DIY Christmas Snow Globe Craft for Kids

What You'll Need

• Clear plastic cups or jars (e.g., disposable drinking cups, small plastic containers)

• White craft snow or fine white glitter (can also use salt or rice)

• Assorted glitter (silver, gold, iridescent)

• Small holiday-themed stickers or cut-outs (e.g., snowmen, Christmas trees, presents, stars, moons)

• Strong, clear glue (e.g., craft glue, hot glue - with adult supervision) or strong double-sided tape

• Cardboard, thick paper, or plastic lids for the base

• Scissors (adult use)

Getting Started

Gather all your materials in a clear workspace. Prepare the base for your snow globe by cutting a circle slightly larger than the rim of your plastic cup/jar from cardboard or thick paper. If using a plastic lid, ensure it fits securely.

How to Do This Activity

• Prepare Your Scene: Turn your clear plastic cup/jar upside down. This will be the dome of your snow globe.

• Decorate the Inside: Have your child choose their favorite holiday stickers or cut-outs. Help them peel and stick these onto the inside walls of the plastic cup/jar, creating a festive scene. Encourage them to place some higher and some lower.

• Add the Snow: Once the stickers are in place, turn the cup right side up. Pour a generous amount of white craft snow or fine glitter into the cup. Add a sprinkle of assorted colored glitter for extra sparkle.

• Seal the Base: Carefully place the prepared cardboard base over the opening of the cup, ensuring all the 'snow' and glitter stays inside. Apply a line of strong glue around the rim of the cup and firmly press the base onto it, creating a secure seal. If using hot glue, an adult should do this step. Alternatively, you can use strong tape to secure the base.

• Let it Dry: Allow the glue to dry completely according to the product instructions.

• Shake and Enjoy: Once dry, flip your snow globe over and give it a gentle shake to watch the 'snow' and glitter swirl around your holiday scene!

Tips for Parents

• Supervise closely, especially when using glue or scissors.

• Encourage children to talk about their chosen decorations and the winter scene they are creating.

• Allow children to choose their own stickers and decide on the arrangement to foster independence and creativity.

• Discuss the different colors and shapes of the glitter and stickers.

Ways to Extend

• Themed Globes: Create snow globes with different themes (e.g., forest animals, outer space, ocean) using appropriate stickers and colored 'snow'.

• Add Figurines: For older children, instead of stickers, use small plastic figurines (e.g., mini snowmen, tiny trees) that can be glued to the inside of the base before sealing.

• Water Globes (for older kids and adult supervision): For a more traditional snow globe, use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Glue figurines to the inside of the lid. Fill the jar with distilled water, a few drops of glycerin (to make glitter fall slower), and glitter. Screw the lid on tightly with waterproof sealant.

• Gift Giving: Once completed, these DIY snow globes make wonderful handmade gifts for family and friends during the holidays.