Playdough is a fun educational toy that helps kids develop fine motor skills and dexterity in fingers. This goo also stimulates the imagination and promotes creativity. The vibrant colors are irresistible to children!

There’s even a National Play Doh Day to celebrate the most famous brand of playdough. But have you ever wished for a specific color of Play Doh, and couldn’t find it on the shelf at the store?

Don’t worry because you can make your very own unique playdough right in your kitchen! It is quick, easy and uses basic ingredients that you will find in your pantry. And if your child is one of those that can’t resist eating a bite or two of the colorful goo, you won’t have to worry about him ingesting any toxic chemicals!

How To Make Playdough

Playdough Ingredients:
2 c. flour
2 c. warm water
1 c. salt
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp cream of tartar
Food coloring (you can use either liquid or powder)

Step 1: Mix flour, water, salt, oil and cream of tartar together.

Step 2: Stir over low heat until dough thickens and resembles mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Once the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot and clumps in the center, remove from heat. Cool long enough to handle dough comfortably.

Note: If the consistency is sticky, simply cook it longer.

Step 4: Knead the dough on a silicone mat until it becomes smooth.

Step 5: Divide into balls for coloring.

Step 6: Make an indentation in each dough ball and drop in a few drops of food coloring.

Step 7: Work the dye through the dough, keeping hands away from direct contact with the dye. Once the dye is worked through the dough, it won’t stain your hands! Add more dye as necessary to achieve desired color.

Note: If you want, use plastic gloves or clear plastic wrap to work the dye through the dough.

Your homemade playdough is ready for play! Let your imagination go wild and explore your inner child with your kids. You’ll remember how much fun you used to have with playdough when you were young!

Playdough Storage Tips

• Store in airtight containers. If playdough starts to dry out, add a bit of water. In high humidity, you may have to reheat playdough to remove excess water.
• It will not last forever. Once playdough gets too dry to be pliable, throw it out and make some more!
• If you want to preserve your children’s creations, bake in the oven to harden them. Do the same for making playdough ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree.

We hope you enjoy creating your own playdough! Let your kids join in the fun of choosing their own dye colors and kneading the dough. This is a great indoor activity for a rainy day!

Share this playdough recipe with other moms or grandmas who love to bake with their kids or do crafts in the kitchen with them!