Sensory bottles are so easy to make. A few simple supplies, a little layering, and you’ve got a mess-free activity that keeps kids engaged without a ton of prep. It’s one of those projects that feels almost too simple—until you see how much they love it.
This rainbow i-spy sensory bottle can be whatever you want it to be. My son is in love with ducks and dinosaurs…so we added both to this one. It’s colorful, calming, and just the right mix of creative and quiet.
Whether you’re teaching color recognition or just trying to keep little hands busy, this bottle brings a little magic to everyday play. You can’t go wrong making this one.
Supplies and Materials
Before you get started, gather everything you need. The great thing about this project is how simple and low-mess it is. I think you’ll already have most of the supplies at home or easily find them at the dollar store.
- Clear plastic bottle with lid (we love using Voss or Smartwater bottles)
- Uncooked rice (white or dyed works great)
- Small objects in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple (one for each color of the rainbow)
- Funnel (optional, but helpful for younger kids)
- Super glue or hot glue (to seal the lid and keep everything safely inside)
How to Make a Rainbow I Spy Sensory Bottle
This part is quick and easy, but kids love helping too. Be sure to let them help with choosing which tiny treasure goes in for each color. Maybe set up a little assembly line and let them take charge of the layering.
- Layer Rice and Objects: Pour in a small amount of rice, then drop in one colorful object. You can use beads, buttons, pom-poms, or tiny toys—whatever you have on hand that fits the color.
- Repeat Layers: Keep layering—rice, then object—rotating through the rainbow colors as you go.
- Continue Until Full: Stop just before the bottle is completely full. Leave about an inch of space at the top so the rice and items can move around when shaken.
- Seal the Lid: Use super glue or hot glue to secure the lid. This step is important if little hands will be playing with it—no one wants a rice explosion!
- Shake and Spy: Once it’s sealed, give it a gentle shake and start spotting the colors. Kids can tilt, roll, and flip the bottle to uncover the rainbow objects hidden inside.
Benefits of a Rainbow I Spy Sensory Bottle
This bottle might look simple, but it packs in a lot of early learning and sensory goodness. It’s especially great for toddlers, preschoolers, or kids who need a calm activity during transitions.
Color Recognition: A fun way to reinforce the colors of the rainbow, one treasure at a time.
Visual Scanning: Kids build tracking and observation skills as they hunt for each tiny object.
Fine Motor Practice: Rolling, tilting, and shaking the bottle helps develop coordination and hand control.
Calming Activity: The soft sound of rice, the slow movement, and the quiet focus make this perfect for calming corners or sensory breaks.
Language & Memory: You’ll hear your child describing, naming, and even creating little stories about what they find—and that’s language development at work.
Tips for Customizing Your Bottle
This project is flexible and easy to personalize. You can make it fit your child’s age, interests, or sensory needs with just a few tweaks.
- Use colored rice for an extra visual pop (just mix white rice with food coloring and vinegar, then let it dry).
- Add glitter or sequins for kids who love sparkle and shine.
- Make it themed—try using animal-shaped items, tiny letters, or seasonal objects instead of just colors.
- Create a checklist for older kids to mark off what they find (you can even laminate it and use a dry erase marker).
Ideas to Keep the Fun Going
Looking to take this activity further? These little add-ons turn a simple sensory bottle into a more intentional learning tool.
- Play “Find and Tell” – Ask your child to find something red, then describe it using 2–3 details.
- Sort and Match – Use loose matching items outside of the bottle and have your child guess which ones are hidden inside.
- Story Starters – Let your child make up a story about one of the items they found. How did that tiny green frog end up in the rainbow bottle?
Other Sensory Bottles You’ll Want to Try
- Dinosaur sensory bottle
- Ocean Sensory Bottle
- Fall Sensory Bottle
- Watermelon Summer Sensory Bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this activity best for?
This sensory bottle is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers (around ages 2–6), but even older kids enjoy the challenge of finding all the hidden rainbow treasures. Always supervise young children, especially if small objects are involved.
Can I use something other than rice?
Yes! Dry pasta, lentils, colored sand, or even dry beans work well. Just keep in mind that the size and texture will affect how easily kids can find the objects inside.
Do I need to glue the lid?
Yes—especially if little hands will be shaking and rolling it. A quick bead of super glue or hot glue around the inside of the lid will keep everything safely sealed and avoid accidental messes.
Where can I find small objects in rainbow colors?
Party favor packs, dollar store trinkets, craft beads, buttons, pom-poms, or small erasers are all great options. Just make sure they’re small enough to fit through the bottle opening but large enough to be visible in the rice.
Can I make this a travel toy?
Absolutely! Once sealed, the bottle is a great screen-free option for car rides, waiting rooms, or quiet time on the go.
How can I make it more educational?
Use it to practice color sorting, counting, or memory games. You can even make a mini checklist and challenge your child to find all six colors and describe each item they spot.
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