Make glitter sensory bottles that look like a rainbow galaxy for a science study unit or a space-themed birthday party!
Both children and adults will love this rainbow glitter galaxy sensory bottle. When it swirls it looks like a rainbow galaxy, and when it stops it looks like rainbow-colored twinkling stars slowly falling in the night sky.
Calm down bottles like this are most often used for no-mess sensory play, to help calm an overwhelmed child, as a “time out” timer, or as a meditation technique for children. They are just as effective for adults. For more information check out Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.
Related: Rainbow Shamrock Salt Painting
How to Make a Rainbow Galaxy Glitter Sensory Bottle
This calm down jar is one of my all-time favorite sensory bottles. The photos above and below do not do this fantastic bottle justice.
You have to make one, so you can see how amazing it is when it swirls, sparkles, and shines! My daughter loves to watch the twinkling rainbow of colors as they gently fall to the bottom of this gorgeous sensory bottle.
Related: Glittering Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
Related: Frozen-Inspired Snowstorm Sensory Bottle
Rainbow Glitter Galaxy Sensory Bottle Materials
- Water bottle, mason jar,
(or any bottle from the recycle bin) - Goo Gone
- Sargent Glitter Glue Assortment
- 1-Quart Measuring Cup
- Whisk
- Super Glue
(or any bottle from the recycle bin)
Related: Sunburst Glitter Sensory Bottle
Rainbow Glitter Galaxy Discovery Bottle Step by Step Directions
This DIY sensory bottle is made with a rainbow of glitter glue colors to produce a swirling galaxy of twinkling stars! Follow the simple step by step directions listed below to make your own rainbow galaxy sensory bottle.
- Remove the label and use Goo Gone to remove any sticky residue.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of hot water into a 1-quart measuring cup.
- Squeeze 1-2 tbsp of each color of Sargent glitter glue into the water. We didn’t measure. Instead, we emptied each bottle until it was level with the top of the glitter glue label.
- Mix well with a whisk.
- Give the glitter mixture it a final stir and pour it into the bottle.
- Place the lid on the bottle and give it a shake to see how it moves and figure out if it needs any changes. Need more glitter? Add it in before topping it off with water.
- Play with it for a day or two to make sure you are happy with it before gluing it shut.
Related: Rainbow Arts and Crafts for Kids
Rainbow Galaxy Glitter Sensory Bottle
Both children and adults will love this rainbow galaxy sensory bottle.
Calm down bottles like this are most often used for no mess sensory play, to help calm an overwhelmed child, as a “time out” timer, or as a meditation technique for children. They are just as effective for adults.
Don’t forget to pop over to have a look at Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101 for all our sensory bottle making and troubleshooting tips.
More Sensory Bottle DIY’s
- Rainbow Counting Bears Sensory Bottle | Preschool Inspirations
- Simple Rainbow Calm Down Jars | Lemon Lime Adventures
- Rainbow Pipe Cleaner Sensory Bottle | Mom Inspired Life
- Pot of Gold Discovery Bottle | Sunny Day Family
- Friendship Thread Calming Sensory Bottle | Sugar Aunts
- Glitter Jars in a Rainbow of Colors | Fun-A-Day
- Rainbow Alphabet Sensory Bottle | Modern Preschool
- DIY Rainstick Musical Sensory Bottle
- Slow Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle
you can also use oil (olive, vegetable) to remove sticky sticker residue
Thanks Katya! That is a much better alternative! I will test it out and edit if I like it 🙂
Does it matter what brand of glitter glue I use?
Good question Amy! I wish I could give you the answer but I have not tested it. I’m not sure if the black of the galaxy would show up in the same way. When I made this bottle, I did not use the black glitter glue that came with the set at first. I was trying to make a rainbow bottle but the glitter in this glue has a black substance in it so I ended up adding the black in to make it a galaxy bottle. I think it is important to use the Sargent glue listed above if you want the same effect, but trying another brand may work? Let me know what happens if you try another kind of glitter glue 🙂
do you have to use glitter glue or can you just use glitter and water?
Good question Shona. Honestly, I’m not sure. You will need to add clear glue if you try that option to make the glitter bottle work properly. Using only glitter and water would be a bit of a disappointment. The glitter needs glue to swirl and stay suspended in the water when you shake the bottle. I would guess that if you used glitter in a rainbow of colors including black and added in about 2 ounces of clear tacky glue it might work? You can also try clear corn syrup instead of glue, but you will need more corn syrup than clear glue. Let me know how it turns out if you try it 🙂
I love this combination! Looks great! What glitter color combination did you use?
Hi, Melanie!
I used the recipe and method described in this post. If you need further clarification on any of the ingredients or steps described please let me know.