Getting ideas for easy homemade gifts for parents or a teacher gift can be tricky. You’ve probably tried all the usual plastic bottle crafts for kids like a piggy bank or homemade bird feeder so we’ve got something new!

Terrariums are back in fashion as we strive to be more connected with nature, with good reason. Almost everyone has some sort of houseplant. Terrariums are a popular new way to bring plants into the home.

Using simple supplies from the Dollar Store, kids can create these quick and easy upcycled Terrariums in just about 30 minutes. For afternoon fun on a rainy day, this simple project will occupy older kids and teens and stop them getting bored.

They can make a gift that the whole family would enjoy receiving. They are a great way to upcycle plastic bottles. Kids will love to make these simple DIY gifts for parents or grandparents.

Faux plants are an easy way to create a terrarium that looks very effective. When choosing your faux plants, check that they are the right size to fit into the empty water bottle. You can choose any faux plant and different plants will create different shapes in the finished terrarium.

Materials

Clay Pots, 2.5” – Dollar Store
Mini Faux Cactus Plants – Dollar Store
Gingham Ribbon, Black and White or Bright Colors – Dollar Store
Empty Plastic Water Bottles, 8 oz. Size – check your recycling bin or buy at Dollar Store
Natural Jute Twine – Dollar Store
Crinkle Paper, Brown – Dollar Store
Wine Corks – recycling
Acrylic paint (optional) – Dollar Store

Equipment

Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Store
Scissors (may need adult help)

Instructions

Step 1

Gather all supplies. Wash and thoroughly dry three of the 8 oz. empty plastic bottles. Remove the bottle caps. Get an adult to help you remove the labels and plastic rings around the neck of the bottles with scissors. Cut the top portion of the empty bottles off at the first indentation.

This craft only uses the top so please recycle the bottom of the bottle with your other plastic waste.

Step 2

Insert recycled wine corks into each of the water bottle tops. They fit PERFECTLY! Wrap natural jute twine around the neck of each plastic water bottle several times, securing with a knot. Trim any long ends with scissors.

Step 3

Remove the faux cactus from its pot, add some brown crinkle paper, and then glue the cactus back into the pot. Repeat with the other two faux plants.

NOTE: Loose faux plants can be used, just secure a piece of Styrofoam in the bottom of the clay pot first. Then layer on the crinkle paper and insert the plastic cactus.

Step 4

Place the faux cactus pots into the terracotta clay pots and push down to secure. Trim any excess brown crinkle paper with kids’ safety scissors, and then place the top of the bottle on top of the clay pot.

plastic bottle crafts for kids terrarium

Step 5

Attach a piece of ribbon around the rim of the clay pot with a glue gun and glue sticks. Tie a bow, using the ribbon, in a creative way. Trim the ends with scissors, and then glue to the rim of the clay pot. Repeat with the other two clay pots.

Variations

The ribbon shown is black and white but you can also use a colorful alternative, Green, purple and orange ribbons would work well with the green color of the plants.

The natural jute twine can be substituted with shredded tissue paper if you are aiming for a more colorful look.

If you prefer your kid’s craft projects to take more time, then you can paint the clay pots before you make the terrarium. You will need different colors of acrylic paints. There’s a great tutorial here.

You could also add little beach shells, sea glass, pebbles or marbles. Small pieces of driftwood are also effective if you can get them

Another great gift your kids can make is a felt wreath

or they might like to make and gift some pink bubblegum bath bombs

These quick Dollar Store Terrariums go together in just about 30 minutes with limited supplies. They are a great project for older kids who will enjoy upcycling old plastic bottles into a cute gift. This would be an easy project for Earth Day.

This great plastic bottle crafts for kids idea would make a great Mother’s Day gift, teacher appreciation gift or just a special handmade gift for any occasion.

A recycled water bottle activity would be so much fun at a birthday party or sleepover. Each child can put their old water bottle to good use with this easy craft. The best part is that each kid gets to take home an adorable souvenir.

Find all my kids’ craft ideas here >>

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