I-Spy jars are simple to make and an easy way to entertain your toddler at home or on the go. These jars are suitable for any age, even babies, with supervision.
One thing both of my kids have loved to do since they first learned to talk is tell me all about what they see.
“Look, Mom! A tree!”
“Two birds!”
“DOGGIE!”
I love that they are observant and curious about the world around them.
To promote their curiosity and attention to detail, I like to make I-Spy jars.
An I-Spy jar is simply a recycled plastic jar filled with interesting small objects and an opaque filler like rice or sand.
I love having one of these around because it’s a great way for kids to explore small objects without the risk of them trying to eat the objects or lose them.
How to Play with an I-Spy Jar at Any Age
Depending on the age of the child, they can play with this jar in different ways.
- Babies can examine the jar while laying on their tummies. They can roll or shake the jar and observe the objects and the movement of the rice around the objects.
- Toddlers can describe the objects they see as they roll the jar in their hands. Parents can prompt toddlers to look for certain objects in the jar.
- Preschool-aged children and older can play I-Spy with the jar. (One player says, “I spy with my little eye something that is [insert color name].” The other player guesses what that object is based on the color clue.)
Making an I-Spy Jar
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Supplies
To make an I-Spy jar, you will need a clear container. I recycled an old peanut butter jar for this example. I have also used old gummy vitamin jars. Those are great because the lid is already child-proof so you don’t need to glue it shut.
TIP: Use an adhesive remover like Goo-Gone to remove any sticky residue from the jar.
You’ll also need a neutral filler like uncooked rice or sand, and small objects of any kind.
Kids can help you find interesting objects to put in the jar, like my daughter has done in this photo. She chose pom poms, rubber bands, toy animal figurines, and other little knick-knacks.
7 Favorite Themes for I-Spy Jars
Additionally, you can create an I-Spy jar with a specific theme in mind.
I have plenty of ideas for you to try. My absolute favorite is at the bottom of this list, so read through to the end!
- Animals: Under this umbrella, you can get more specific.
- Letters and numbers: Choose the letters in your child’s name, all numbers, or a mix of upper- and lowercase examples of one letter (such as, Aa).
- Rainbow
- Include a variety of craft items or toys in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
- pom poms
- colored pasta (find the tutorial HERE)
- crayons
- recycled food pouch lids and bottle caps
- buttons
- Include a variety of craft items or toys in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
- Shapes
- Things that Go
- mini cars, trucks, boats, etc.
- Favorite characters: Place mini figurines of your child’s favorite characters from TV shows, movies, or books. Here are some of my kids’ favorites!
- Cute Things: Ok, I realize this is a very vague theme. But kids love little cute things! I have a few examples linked below, but I encourage you to search Amazon for “slime charms” as there are a ton of items perfect for I-Spy jars.
Build Your Jar
Once you’ve done the fun part of choosing a theme and finding all the little objects you’ll need, fill your jar!
I find it’s best to place the largest items in first, then fill in with the smaller things and, finally, the rice or sand.
Do not fill your jar with too many interesting objects. I shoot for two-thirds full so that there is enough room for the rice to fill in the cracks and create negative space.
Cap Your Jar and Play
Once everything is in, screw the lid on tightly.
You can glue the lid shut if you want. My kids have not tried to get the objects out of the jar, but if you just need the peace of mind, go for it!
Now you are ready to shake, roll, and play I-Spy!
It’s Your Turn
Did you make an I-Spy jar of your own? Tell me about it in the comments below. Describe your theme (if you had one) and include any tips you may have for other readers!