DIY Nontoxic Play Dough Recipe

Kids have so much energy. I can only wish I have it too. Kids can’t stay still. They have to constantly move. At times, it gets frustrating for parents especially when they need to do chores and run errands but just couldn’t get it done because of the kids. My personal go to activity for my little one when I need her to stay clear of my way is to keep her little hands busy with play dough.

I love this activity because it is so easy and it is always a win! Telling my 5-year old that we are making our own play dough automatically sets her mood for fun. It shifts her focus right away. All I need to do is help her get started with the measurements. I used to do everything with her when she was only two. But, now that she is older, I trust her to do all the hard work, the kneading, rolling and cutting. She loves the idea of being independent. Accomplishing a task on her own gives her confidence a boost.

Here’s our DIY NON-TOXIC PLAY DOUGH RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar (I skipped this last time and the play dough that we made still came out nice)

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon food powder to color (I used neon gel food color because it looks brighter)

OPTIONAL: Few drops of therapeutic grade essential oil (I match my scents with the colors that I use)

Purple dough – lavender essential oil

Yellow dough – lemon essential oil

Orange dough – orange essential oil

Green dough – eucalyptus or mint essential oil

Red or pink dough – floral scent like rose or geranium

Blue dough – energy booster essential oil

Brown dough – chocolate essential oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl adding flour, salt, and cream of tartar in small amounts to avoid a lumpy mixture.

Add oil and water to the dry ingredients. Stir well. Divide in smaller amounts.

Add the food coloring of your choice and mix well. Knead and roll until the consistency feels perfect to you.

Add few drops of essential oil if desired.

Store the playdough in an airtight container in the refrigerator.