Baby and Kids
The Best Homemade Playdough Recipe and DIY Sensory Kit
You’ve probably seen those sensory clay kits selling for $25-40. These sensory kits are perfect for little hands, and are the best way to keep toddlers busy. But there had to be a more affordable option, so I decided to try to make my own. I did some research and went all out, making my own homemade playdough, too. It’s soft, easy to make, lasts a long time, and costs a lot less than store-bought options. Years later, my kids still love sensory jars and playdough. It’s great for kids of all ages. We use them at restaurants, on planes, and they keep my kids busy at home, too. Here’s my recipe for the best playdough.
The Best Homemade Playdough Recipe and DIY Sensory Kit
We introduced my first daughter to playdough when she was just a toddler, but years later, my 4 and 6 year olds still love it. it’s one of the few activities they will do with their toddler brother. These sets are always a hit and are a great way keep kids engaged and busy. At first, I ordered a few little baubles and embellishments on Etsy to use with the store-bought dough that we already had. But I decided to try my hand at a homemade play dough recipe, with simple, natural ingredients. And it was so easy! just whip up a quick batch of playdough and put everything in 16 oz. airtight container which is much easier than storing in a huge box. You can make it in your kids’ favorite colors, and have brand new, colorful dough whenever you need it.
Sensory kits and jars are great for young children. They keep kids engaged and can be themed to whatever their interests are. These make for great party favors, too! My kids love sensory play and these mini sensory kits are great for playing at home or on the go. I use a mix of random pieces I find on etsy or at craft stores. Sensory kits are the perfect on-the-go toy, or are great for a rainy day. I keep some in mini jars to bring to restaurants – my kids love this fun sensory activity and for good reason. Small children love tiny things and these are always a hit.
This easy playdough recipe makes perfectly soft playdough and might not turn out as beautiful as some of the ones that come with those fancy sensory kits. But trust me when I tell you – your kids won’t notice.
Here’s everything I used to make playdough sensory kits
Etsy is by far the best resource for baubles and embellishments for these sensory kits, but I’ve gotten a few things on Amazon, too. You can use your own store-bought playdough, but making it and coming up with custom colors was the best part.
The Best Homemade Playdough Recipe
This is a simple recipe that uses simple ingredients from your local grocery store, and you only need a few things you have at home. I tried a few different recipes and played with ingredients, and this was by far my favorite recipe.
4 cups flour
1 cup of salt
8 tbsp. cream of tartar (two small jars)
4 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cups water
gel food coloring in a few different colors (just add one or two drops of food color to start)
optional: add essential oils for fun and seasonal scents
Mix the flour mixture in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix the two together.
Cook playdough in a large pot over low to medium heat until mixture looks like playdough.
Yes, this easy recipe is that simple.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. It will feel a little gooey but will get better with a little kneading. Place the mixture in a plastic bag and add a few drops of food coloring. The next time I did this, I wore rubber gloves which helped keep my hands from being stained by the food coloring. You can also knead the play dough within within the bag to contain the sticky mess vs mixing in the pot. Keep kneading until dough forms and then enjoy your homemade dough.
Place your own play dough in an air-tight container and add sensory pieces to the jar if you’re looking to make a sensory kit.
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