HOW TO MAKE A SNOW GLOBE WITHOUT GLYCERIN
A snow globe is a holiday staple in my household! Like seriously, can you even think of a better easy DIY Christmas craft? Didn’t think so. Not only are they beautiful decorations, but they provide an unforgettable experience for your kids. Better yet, they can be stored for ages and enjoyed for many years to come.
Shaking a snow globe and watching the flurry of glitter settle and reveal a picturesque winter scene is downright magical. I’m not even exaggerating If you want to elevate the experience further, have your children make their own snow globes!
You can probably make snow globes with things you already have in the craft room or pantry. A lot of snow globes include glycerin, but they don’t have to!
So, today, I am breaking down how you can make snow globes at home with your kids—no glycerin required. It’s simple, engaging, and the perfect holiday sensory activity!
Here’s what you need to do. Let’s go!
HOW TO MAKE A SNOW GLOBE WITHOUT GLYCERIN
If you want to make a snow globe but want to use things you can buy locally or grab from around the house, there are a lot of options! You can make snow globes with clear glue, water, or light corn syrup. The most similar in consistency is corn syrup, so that’s my top choice! And it’s safe for little hands, making it ideal in any scenario.
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that’s often used in foods, medicines, and beauty products. It’s an odorless liquid with a thick consistency similar to corn syrup.
Is Glycerin Safe For Kids?
Glycerin is considered safe for kids, but it’s not advised to be ingested. It can cause lots of digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
How To Make a DIY Snow Globe Without Glycerin
Materials
Decorations/plastic toys
Water
Instructions
Step 1: Decorate the lid of your jar.
Put the mason jar lid top down on the table and hot glue plastic toys and other decorations to the inner lid. I like these woodland figures, these penguins, or these Christmas figures for our snow globes!
Make sure you can still screw the lid on, so don’t get too wide or interfere with the threading. Build vertically!
Then, let it dry before continuing.
Step 2: Add corn syrup, water, and glitter.
Next, fill the jar almost full with corn syrup. Then, add a little water and a few teaspoons of glitter. It’s not an exact science, so don’t overthink the ratios.
Step 3: Screw on the lid, shake, and flip.
Carefully screw on the lid, shake the snow globe, and flip it upside down so the jar lid becomes the bottom of the snow globe. Now, you can enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland you created!
Can you bring a snow globe on an airplane?
Yes! You sure can! But you just need to know that there are some guidelines to keep in mind, especially when you want to fly with it in your carry-on luggage. The snow globe can’t exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) if you're bringing it in your carry-on bag. This is because the TSA liquid rule applies to ANYTHING with a liquid inside, sadly including snow globes.
Luckily, if the snow globe is larger than the limit, you can easily pack it in your checked luggage without issue, as the liquid restriction doesn't apply to checked baggage. Just make sure you pack it up tight with foam, bubble wrap, or soft cushion. Just note that if you're flying internationally, some countries have additional restrictions on bringing in liquids or items containing liquids. You will need to do your due diligence to check out the specific regulations for your destination country.
How to store snow globes
Storing snow globes properly is SUPER important when it comes to being able to maintain their condition and prevent any damage. This is especially true for fun DIY snow globes that aren’t as hardy as store-bought ones. All snow globes can be delicate and prone to breakage or fading so safe storage is everything.
Make sure you choose a safe, cool, and dry location with low humidity. You may even want to put your snow globes up high in a display cabinet to stop breakage from little hands. For long-term storage, you can wrap them in bubble wrap or foam, and make sure they’re ALWAYS upright to avoid leakage.
Create snow globes and lasting memories with your child this holiday!
These snow globes are a lot of fun. So, if your family falls in love with this craft, make them for other holidays too! You could use glitter hearts for Valentine’s Day, spooky miniatures for Halloween, or large transparent eggs for Easter!
For more festive holiday crafts like this one, our plastic cup ornaments, and our cranberry garland, head to the Mothercould blog and download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource. They’re FULL of sensory crafts and activities that’ll keep your kids entertained all day long!