In this post, learn how to make 3 mesmerizing fall sensory bottles (scarecrow, leaf, and pumpkin) for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids. They are perfect for safe, no-mess autumn sensory play at home or at school.
How to Make Fall Sensory Bottles
September and October are the perfect months to make fall sensory bottles! Our set of autumn sensory bottles are unique, colorful, and easy to make. Incorporate them into your autumn unit, fall sensory table, or designated calm down area.
- Scarecrow Sensory Bottle – A little bit whimsical! Pair this sensory bottle with books about scarecrows or a trip to a farm.
- Pumpkin Sensory Bottle – Packed with table scatter from Hobby Lobby, this sensory bottle makes a satisfying sound when gently shaken.
- Leaf Sensory Bottle – This glitter bottle is inspired by fall yard work! Shimmering with glitter the color of flannel and embellished with foil leaf stickers, it’s beautiful and calming to look at.
Follow along with our easy step-by-step directions and video tutorial so you can make your own.
Materials Needed for Fall Sensory Bottles
- Sensory bottles
- Fall table scatter
- Straw
- Mini straw hats
- Denim and plaid fabric (we used old clothes)
- Felt (yellow, orange)
- Black pom poms or buttons
- Wiggly eyes
- Glitter
- Clear glue
- Foil leaf stickers
- Double-sided tape
- Distilled water
- Grosgrain ribbon (orange, mustard, red)
Scarecrow Sensory Bottle
Our scarecrow sensory bottle, inspired by Fun-A-Day’s scarecrow sensory bin, is packed with materials used to make a scarecrow! As you play with the bottle, talk about the history of scarecrows and how they became a symbol of fall. To make it you will need:
- Sensory bottles
- Straw
- Mini straw hats
- Denim and plaid fabric (we used old clothes)
- Felt (yellow, orange)
- Black pom poms or buttons
- Wiggly eyes
- Orange grosgrain ribbon
- Double-sided tape
First, place about 15 pieces of straw into an empty bottle. Next, drop in some denim and flannel scraps to represent the scarecrow’s shirt and jeans! We also dropped in two plastic wiggly eyes and a few black pom poms to represent the scarecrow’s face.
Last, we added an orange felt nose, yellow felt hair, and a miniature straw hat.
Secure a piece of double-sided tape to a strip of orange grosgrain ribbon, then wrap it around the cap of the bottle. If desired, seal the cap with super glue.
Pumpkin Sensory Bottle
Glimmering with festive fall gems, this sensory bottle is fun to shake and swirl. You can even use it as a fall instrument for practicing a steady beat.
- Sensory bottles
- Distilled water
- Fall table scatter
- Mustard grosgrain ribbon
- Double-sided tape
First, fill the sensory bottle with fall table scatter. We used gem-like scatter from Hobby Lobby that consisted of pumpkins and leaves.
Next, fill the bottle with distilled water. Of course, you can use tap water, but distilled water is free of contaminants that may encourage mold and bacteria growth.
Last, secure a piece of double-sided tape to a strip of mustard grosgrain ribbon, then wrap it around the cap of the bottle. If desired, seal the cap with super glue.
Leaf Sensory Bottle
Kids will love watching the red, blue, gold, copper, and green glitter settle to the bottom of this leaf sensory bottle. Inspired by the color of plaid shirts, it’s perfect to make after a crisp afternoon of raking leaves.
- Sensory bottles
- Glitter
- Clear glue
- Foil leaf stickers
- Double-sided tape
- Distilled water
- Red grosgrain ribbon
First, pour 1 cup of water into the empty sensory bottle. Next, pour 1 bottle of clear glue into the bottle.
Add 1 teaspoon each of red, blue, gold, copper, and green glitter (we purchased ours from Target) to the mixture, then top off the bottle with water.
Secure a piece of double-sided tape to a strip of red ribbon, then wrap it around the cap of the bottle. If desired, seal the cap with super glue.
Last, arrange foil leaf stickers to just the front of the bottle. Shake and enjoy!
Note: As I’ve stated before in several blog posts, I have made a commitment not to purchase new glitter. I haven’t bought glitter for over 3 years! I use what I already have minimally, and mostly inside a sensory jar or bottle which is not meant to be single-use and/or thrown away. Craft mindfully. If you wish to make these with your child and don’t have glitter, ask around instead of buying it new.
What is a Discovery Bottle?
A discovery bottle is just another name for a sensory bottle! Children make discoveries through listening and observation.
What Do You Put in a Fall Sensory Bin?
Clever question! Click the link to see our favorite fall sensory bin, as well as a list of creative fall sensory bin fillers! You may also enjoy our harvest sensory bin. It’s perfect for autumn!
More Sensory Bottle Ideas
- Halloween Sensory Bottles for Kids
- Christmas Sensory Bottles
- How to Make Glitter Jars – All of these ideas can be made in plastic sensory bottles or empty water bottles.
Fall Sensory Bottles
Three mesmerizing fall sensory bottles for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids. They are perfect for safe, no-mess autumn sensory play at home or at school.
Materials
- Sensory bottles
- Fall table scatter
- Straw
- Mini straw hats
- Denim and plaid fabric (we used old clothes)
- Felt (yellow, orange)
- Black pom poms or buttons
- Wiggly eyes
- Glitter
- Clear glue
- Foil leaf stickers
- Double-sided tape
- Distilled water
- Grosgrain ribbon (orange, mustard, red)
Tools
- Scissors
- Pinking shears
Instructions
- After gathering supplies, hop over to the blog post for individual sensory bottle instructions.
- When you are finished, screw the lid on the bottle, then use double-sided tape to secure the ribbon to the lid.
- If desired, seal the cap with super glue.
Notes
Always seal the caps before giving to young children. Always supervise sensory play.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Winlyn 340pcs Mini Fall Leaves Pumpkin Acorns Owl Acrylic Autumn Table Scatter for Fall, Autumn and Thanksgiving -
Ribbons 60 Yards Grosgrain Ribbons Fabric Ribbons, 3/8 Inches 30 Colors, Boutique Ribbons for Gifts Wrapping, DIY Bow Hair Accessories
-
ZMYBCPACK 12 Pack 13.6 OZ (400 ml) Clear PET Plastic Juice Bottles With Black Lids- Plastic Smoothie Bottles Ideal For Juice, Milk and Other Beverage
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