Sensory bottles are super easy to make and lots of fun to play with, as well as being great for calming your child. This magnetic sensory bottle is a fun, no-mess sensory play activity which can also be used in teaching about magnets, used as a calm down tool or even a timer.
Check out the list of materials that we use with this activity.
Sensory Bottles
Sensory bottles are made by adding different materials to a jar or bottle. These materials provide a variety of sensations and stimulate areas of the brain when in use. These bottles can be filled with a liquid or a solid material such as rice.
They can also contain objects of different sizes and textures, that make noises, or provide educational learning on a particular topic. These themed sensory bottles provide a wonderful opportunity for learning for children.
By providing sensory bottles for children to use, these discovery bottles provide:
- Calming and relaxation for children
- An opportunity to work on fine motor skills
- Help children work on hand-eye coordination
- A safe environment for children to explore and develop curiosity
- Are helpful for those with ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and more
Making a Magnetic Sensory Bottle
To make a magnetic sensory bottle, you will need:
- Pipe cleaners
- Colourful paper clips
- Magnetic circles and magnetic wand
- 1 x Sensory bottle or VOSS bottle
To make this magnetic discovery bottle, first cut the pipe cleaners into small pieces and add to the bottle.
Next, add some paper clips and magnetic circles to the bottle.
Close the lid of the bottle and glue shut with super glue.
To use
Gently move the magnetic wand up and down the side of the bottle.
Extend Learning
- If you have other magnetic objects, you can add these to your bottle or make separate bottles for each item
- Add in some non-magnetic items to use in a science lesson about what is magnetic and what isn’t
- Try adding mineral oil or baby oil to the bottle – Just add the magnetic objects, then fill the bottle around â…” to ¾ full of mineral or baby oil
- You could add water instead of the mineral or baby oil, though this may cause the objects to rust
- Rice could also be added instead of water or oil
Important Safety Note
Magnets are extremely hazardous if swallowed. Place keep the items away from children who still put things in their mouth. Use your own experience and judgement to decide whether this bottle is safe for your child/ren.
This sensory bottle is hypnotising, and your kids won’t be able to put it down. They will enjoy making the objects ‘dance’ around the bottle.
More Sensory Activities
- How to Dye Rice for Sensory Play
- Honey Slime
- Sand Slime
- Autumn Glitter Slime
- Alphabet Sensory Bottle
- Butterfly Sensory Bottle
- Ocean Sensory Bottle
Magnetic Sensory Bottle
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- Pipe cleaners
- Colourful paper clips
- Magnetic circles and magnetic wand
- 1 Sensory or VOSS bottle
Instructions
- Cut the pipe cleaners into small pieces and add to the bottle.
- Add some paper clips and magnetic circles to the bottle.
- Close the lid of the bottle and glue shut with super glue.
- To Use: Gently move the magnetic wand up and down the side of the bottle.
Notes
- If you have other magnetic objects, you can add these to your bottle or make separate bottles for each item
- Add in some non-magnetic items to use in a science lesson about what is magnetic and what isn't
- Try adding mineral oil or baby oil to the bottle - Just add the magnetic objects, then fill the bottle around ⅔  to ¾ full of mineral or baby oil
- You could add water instead of the mineral or baby oil, though this may cause the objects to rust
- Rice could also be added instead of water or oil
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