The Best DIY Playdough Recipe: Step-by-Step How To

If there’s one thing that can turn a frantic afternoon around, it’s a simple ball of playdough. This is my go-to DIY playdough recipe. I got it from a teacher friend who got it from her mom (also a teacher).

Playdough is the BUSINESS! This squishy, colourful wonder has been a staple in kids’ toy boxes for generations, and for a good reason. It’s not just about the fun (though there’s plenty of that); playdough is packed with benefits.

The Magic of Playdough: Why It’s a Big Deal

Ever seen a child completely engrossed in rolling, squashing, and shaping playdough? It’s like watching a master sculptor at work—if the sculptor was also a giggling, sticky-fingered little genius. Playdough is more than just a colourful blob; it’s a tool for development wrapped up in fun.

Fine Motor Skills Workout

Those tiny hands are doing more than just making weird creatures and questionable food replicas. Squeezing, rolling, and pinching playdough is like a workout for little fingers. It helps kids build strength and coordination, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll be able to tie their shoes and hold a pencil better. Who knew making a playdough snake could be so beneficial?

Creativity Unleashed

There’s no wrong way to play with playdough. You want to make a dinosaur with a hat? Go for it. A spaghetti monster? Why not! Playdough gives kids the freedom to create anything they can imagine. It’s like a blank canvas that you can squish, reshape, and start over with whenever you want. The creative possibilities are endless, and the only limit is how much dough you have (which, let’s be honest, is never enough).

Stress Relief for All Ages

It’s not just the kids who benefit here. Ever found yourself casually moulding a little playdough ball while your child is playing? There’s something oddly satisfying and calming about it. For kids, squishing playdough can help them express their feelings in a non-verbal way. Having a tough day? Smash that playdough flat! It’s like therapy but way cheaper and much more colourful.

Learning in Disguise

Playdough is sneaky like that. While kids are busy making pretend pizzas, they’re also learning shapes, colours, and even basic math. Count the number of playdough cookies on the plate, or mix colours to see what new shades you can create. Without even realizing it, kids are picking up new skills and knowledge—all while having a blast.

Why Every Parent Should Keep Playdough on Hand

If you’re not already convinced that playdough is a must-have, consider this: it’s the ultimate boredom buster. When the dreaded “I’m bored” strikes, playdough is your go-to solution. It’s easy to set up, easy to clean up (mostly) and keeps kids entertained for hours. Plus, it’s a great way to bond.

If you make your own at home, you can even control the ingredients, which means no weird chemicals. Just good, old-fashioned fun.

DIY Playdough Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons oil
• food colouring

How To: DIY Playdough Recipe

I can’t tell you how many batches of playdough I’ve made for my kids and gifted to friends. It’s a staple in our house. I love how quick and easy this recipe is.

Step1

Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. If you put the food colouring in the water, it is easier to incorporate. I like to make multiple colours per batch, though, so I just add the food colouring straight into the dough.

Step 2

Knead the dough until its smooth and not sticky. You may need to use a sprinkling of flour at this stage.

Step 3

Enjoy!

Some days, we use playdough cutters and others, we get creative with nature bits. I like to leave playdough sessions open-ended so the kids can get creative.

My kids love using playdough mats. We have a stash of them, which is why I’ve made a few free ones for you to download. Just print, laminate, and enjoy!

If you’re looking for more playdough inspiration, here are some amazing sites to check out.
Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls has a great post on playdough monsters, and the Kids Activities Blog shows you how to make playdough animals.

If you’re looking for other fun activities to try with your kids, you might like these Yarn-Wrapped Letters.