Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, children often experience overwhelming emotions. A glitter jar serves as a simple yet effective tool to help them manage these feelings. This DIY project not only provides a creative outlet but also introduces mindfulness practices to young minds.

You’ll need just a few simple supplies and fun extras to create a soothing, personalized Glitter Jar—perfect for helping kids calm down and connect with their emotions. Everything’s easy to find online at great prices:

Supplies List:

Essentials:
🫙 Clear Jar or Bottle – Plastic for kids or glass for older users – Shop jars
✨ Glitter Glue – About ½ cup for that swirling sparkle – Buy glitter glue
💧 Distilled Water – ½ cup, plus more to fill the jar – Get water here
🌟 Loose Glitter – ½–2 teaspoons in fun, calming colors – Shop glitter

Optional Additions:
🌈 Food Coloring – A few drops to tint the water – Find colors
🧴 Glycerin or Baby Oil – Slows glitter movement for a more calming effect – Buy now
💠 Small Beads or Sequins – Add texture and extra visual interest – Get some
🔥 Hot Glue Gun – To seal the lid and prevent leaks – Grab a glue gun

Stock up on these items and enjoy a mindful DIY moment with your little ones—whether you’re using it for stress relief, bedtime wind-down, or a creative afternoon activity!

What Is a Glitter Jar?

A glitter jar, also known as a calm jar or mindfulness jar, is a sealed container filled with a mixture of water, glue, and glitter. When shaken, the glitter swirls around, creating a mesmerizing effect that gradually settles, symbolizing the calming of turbulent emotions.

Benefits of Using a Glitter Jar

Emotional Regulation: Watching the glitter settle helps children visualize the process of calming down.
Mindfulness Practice: Encourages focus and present-moment awareness.
Sensory Engagement: Provides a tactile and visual experience that can be soothing.
Creative Expression: Allows personalization through color choices and added elements.

How to Make a Glitter Jar for Kids: A Magical Way to Calm Big Feelings

Materials Needed

To create your own glitter jar, gather the following supplies:

Clear Jar or Bottle: Glass or plastic with a tight-fitting lid.
Glitter Glue: Approximately ½ cup.
Distilled Water: ½ cup, plus extra to fill the jar.
Loose Glitter: ½–2 teaspoons; choose colors that resonate.
Hot Glue Gun: For sealing the lid securely.

Optional additions:

Food Coloring: To tint the water.
Glycerin or Baby Oil: Slows the glitter’s descent.
Small Beads or Sequins: Adds variety to the visual effect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Glitter Jar

1. Prepare the Jar

Ensure the jar is clean and dry. This prevents any unwanted reactions or cloudiness in the final product.

2. Combine Water and Glitter Glue

Pour ½ cup of distilled water into the jar, followed by ½ cup of glitter glue. Stir until the glue is fully dissolved, creating a uniform mixture.

3. Add Loose Glitter

Sprinkle in ½–2 teaspoons of loose glitter. Mixing different sizes and colors can enhance the visual appeal.

4. Incorporate Optional Elements

If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the water. For a slower settling effect, include a tablespoon of glycerin or baby oil.

5. Fill the Jar

Top off the jar with additional distilled water, leaving a small space at the top to allow for shaking.

6. Seal the Lid

Apply hot glue around the inside edge of the lid to prevent leaks. Secure the lid tightly and allow the glue to dry completely.

7. Shake and Observe

Once sealed, shake the jar vigorously. Watch as the glitter swirls and gradually settles, creating a calming visual experience.

Using the Glitter Jar for Emotional Calm

Introduce the glitter jar during moments of stress or agitation. Encourage the child to shake the jar and focus on the movement of the glitter as it settles. This practice can help them:

Slow Down: The act of watching the glitter fall promotes a pause in activity.
Breathe Deeply: Pairing the visual with deep breathing enhances relaxation.
Reflect: Provides an opportunity to discuss emotions once calm is restored.

Personalizing Your Glitter Jar

Allowing children to personalize their glitter jars can increase their connection to the tool. Consider the following customization ideas:

Color Choices: Let them select glitter and food coloring that they find soothing.
Themed Additions: Incorporate small items like stars, hearts, or seasonal shapes.
Naming the Jar: Giving the jar a name can create a sense of ownership and familiarity.

Incorporating Glitter Jars into Daily Routine

Regular use of the glitter jar can reinforce its effectiveness. Suggestions include:

Morning Routine: Use it to start the day with calmness.
Transition Times: Employ it during shifts between activities to ease anxiety.
Bedtime Ritual: Integrate it into nighttime routines to promote relaxation.

Safety Considerations

Supervision: Always supervise young children during use to prevent accidents.
Material Selection: Opt for plastic jars for younger users to avoid breakage.
Secure Sealing: Ensure the lid is sealed properly to prevent spills.

Conclusion

Creating a glitter jar is a simple yet powerful way to help children navigate their emotions. This hands-on project not only fosters creativity but also introduces essential mindfulness practices. By incorporating glitter jars into daily routines, children can develop effective coping mechanisms that will serve them throughout their lives.

FAQs

1. Can glitter jars be used with toddlers?

Yes, but it’s advisable to use plastic jars and supervise their use to ensure safety.

2. How long does the glitter take to settle?

Typically, the glitter settles within 2–5 minutes, depending on the viscosity of the mixture.

3. What’s the best glitter glue to use?

Any brand of glitter glue works, but clear glue allows for better visibility of added glitter and colors.

4. Can teens and adults benefit from glitter jars?

Absolutely. Glitter jars can serve as a mindfulness tool for individuals of all ages.

5. Are there alternatives for kids sensitive to glitter?

Yes, consider using colored beads, sequins, or even small paper shapes as substitutes for glitter.

How to Make a Glitter Jar for Kids: A Magical Way to Calm Big Feelings

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 glitter jar 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Create a glitter jar for kids to help calm big emotions. A simple, fun DIY project promoting emotional balance and mindfulness.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup glitter glue

½ cup distilled water

½–2 teaspoons loose glitter (color of choice)

Optional: Food coloring, glycerin, baby oil

Instructions

Pour ½ cup distilled water and ½ cup glitter glue into a jar.
Stir until well combined.
Add ½–2 teaspoons of loose glitter and mix.
Fill the jar with more distilled water, leaving space at the top.
Seal the jar with a hot glue gun.
Shake and enjoy the mesmerizing swirl.

Notes

Add food coloring for a personalized touch.
Use glycerin or baby oil to slow glitter descent for a longer calming effect.
Ensure the lid is securely sealed to avoid leaks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Category: Craft, DIY
Method: DIY
Cuisine: N/A

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 jar
Calories: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Protein: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: Glitter jar, DIY glitter jar, calming jar, emotional regulation, mindfulness jar, glitter craft for kids, glitter jar craft, kids emotional tool