Easiest Natural Homemade Play Dough Recipe (with or without Cream of Tartar)
Are you looking for a creative and fun activity to keep your kids entertained while also promoting their fine motor skills? Look no further! Homemade play dough is a fantastic option, and it's super easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In this blog post, we'll share a simple homemade play dough recipe that's not only budget-friendly but also safe for little hands (and mouths). Gluten free flour and natural food dye options included and recipe with or without cream of tartar if you only have lemon juice or vinegar. Plus, we'll provide tips and ideas for using play dough to encourage your child's development.
Only have 3-ingredient flour, salt and water?
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Try my Salt Dough Recipe instead to store as simple ingredient play dough or to dry for DIY ornaments and gifts.
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Homemade Play Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
¾ cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar (or 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar if unavailable)
2 cups lukewarm water
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (or any vegetable oil but virgin coconut oil has the added benefit of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties plus it smells great)
Food coloring and/or glitter (optional)
Turmeric, beet powder, moringa, matcha, spirulina, cinnamon, paprika, flower petals, cacao, natural food dye.
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar (or lemon juice/vinegar if substituting).
Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly stir in the lukewarm water and vegetable oil. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a large, non-sticky ball of dough.
Optional Creativity: If you'd like to add color or sparkle to your playdough, divide it into separate sections and add several drops of food coloring and/or glitter to each section. Knead the dough until the color or glitter is evenly distributed.
Let It Cool: Allow the playdough to cool before letting your kids dive in. It's essential to let it reach room temperature to avoid any accidental burns.
Store It: After playtime, store your homemade playdough in Ziploc bags, plastic wrap, or small jars to keep it fresh for future use.
Playdough Playtime
Now that you have your homemade playdough ready, it's time to explore the endless possibilities of creativity and learning. Here are some ways to make the most of playdough playtime:
Shapes and Letters: Use rolling pins and cookie cutters to create various shapes and even form letters of the alphabet. This activity not only enhances fine motor skills but also introduces early literacy concepts.
Sensory Exploration: Playdough engages the senses, making it an excellent tool for sensory play. Encourage your child to squeeze, mold, and explore the texture of the dough.
Imagination Station: Challenge your child's imagination by asking them to create animals, objects, or scenes using playdough. This fosters creativity and storytelling skills.
Math Fun: Use playdough to teach basic math concepts like counting, addition, and subtraction. You can also create simple math problems and have your child use playdough to represent the answers.
Social Play: Playdough can be a social activity. Invite friends or family members to join in the fun, promoting collaboration, sharing, and communication skills.
Homemade playdough is not only an entertaining activity but also an excellent learning tool. It allows children to explore, create, and develop various skills while having a blast. So, the next time you're in need of a creative outlet for your kids, whip up a batch of this homemade playdough and watch their imagination flourish. Happy playing!
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You can connect and learn with your 2, 3, 4 or 5 year old child and prepare toddlers and young kids for preschool and kindergarten in just minutes a day.
Why wait? Download the best, easiest, all-natural homemade play dough for toddlers, preschoolers or any age with organic, gluten-free, natural food coloring and with or without cream of tartar options.