Try these easy DIY ornament shakers, an engaging Christmas sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers using simple, fillable ornaments.
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If you’re looking for a simple Christmas activity that kids actually love, these Sensory Christmas Ornaments are perfect! Clear plastic ornaments can be filled with everyday objects, creating exciting shake-and-roll toys that spark curiosity and hands-on exploration. My kids had so much fun choosing what to put inside each ornament, and they loved discovering the different sounds, colors, and movements when they shook or rolled them. It’s an easy holiday activity that works for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids, and it’s easy to store for future play.
This playful idea encourages fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and early cause-and-effect learning—all wrapped up in magical Christmas fun. My son especially loved rolling and shaking the ornaments to hear the different sounds they made, and there are so many simple activities kids can enjoy once the ornaments are finished. Check out all the activities and print the directions, available for your convenience at the end of this post.
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Christmas Sensory Activity: Easy DIY Ornament Shakers
⭐ Supplies
- Clear plastic fillable ornaments (shatter-proof)
- Items to fill the ornaments with (This Christmas Sensory Kit has so many fun supplies)
- Pom poms
- Mini Christmas erasers
- Jingle bells
- Sequins
- Paper clips
- Pretend snow
- Rice
- Beads
- Buttons
- Clear tape or super glue (to seal ornaments for safe sensory play)
⭐ Directions
Step 1: Add Sensory Fillers
Open the plastic ornaments. Invite kids to choose from puff balls, mini erasers, paper clips, jingle bells, sequins, marshmallows, fake snow or any other small holiday-themed objects.
Step 2: Close and Seal
Snap the ornament shut and seal the seam with clear tape.
For long-term use, add a small line of super glue before closing to keep everything safely inside.
Step 3: Play!
Kids can shake, roll, tap, and explore the ornaments.
Each one looks and sounds different, giving children endless sensory fun.
Activities Kids Can Do With Their Sensory Ornament Shakers
1. Christmas Rhythm & Dance Party: Turn on holiday music and let kids shake their ornaments along with the beat. Turn off the music and have the kids freeze and stop shaking and dancing. When the music starts, have them dance and shake. This builds listening skills, rhythm, and gross motor coordination.
2. Sound Sorting: Quiet vs. Loud Ornaments: Have kids shake two ornaments and decide:
• Which one is louder?
• Which one is softer?
• Can they sort all ornaments into “quiet” and “loud” groups?
This strengthens auditory discrimination and early science skills.
3. Hide-and-Seek Ornament Hunt: Hide the sensory ornaments around the room or under cups.
Kids shake each one to discover the sounds and match them to what’s inside.
4. Rolling Races Across the Floor: If the ornaments are round, kids can gently roll them like balls.
See which ornament rolls fastest or farthest, an intro to basic physics and motion.
5. Guess What’s Inside, Sound Mystery Game: Have kids close their eyes and shake an ornament and guess the filler. Then open their eyes and see if they are right.
6. Color Hunt Challenge: Ask kids to find something in the room that matches the color inside their ornament (like pom poms or sequins).
7. Christmas Storytime Shakers: Pair shaker ornaments with holiday read-alouds. Kids shake softly for “snow” or loudly for “Santa’s sleigh arriving.” This keeps kids engaged during storytime and helps them explore the sense of sound.
8. Christmas Pattern Play: Kids create simple shaking patterns, shake, shake, pause… shake!
You can clap a pattern first and have them copy using their shakers.
9. Ornament Obstacle Course: Set up a simple course (tunnels, pillows, cones). Kids carry their shaker ornament through without dropping it, building balance and focus.
10. Sensory Calm-Down Time: Softly shaking or rolling an ornament can serve as a soothing activity when kids need a reset.
Print the Directions:
Christmas Ornament Shakers and Activities for Kids
Materials
- Clear plastic fillable ornaments (shatter-proof)
- Items to fill the ornaments with pom poms, mini erasers, pretend snow, buttons, beads, ribbon pieces, rice, glitter, mini beads
- Clear tape or super glue (to seal ornaments for safe sensory play)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add Sensory FillersOpen the plastic ornaments. Invite kids to choose from puff balls, mini erasers, paper clips, jingle bells, sequins, marshmallows, fake snow or any other small holiday-themed objects.
- Step 2: Close and SealSnap the ornament shut and seal the seam with clear tape. For long-term use, add a small line of super glue before closing to keep everything safely inside.
- Step 3: Play!Kids can shake, roll, tap, and explore the ornaments. Each one looks and sounds different, giving children endless sensory fun.
Notes
Activities Kids Can Do With Their Sensory Ornament Shakers
1. Christmas Rhythm & Dance Party: Turn on holiday music and let kids shake their ornaments along with the beat. Turn off the music and have the kids freeze and stop shaking and dancing. When the music starts, have them dance and shake. This builds listening skills, rhythm, and gross motor coordination. 2. Sound Sorting: Quiet vs. Loud Ornaments: Have kids shake two ornaments and decide:• Which one is louder?
• Which one is softer?
• Can they sort all ornaments into “quiet” and “loud” groups?
This strengthens auditory discrimination and early science skills. 3. Hide-and-Seek Ornament Hunt: Hide the sensory ornaments around the room or under cups.
Kids shake each one to discover the sounds and match them to what’s inside. 4. Rolling Races Across the Floor: If the ornaments are round, kids can gently roll them like balls.
See which ornament rolls fastest or farthest, an intro to basic physics and motion. 5. Guess What’s Inside, Sound Mystery Game: Have kids close their eyes and shake an ornament and guess the filler. Then open their eyes and see if they are right. 6. Color Hunt Challenge: Ask kids to find something in the room that matches the color inside their ornament (like pom poms or sequins). 7. Christmas Storytime Shakers: Pair shaker ornaments with holiday read-alouds. Kids shake softly for “snow” or loudly for “Santa’s sleigh arriving.” This keeps kids engaged during storytime and helps them explore the sense of sound. 8. Christmas Pattern Play: Kids create simple shaking patterns, shake, shake, pause… shake!
You can clap a pattern first and have them copy using their shakers. 9. Ornament Obstacle Course: Set up a simple course (tunnels, pillows, cones). Kids carry their shaker ornament through without dropping it, building balance and focus. 10. Sensory Calm-Down Time: Softly shaking or rolling an ornament can serve as a soothing activity when kids need a reset.