Here’s a DIY Valentine’s Day sensory bottle with hearts falling in LOVE for your sweetheart or someone special that makes a great gift idea and calm-down toy!
This DIY slow-falling hearts sensory bottle makes a great calm-down bottle for kids, or a simple homemade gift to say I love you to someone special for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, an anniversary, or another special occasion or important event. It would even make a great party favor idea.
We made the Valentine’s Day sensory bottle with hearts falling in the photograph below in 2016, and today, it still looks as beautiful and moves as gently as the day we made it. (First published January 17, 2016; this DIY sensory bottle tutorial is regularly updated and republished to improve the content.) You might also enjoy this list of keepsake crafts and gifts kids can make or this list of DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas for Him or Her.
Valentine’s Day Sensory Bottle DIY
This Valentine’s Day sensory bottle is filled with beautiful translucent hearts that move slowly to soothe loved ones of all ages. Children from toddlers to preschoolers and kindergarteners, to teens can benefit from the calming effects of this homemade sensory bottle. You might also enjoy making a see-through rainstick sensory bottle.
The slow-falling hearts in this Valentine’s Day calm-down jar and gift can soothe an overwhelmed child, help them calm down in times of stress, and learn to self-regulate. Homemade sensory bottles, like this one filled with falling hearts, can also be used as a meditation aid. Best of all, DIY sensory bottles are just as beneficial for adults. Learn more about sensory bottles and their uses in Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.
This DIY heart sensory bottle also doubles as a great gift idea, so simple instructions to turn this heart discovery jar into a homemade Valentine’s Day gift are included below the DIY video tutorial and detailed step-by-step instructions in the next section. Falling heart sensory bottles also make a great gift idea for several other holidays, events, and occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, or a wedding anniversary.
Related: Thumbprint Heart Glass Magnets
DIY Sensory Bottle Gift Idea that everyone will fall in love with
A heart-filled calm-down jar with slow-moving and falling hearts is a lovely discovery bottle for kids and adults. Sensory bottles provide a safe and easy way for toddlers and preschoolers to engage in safe, no-mess sensory play. This snowstorm in a bottle is also a lovely calm-down toy for young and old alike.
The gentle falling hearts that play together so gracefully as they swirl to the bottom of this calming sensory bottle also make a perfect gift idea for Valentine’s Day. Give one to your children, or that special someone, to say “I love you” any time of the year. Isn’t it lovely? The hearts are:
“Falling in Love”
And when you give one of these gorgeous homemade Valentine’s Day gifts to your sweetheart (or loved one), they will fall in love, too! Just look at how soothing this falling heart sensory bottle is in the DIY sensory bottle video tutorial below. Craft supplies and step-by-step instructions are posted below the video tutorial.
Falling Heart DIY Sensory Bottle Video tutorial
Watch the video below to see this sensory bottle and the hearts inside it slowly moving and falling in real-time. (We did not slow down the video or speed it up.) After you watch the video and read through the instructions you will see just how easy it is to make a DIY sensory bottle filled with hearts falling in love.
Related: Thumbprint Heart Magnets
Hearts Falling in Love Sensory Bottle Supplies:
- A recycled empty plastic water bottle, mason jar, or another bottle from the recycle bin.
- Goo Gone
- 1/4-3/4 cup of distilled or tap water
- Translucent red or pink acrylic hearts (or use both colors!)
- Clear liquid hand soap or clear glue
- Super glue
Related: Frozen-Inspired Snowstorm Sensory Bottle
How to Make a Sensory Bottle with Slow-Moving and FAlling Hearts
Use the step-by-step instructions below to make Valentine’s Day sensory bottles with slow-falling hearts!
1. Clean a clear plastic bottle or glass jar.
- Grab a clear plastic water bottle or glass jar out of the recycle bin with a large enough opening for the plastic acrylic hearts to fit through. (Recycled bottles with a small top may not work.)
- If there are labels or stickers on the plastic bottle or glass jar, peel it off to remove it.
- Use Goo Gone to remove any sticky residue if needed.
2. Add water to the jar or bottle.
- Pour 1/4 to 3/4 cup of distilled (or tap) water into the bottle or jar.
- More water will make the hearts inside the discovery jar move faster, while less will help them move slower.
- The temperature and amount of water needed will also depend on which ingredients you use to make this soothing heart calm-down jar (clear hand soap or glue) and the size of the bottle itself. Use the DIY sensory bottle tips below:
- Use warm or hot water to mix with clear glue, and cool or room-temperature water to mix clear hand soap.
- Hot or warm water makes it easier to mix glue with water, but do not heat the water if you add hand soap, or it can turn your homemade sensory bottle into a murky mess!
- If you want to use clear glue to make this Valentine’s Day sensory bottle filled with swirling red or pink hearts. We recommend boiling 3/4 cup of water and mixing it with 1 cup of clear liquid glue in a 4-cup glass measuring cup first. Next, allow it to cool before pouring it into a clear plastic sensory bottle or un-tempered glass mason jar. This amount of glue and water will not fill the bottle and instead will allow you to add more or less water to the homemade sensory bottle making the acrylic hearts move slower or faster.
- If the mason jar is tempered, you can mix the boiling water and glue in the heart sensory jar.
- Please don’t pour water that is too hot into plastic, or it can melt or warp your bottle.
- Use warm or hot water to mix with clear glue, and cool or room-temperature water to mix clear hand soap.
- We used 1/4 cup of water with clear hand soap to make the slow-moving heart-filled 500ml bottle shown in the photographs.
3. Drop acrylic hearts into the discovery jar or bottle.
- Count 12 – 16 red and/or pink acrylic hearts and drop them into the bottle.
- We used 16 red acrylic hearts to make the Valentine’s Day sensory bottle shown in the photographs and video tutorial.
- Pink or a combination of both red and pink would also look gorgeous!
4. Add clear liquid hand soap or Glue to the DIY sensory bottle.
- Fill the bottle up the rest of the way with clear liquid hand soap or glue.
- If you mixed clear glue and boiling water in a prior step, add glue to make the hearts move slower, and water to make the hearts move faster.
- The idea is to fill it to the top, so there is no air in it because too much air left in it will allow bubbles to remain inside of it. Ensure it is filled to overflowing by pouring the clear liquid hand soap or glue over a sink.
- Allow it to settle before moving on to the next step.
- Clear hand soap and glue can have different viscosity levels, so you may need more or less water depending on the type of clear hand soap or glue you use.
- When in doubt, wait to see how fast or slow your homemade Valentine’s Day sensory bottle moves before you top it off with more hand soap, clear glue, or water.
- Once again, add more clear liquid hand soap (or clear glue) if you want it to move slower. Or add more water to help the hearts move around in the discovery bottle or jar faster.
Related: Mermaid Tail Calm Down Sensory Bottle
5. Put the lid on the sensory heart bottle DIY.
- Screw the lid on the bottle and give it a gentle swirl and a shake.
- It might be a bit murky until the contents mix and settle.
- Soap and water make bubbles, and bubbles will make it hard to see through, but they will calm and settle in time. Just make sure you fill the bottle to the top before putting the lid on, as suggested in step 4, and you should be good to go.
- Once it settles, your calm-down jar will stay clear because the soap and water or glue and water should be thoroughly mixed unless you shake it too hard. Otherwise, you may have to wait for the contents to settle again.
Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle
Play with this slow-falling heart sensory bottle for a day or two to ensure you like how it moves. If you want the hearts to fall faster, add more water. Add more clear liquid hand soap if you would like the hearts to fall slightly slower. Even if you used clear glue to make the bottle, clear liquid hand soap will work to slow it down.
Once you are happy with your falling heart sensory bottle, glue the lid on it, and give it to your children or your lover as a gift or just for fun. Unless you’re keeping it for yourself of course. Scroll down to learn how to turn this fun DIY project into a homemade Valentine’s Day gift for someone you love!
Related: Love Bugs Craft
Related: Heart Art Salt Painting Project
How to Turn “Hearts Falling in Love” Sensory Bottle into a Valentine’s Day Gift
This slow-falling hearts sensory bottle makes a great Valentine’s Day gift to hand out to friends, family, classmates, or co-workers. They also make a simple Valentine’s Day gift for couples and a great wedding anniversary gift. Try any of the easy ideas below to turn this sensory bottle into a Valentine’s Day gift, or a gift to say “I love you” any time of the year.
- Place one of THESE stickers on the top of the lid.
- Or, use one of THESE stickers and a permanent marker to write any of the following Valentine’s Day message ideas:
- I’m falling for you, Valentine.
- Falling in LOVE with YOU.
- You make falling in LOVE easy.
- My heart is yours, Valentine!
- You soothe me with your love, Valentine!
- My heart only swirls for you sweetheart.
- Or any other message you can think of–the only limit is the limits of your imagination!
Make a fingerprint love bug card to complete the gift. Click on the link to see even more fun card message ideas!
And if you are not giving your sensory bottle full of hearts away as a gift, discovery bottles like this make a great DIY toddler toy for no-mess sensory play. They also make an excellent calm-down jar and meditation tool for kids and adults of all ages. Click the link to learn more about sensory bottles, their uses, how to make them, and troubleshooting tips–> Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101.
Falling in LOVE Calming Sensory Bottle
A DIY sensory bottle with slow-falling hearts is a soothing gift for a loved one any time of year. A sensory bottle filled with hearts would also make a great gift idea for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparent’s Day.
You may also like this list of gift ideas for him or her and Valentine’s Day keepsake gifts kids can make. Click on the links to see several more fun Valentine’s Day craft ideas, or have a look at the list below!
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
More Valentine’s Day Gifts and Ideas:
- Love Bugs Valentine’s Day Craft
- Cute Valentine’s Day Crafts and Gift Ideas
- Valentine’s Day Art Projects
- Hanging Hearts Suncatcher Prism Craft
- Watercolor Surprise Heart Art
- Thumbprint Heart Magnets
More DIY Sensory Bottles
- Rainstick Sensory Bottle
- Frozen-Inspired Snowstorm Sensory Botle
- Nature-Inspired Sensory Bottle Crafts
- Butterfly Sensory Bottle
Colleen says
I love this sensory bottle! A great calming and relaxing visual.
nell says
Thanks! My daughter really loves it too! She took it with her to bed last night-ha!
Nicole @ Modern Preschool says
Love this! The slow moving hearts are a great idea!
nell says
Thanks! My daughter and I had a blast putting it together. I love that making them is a great science lesson!
Angela says
This bottle is gorgeous! Great shot!! 🙂
nell says
Thank you!
Cheryll says
Would foil hearts work too?
nell says
Good question Cheryll!
No, I’m sorry, it wouldn’t. You would need to use something with a little weight for it to work with these ingredients. You can use foils to make a sensory bottle with about 1 to 2 cups of water and either corn syrup, glitter glue, or clear glue, but the paints on foils will chip off over time and float in the bottle.
Jane says
Where does someone get the hearts from? I assume from a craft store but which dept? I don’t ever go into a craft store.
nell says
Hi Jane! I have never been able to find the hearts I used in a store. I purchased them on Amazon. I have provided the affiliate link to the “RED” hearts I used in the “Materials” section above. Click on either “RED” or the “PINK” to be taken to an Amazon sales page.
Eileen says
I just bought them at the dollar store.
nell says
Yes!! I also noticed them for the first time at the dollar store. I couldn’t believe it! I’ve NEVER seen them there before!! We must have influenced those that supply the store to provide them for our readers–yay! I found them in pink and red, but grab them quickly because they will probably sell out!
Ashley says
What is the purpose of the hand soap? Just curious! Thank you
nell says
Good question Ashley!
Handsoap is much more viscous than water so it helps slow down the hearts so they don’t just fall to the bottom of the bottle. If you only use water the hearts will not move slowly and appear to float.
Abby says
Hi, I’m trying to make a few of your sensory bottles and just can’t get the right flow. How do you get the soap and water to stop making suds? I’ve used corn syrup in one bottle as well, but I struggle to get them to fall like yours. I’ve played with different parts water to corn syrup and water and soap (different bottle). I even tried glue but that just made all my sequins stick together!
nell says
Hi Abby! I’m so sorry that you are having trouble. It’s best to top off your bottle. Fill your sensory bottle all the way to the top with liquid hand soap or water. Slowly let the bubbles pour out as you fill it up in the sink. Next, put the lid on the sensory bottle and allow it to settle. This method always works for us. When using glue it is best to mix it and the glitter with hot water, otherwise they might stick together. This is why we pre-mix in a quart measuring cup. I hope that helps!!
Cheryl Ward says
As an early childhood educator, I’ve made several of these bottles and I like to use clear Elmer’s Glue and water. You have to figure out the amounts of glue/water to get the right viscosity. Because preschoolers tend to shake these bottles (vs. waiting for the action), using glue prevents lots of bubbles:)
nell says
Hi Cheryl, as you can see, we have made a lot of calm-down sensory bottles and jars as well! You are correct, clear glue would also work to make this soothing heart calm-down jar. We often use clear glue and hand soap in various combinations to make DIY sensory bottles, but opted to use only hand soap to make this one. I find that taking all the air out keeps the bubbles at bay, but using clear glue would also work well. Thanks for the tip!
aga says
hi, on the video it says 1/4 cup of water and on the list 1/2 cup of water, which one is correct
I added half cup of water and filled up with soap thye not floating but going down really fast, just made them maybe waiting 24 hours will make it better?
nell says
Hi Aga! Sorry about the discrepancy… 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water works, more water makes the hearts move faster, while less water helps them move slower. Make it how you like it!
Diane Livingston says
Would glass ones work? I am looking for some Easter ones and can’t find anything except hearts, 4th of July, and like fall ones. I even call PIer1 as they carry them for different holidays and no they didn’t have any. I would like to do one for Easter and kind looking for bunnies. Thanks for tips, I have tried ebay, amazon, craft stores. So any tips would be so much appreciated.
nell says
Hi Diane! I’m sorry that you had so much trouble finding some bunnies, and am glad that you finally found some that will work. 🙂
Di says
Thank you. I see the flowers and that is the kind I was talking about too. Thank you.
Di says
Would acrylic flowers would they work or are they too thick to pass by? What is your opinion on it? I can’t find any bunnies anywhere.
nell says
Hi Di!
I’m so sorry I was unable to respond until now and that you have been waiting for answers. Acrylic flowers should work a lot like the acrylic butterflies that we used in our butterfly sensory bottles. You can find the tutorial here: https://rhythmsofplay.com/butterfly-sensory-bottle/
Di says
Is it glass or plastic I just picked up one and it is glass and I can’t get the paint off with goo gone. HELP. Also I found some bunnys that are acrylic on Etsy. So on my way to making one but don’t know how to get the paint off the bottle.
nell says
We used the plastic bottles, and wonder if the glass is painted? If it is a label it can be taken off and then you can use goo gone to remove the sticky residue, but if the label is painted, goo gone will not be able to remove it.
Di says
It was glass and with water and soap and blade it came of easy. I can’t find a plastic one any where, they are all glass. Wonder if they changed them.
nell says
They don’t sell them everywhere, but maybe the company has changed and no longer sell plastic? I only have old recycled bottles that I use! I will have to investigate further!
Di says
I finally tried and wow I had to keep dumping out the mixtur until they finally floated. I am now waiting for it to set up to see what it really looks like. Thank you for all your help.
nell says
Yes, the heavier the pieces, the more liquid handsoap you will need. I’m so glad that you have made your own sensory bottle!!
Di says
Okay I finally got the paint off by using water and soap and then scraping with a knife. This will be for adults. Could you please share the brand of liquid soap you used? thank you and please do email. Have not had a response from you yet. Thank for any help. I am about ready to start since I got the acrylic bunnies from Etsy and the bottle and cleaned the ink off and ready to go so waiting to hear from you.
nell says
Oh goodness! It was painted!! I’m so sorry that you had to struggle with that. We used clear liquid soft soap, but I have also found clear hand soap at the dollar store that worked just as well in another sensory bottle that we made.
Di says
It worked well so no problem.
nell says
That’s great, Di! I’m so glad to hear it!
Di says
Can you tell me about how long they last and what happens when they start to go bad, or don’t they get bad after a period of time? I just want to make it at the right time so it lasts for a while. Thanks.
nell says
These calm down jars will last a long time if they are not thrown around or mistreated. Sometimes the lids will break and need to be replaced with another of the same type, but other than that, every single sensory bottle that we have made is still in perfect condition! Our slow falling hearts bottle is still just as beautiful as the day we made it back in January of 2016! 🙂
Di says
One more question if I got size 27 ounces should I put 1/2 a cup of water or more? Thanks sorry so many questions.
nell says
I’m not sure… Are you saying that the bottle that you are putting the solution is 27 ounces? There is quite a bit of wiggle room with measurements. I often don’t know exactly how much of everything that I actually use, because I pour out the contents of the bottle in order to slow it down or speed it up based on how it moves. If it’s moving too slow, pour some off and add water. If it’s moving too fast, pour some off and add liquid handsoap. It’s one big science experiment in viscosity!!
Di says
I made the bottle, I finally got it to float now my question is how long does it take for the solution to settle down I thought I had seen it but just read threw the comments an didn’t see it.
nell says
Make sure your sensory bottle is filled all the way to the top, and then give it at least 24 hours to settle. When the water and soap first mix it will produce foam, but if you take all the air out, it will never be able to foam up again. You may need to open it up and add a small amount of water to it to allow the foam to flow out of the top, then close it back up again. Once your sensory bottle is filled to the top and there is no foam in it, you can glue it shut.
Di says
I redid the solution because it was so foggy and not changing in 24 hours. So I am hoping this batch does or I will have to get some more hand sanitizer. Tee Hee. Looking forward to do a few more.
nell says
The problem may be that you are using hand sanitizer. I don’t think that will work. Clear liquid hand soap is what we use and it works well!
Di says
Thank you
Diane Livingston says
Yes it is 27 ounces, it was the same price as the small one so I got the bigger one. Thank you for your help.
Di says
I just watched the video and see it says 24 hours which it hasn’t been yet. Ok
Diane Livingston says
New question when I started the items in the bottle floated slowly after setting 24 hours and mixing now they move way tooo fast do I take some out and add more hand sanitizer?
nell says
Yes, but not hand sanitizer. Add liquid hand soap.
Di says
Okay thank you what kind of liquid soap that is clear? Thank, thanks thanks………
nell says
I use the handsoap listed in the supplies section. 🙂
Di says
Guess retrograde messed me up, I re-made them with the LIQUID HAND SOAP and working great. Thank you again. WHEW.
nell says
Yay!! I’m so glad that you made a sensory bottle that you are happy with! Enjoy it! 🙂
Di says
Thank you I made three and will make some baby ones when my nephew has a baby one day or maybe even my son. LOL I am making a water bead Packer colors for my husband next, waiting for the beads.
nell says
That’s great Di! So glad to hear it!
I love the idea of making a sensory bottle with Packer colors. I’ll bet he will love it!
Ashley says
Would legos work instead of acrylic hearts?
nell says
Yes! You may have to adjust the amount of water to liquid hand soap in the sensory bottle, but it will work great!
Nell Regan M.A. says
Hi Ashley! I’m so sorry I missed your comment over the summer break! Yes, you can use legos to make a sensory bottle DIY like this, but you may need to adjust the ratio of water to clear liquid hand soap.