Crafting Magic: Where to Find the Best Sensory Bottle Materials Online and Offline

Let’s dive deep into the world of sensory bottle materials! This post will guide you through the best places to buy everything you need, whether you’re shopping online or offline, in the U.S., Germany, or Asia. Let’s get started! 🛒✨ The number of $ show how expensive the stores are.

Bottles 🍼

Personally, I love using smoothie bottles for our sensory crafts. They’re the perfect size for Luca’s little hands. Plus, I get to enjoy a delicious smoothie first! I’ve found some fantastic smoothie bottles at Aldi, Lidl, and Globus. (Though it’s a bit of a bummer that there’s now a Pfand in Germany.) Aldi even had some cool square ones!

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Michaels ($$) – Michaels is a haven for crafters. They offer a variety of clear plastic and glass bottles perfect for sensory projects.
2. Joann Fabrics ($$) – Another great option for craft supplies, Joann Fabrics carries a range of containers that can be used for sensory bottles.
3. Dollar Tree ($) – If you’re on a budget, Dollar Tree is your best bet. They have a decent selection of plastic bottles for just a dollar each
4. Supermarkets like Walmart ($) – Check your local supermarket for smoothie bottles, coffee containers, energy drinks. I’ve found a lot of suitable bottles this way.

German Stores

1. TEDi ($) – TEDi is my go to place for cheap craft supplies. They offer some clear bottles (albeit not many) that are perfect for sensory projects.
2. Action ($) – This store is known for its budget-friendly prices and I’ve seen mostly glass bottles.
3. Müller ($$) – Müller carries a wider range of high-quality bottles and other craft supplies.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – My go to place for craft stuff in Korea. Daiso is a Japanese store known for its affordable prices. They offer a variety of bottles (and other stuff I never leave empty handed) that are perfect for sensory projects.
2. Local Craft Stores ($-$$) – You should definitely check traditional markets like for example Dongdaemun. Depending on your location, local craft stores in Asia can have unique and affordable options.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon has a huge selection of bottles in all shapes and sizes. You can find both budget-friendly and high-end options.
2. Etsy ($$) – If you’re looking for something unique, Etsy has handmade and vintage bottles that can add a special touch to your sensory bottles. They are a bit more pricy. Or you can get the finished sensory bottle if you don’t like crafting.
3. AliExpress ($) – For bulk purchases at low prices, AliExpress is a great option. Just be prepared for longer shipping times.
4. Temu ($) – looks pretty much like a second Aliexpress. They have a lot of affordable bottles too.

If you are looking for VOSS bottles I heard some got them at Kroger’s some at Walmart. You can also get them on Amazon. They are even available at some German stores (Getränkemarkt).

Liquids 💧

Ok the cheapest option of all is to leave the bottles empty or to use water. You might also add clear glue or baby oil.

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Walmart ($) – Walmart carries basic liquids like baby oil and glycerin, which are great for sensory bottles.
2. Target ($$) – Target offers a range of options, including colored water and glitter glue.
3. Hobby Lobby ($$) – You can find specialty liquids like clear glue and liquid soap here.

German Stores

1. Rossmann ($) – This store offers a variety of household liquids that can be used in sensory bottles.
2. DM ($) – Similar to Rossmann, DM has a good selection of baby oil, glycerin, and other useful liquids.
3. Müller ($$) – Müller also offers a range of specialty craft liquids.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – Daiso carries various liquids like clear glue and baby oil, perfect for sensory bottles.
2. Local Pharmacies ($-$$) – Pharmacies often carry glycerin and other useful liquids.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon offers a vast selection of liquids, from basic baby oil to specialty glycerin and clear glue.
2. Etsy ($$) – For unique and handcrafted liquid options, Etsy is worth checking out.
3. AliExpress ($) – For budget-friendly bulk liquids, AliExpress is a good choice.

Glues 🧴

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Michaels ($$) – Michaels has a great selection of craft glues, including clear glue and glitter glue.
2. Joann Fabrics ($$) – Another reliable source for various types of glue.
3. Dollar Tree ($) – Budget-friendly options for basic glue types.

German Stores

1. TEDi ($) – TEDi offers affordable glue options, including clear and colored glues.
2. Action ($) – Known for its low prices, Action has a decent selection of glues.
3. Müller ($$) – Müller carries high-quality craft glues.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – Daiso’s glue selection is both affordable and varied, perfect for all your sensory bottle needs.
2. Local Craft Stores ($-$$) – Depending on the location, you can find a variety of glue types.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon’s selection includes all types of glue, from budget to high-end.
2. Etsy ($$) – Unique and handcrafted glue options can be found here.
3. AliExpress ($) – For bulk glue purchases, AliExpress is a great option.

Funnels & Measuring Tools ⚖️

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Walmart ($) – Affordable funnels and measuring tools are available here.
2. Target ($$) – A variety of high-quality kitchen tools that work perfectly for crafting.
3. Dollar Tree ($) – Budget-friendly options for basic tools.

German Stores

1. TEDi ($) – TEDi offers inexpensive funnels and measuring tools.
2. Action ($) – Low-cost options for various crafting tools.
3. Müller ($$) – High-quality tools can be found here.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – Daiso’s kitchen section has a variety of affordable tools perfect for crafting.
2. Local Hardware Stores ($-$$) – Various tools can be found depending on the location.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon has a wide range of kitchen tools that are perfect for sensory bottle crafting.
2. AliExpress ($) – For budget-friendly bulk purchases, AliExpress is a great option.
3. Etsy ($$) – Unique and handcrafted measuring tools can be found here.

Fillers 🎨

If you wonder where to buy small objects for sensory bottles the cheapest idea is to look in nature and collect your own filler materials. Like acorns, nuts, leaves, stones, sand and sticks. (I found so many cute acorns). For small figurines, stones, sequins, pearls and more you can check the following stores.

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Michaels ($$) – Michaels offers a wide variety of fillers, including glitter, beads, and sand.
2. Joann Fabrics ($$) – Another great option for high-quality fillers.
3. Dollar Tree ($) – Budget-friendly options for fillers like rice, pasta, and small toys.

German Stores

1. TEDi ($) – TEDi’s selection of affordable fillers includes beads, sand, and small toys. Try the 20ct section. I got the cutest snowman figure for just 20ct. There is also a 50ct and a 1€ section.
2. Action ($) – Known for its low prices, Action has a great selection of fillers. I saw some owl figures. You might check the toy section.
3. Müller ($$) – Müller carries a range of high-quality beads and filler materials and they have a huge toy section.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – Daiso offers a variety of fillers at affordable prices.
2. Local Craft Stores ($-$$) – Depending on the location, you can find unique fillers.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon’s selection of fillers includes everything from glitter to beads and more.
2. Etsy ($$) – For unique and handcrafted fillers, Etsy is the place to go. Especially if you look for cute dolls and feathers.
3. AliExpress ($) – Budget-friendly bulk fillers can be found here.

Decorations & Stickers 🌟

Offline Stores

U.S. Stores

1. Michaels ($$) – Michaels has a great selection of decorations and stickers perfect for sensory bottles.
2. Joann Fabrics ($$) – Another reliable source for high-quality decorations and stickers.
3. Dollar Tree ($) – Budget-friendly options for basic decorations and stickers.

German Stores

1. TEDi ($) – TEDi offers affordable decorations and stickers.
2. Action ($) – Known for its low prices, Action has a decent selection of decorations.
3. Müller ($$) – Müller carries high-quality decorations and stickers.

Asian Stores

1. Daiso ($) – Daiso’s selection of decorations and stickers is both affordable and varied.
2. Local Craft Stores ($-$$) – Depending on the location, you can find a variety of decorations.

Online Stores

1. Amazon ($-$$) – Amazon’s selection includes all types of decorations and stickers.
2. Etsy ($$) – Unique and handcrafted decorations can be found here.
3. AliExpress ($) – For budget-friendly bulk purchases, AliExpress is a great option.