unless you’re keeping it for yourself of course. 😉

Butterfly Sensory Bottle Science Lesson

Add in a science lesson on viscosity both while making this bottle and by comparing how quickly the butterflies fly to the bottom of the bottle with how slowly the glitter falls.

The glitter will stay suspended while the butterflies will slowly drop. After a few hours the glitter will slowly find it’s way to the bottom of the bottle as well.

Ask your kids why they think the butterflies sink faster than the glitter does. Do your best to lead them to the solution themselves instead of telling them why.

DIY Calm down sensory bottles can be used for safe no mess sensory play, a science teaching aid, a time out tool, and to help an anxious child (or adult) calm down and unwind. They’re also an easy way for babies and toddlers to safely investigate items without the risk of choking on them.