Playdough is a wonderful sensory activity that allows children to use their creativity and imagination, develop their fine motor skills, and, by observing or helping with the play dough recipe, even learn science and math skills. Plus, they can happily play with the dough for hours on end!

This is our go-to, quick, and easy playdough recipe. With no stovetop cooking involved, little ones can safely stir and knead their own batch. We use either natural dyes or gel food coloring. For this recipe, we used the latter, which doesn’t alter the amount of water used for the recipe. For a multi-sensory experience, we included several drops of essential oils, and played a little game of “guess that scent!” Placed in an air-tight container such as a glass jar, the playdough can last up to 2-3 months.

So take your cookie cutters and rolling pins out, lay out flowers, twigs, or any natural elements, and allow your children to creatively play to their hearts’ content.

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NO COOK PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

Ingredients for each separate color:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup of salt

• 1.5 tbs of cream of tartar

• 1 tbs of oil

• 1 tsp of glycerin (for shine)

• 1 cup of boiling water

• bowl and spoon

• food coloring

• essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients together.

2. Add wet ingredients and mix together with a spoon.

3. Turn the dough out onto the counter and knead until smooth.

4. Store in an air-tight container to keep fresh up to 2-3 months.