DIY Snow Globe for Kids: Easy Mason Jar Craft, Free Printable

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What can you put in a homemade snowglobe?

The best snowglobes start with a strong theme and a waterproof figure. Here are ideas grouped by scene, filling and finishing touches to help you build one today.

Winter scenes to recreate

1. A tiny snowman made from white modelling clay
2. A plastic reindeer or toy deer from an old set
3. A little fir tree cut from green craft foam
4. A snowy cottage shaped from air dry clay
5. A toy penguin or polar bear figure
6. A sledging child made from a small doll
7. A robin perched on a twig fixed to the lid
8. A tiny gift box wrapped in foil
9. A frosty gingerbread house from clay
10. A pair of ice skaters on a mirror pond

What to use for the snow

1. Fine white or silver glitter for classic snow
2. Iridescent glitter for a frosty shimmer
3. Tiny foam or plastic beads for fat snowflakes
4. A pinch of fine sand for a gentle drift
5. Crushed silver sequins for sparkle
6. Biodegradable glitter if you prefer it
7. A mix of two glitter sizes for depth
8. White glitter plus a little blue for dusk
9. Snowflake shaped confetti for a slower fall

Finishing and display ideas

1. Tie a ribbon bow around the jar neck
2. Add a gift tag with a name for presents
3. Paint the lid gold or silver once dry
4. Glue a felt base so it does not scratch
5. Line up several jars for a snowy village
6. Add a battery tea light behind for a glow
7. Write the year on the base in marker
8. Stick a small star on top of the lid
9. Wrap the jar in tissue for giving

How to make a snowglobe, step by step

1. Wash and dry a small jar with a tight lid.
2. Glue your figure firmly to the inside of the lid and let it dry.
3. Fill the jar with water and add a few drops of glycerine.
4. Stir in a spoon of glitter, then screw the lid on tightly.
5. Turn it over, give it a shake and watch the snow fall.

Ways to use your snowglobe

• Handmade Christmas gift. A named snowglobe makes a lovely present for a grandparent or teacher. Wrap it in tissue and add a tag.
• Calm down corner. Keep one on a shelf for a quiet moment. Shaking it and watching the snow settle can help a busy child slow down.
• Advent countdown. Make a new mini scene each weekend of December. By Christmas you will have a little snowy village on the windowsill.
• Craft afternoon station. Set up a snowglobe table alongside other quiet activities like the Rainbow Scratch Paper so everyone has a go.
• Story prompt. Ask your child what is happening inside their globe and write a short winter story together.

Craft and gifts for a snowy Christmas

Pair your snowglobe making with other calm, creative sets for the festive season. These make thoughtful gifts and keep little hands busy on cold days.

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Snowglobes by age and key stage

What children learn from making a snowglobe

• Fine motor control. Gluing small figures, pouring glitter and tightening lids all build steady hands and a careful grip.
• Planning. Choosing a scene and gathering materials helps children think ahead and work in order.
• Early science. Watching glitter fall at different speeds opens up talk about weight, water and how things sink.
• Creativity. Designing a winter world inside a jar invites imagination and personal choices.
• Patience. Waiting for glue to dry and watching the snow settle teaches children to slow down and enjoy the result.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

Making a snowglobe can become a yearly December ritual. Keep the empty jars after Christmas and bring them out again next winter to refresh the scene. Children love comparing this year's globe with last year's, and writing the date on the base turns a craft into a keepsake. A quiet snowglobe afternoon is a gentle way to mark the season together.

Frequently asked questions

What liquid goes inside a snowglobe?

Plain water works well, with a few drops of glycerine to slow the glitter down. You can also use a mix of water and clear glue for a thicker, slower snowfall.

Why does my glitter fall too fast?

Add a little more glycerine or clear glue to thicken the water. Finer glitter also floats for longer than heavier pieces.

How do I stop my snowglobe leaking?

Make sure the lid is screwed on firmly. For extra hold, run a line of waterproof glue around the inside of the lid rim and let it dry fully before turning the jar over.

What figure can I use inside?

Anything small and waterproof, such as a plastic animal, a clay shape or a foam tree. Avoid paper or anything that will go soggy.

Is this safe for young children?

Keep the figure gluing and lid sealing to an adult, and supervise throughout. Glitter and small parts are not for babies who still mouth things, and scissors should be adult held.

Can we make it without water?

Yes. A dry globe with glitter and a figure still looks lovely and avoids any leaks, which suits younger children well.

What makes a good gift version?

Choose a themed figure, tie a ribbon and add a name tag. See the gift ideas above for craft sets to pair with it.

How long does it take?

About 20 minutes to build, plus drying time for the glue. It is worth letting the lid glue set fully so the figure stays put.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.