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2-3 years20-30 minEasy

Homemade Music Shakers

The first time my son discovered he could make a rice-filled water bottle sound like a maraca, our living room turned into an instant dance party. Homemade music shakers are pure joy—part craft, part instrument, part toddler-approved excuse to make as much noise as humanly possible. We've made shakers from yogurt containers, baby food jars, formula tins, and empty spice bottles. Each one sounds different, and my son had strong opinions about which one was best for which song. Spoiler: the loudest one always won.

Homemade Music Shakers

Age Safety Note

The single most important safety step is sealing the containers tightly. Use strong packing tape or hot glue (adult only) around every lid so dried beans and rice can't escape into curious mouths. Beans and small pasta are choking hazards if loose. Choose containers without sharp edges—plastic is safer than glass or metal cans with cut rims. Always shake-test each container yourself before handing it over to confirm nothing rattles loose. Supervise during play to ensure no one bites the container.

Why This Activity Works

Music engages every part of a toddler's brain. Shaking an instrument builds rhythm, coordination, and gross motor control. Different fillings make different sounds, which teaches cause and effect (small rice = soft, big beans = loud). Decorating the shakers extends fine motor skills. And making music together is a powerful bonding experience—singing, dancing, and shaking shakers as a family creates memories and joy. There's also something deeply empowering for a toddler about creating their own instrument; they made this sound exist.

Materials Needed

  • Empty containers with lids

    Yogurt cups, water bottles, spice jars, plastic eggs—variety is key.

  • Fillers

    Rice, dried beans, lentils, dried pasta, sand, popcorn kernels.

  • Strong tape

    Packing tape or duct tape to seal lids securely.

  • Hot glue (adult only)

    For extra security around lids.

  • Stickers and markers

    For decorating the outside.

Prep Tips (Before You Start)

  • 1Gather and wash containers ahead of time—dry completely before filling.
  • 2Pre-measure fillings into small cups so toddlers can pour without spilling too much.
  • 3Pre-tear tape pieces and have them ready.
  • 4Test seal each container yourself by shaking hard before play.
  • 5Have a playlist of upbeat kid music ready to go for the post-craft dance party.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Show your toddler the containers and fillings. Let them touch and explore.
  2. 2Help them choose a container and a filling. 'Beans or rice?'
  3. 3Pour the filling together—about one-third full is the sweet spot.
  4. 4Adult secures the lid tightly with tape and/or hot glue.
  5. 5Hand back to your toddler and demonstrate shaking. Listen to the sound.
  6. 6Make a second shaker with different filling and compare sounds.
  7. 7Decorate with stickers and markers.
  8. 8Turn on music and start a dance party with the new instruments.

Fun Variations to Try

  • •Make a 'shaker band' with siblings or friends—each with a different sound.
  • •Use clear bottles so kids can see the fillings move when shaken.
  • •Add rice in one container and beads in another for compare-and-contrast.
  • •Try rhythm games: shake fast, shake slow, shake-stop-shake.

Cleanup Tips

  • Store shakers in a basket for easy access.
  • Check tape seals periodically; re-tape if loosening.
  • Sweep up any spilled rice or beans immediately.
  • Save shakers—they get used for years.

Real Parent Story

"Lila is in her loud phase. Everything is shouted, banged, and stomped. So I figured—why fight it? We made shakers one afternoon out of empty spice jars. She decorated hers with about three hundred stickers. Then we put on her favorite music and shook them together. Twenty minutes of shaking, dancing, and giggling. By the end she was sweaty and happy and exhausted in the best way. Now anytime she's grumpy, I pull out the shakers. Instant mood reset. Best craft project we ever did."

— Tomas, dad of 3-year-old Lila

Bonus Tips From Parents

  • Lentils make the softest sound; popcorn kernels are loudest.
  • Tape multiple shakers together for a double-noise instrument.
  • Adults can join the band too—dignity is overrated.
  • Make shakers as birthday party favors; kids love them.

References & Further Reading

General guidance we rely on when writing activities. These are broad resources rather than sources for this specific craft.

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