Your Grandkids Will Love Playing With Their Own Homemade Playdough

When it comes to iconic childhood toys, there are certain ones that have stood the test of time, a la the Slinky, building blocks, and Playdough, the latter of which can be either made or purchased! While I have a stash of store-bought playdough for the grandkids to play with, I discovered that the homemade version is actually simple and fun to make and makes for a quick DIY project with the grandkids!

Do you want to try your hand at homemade playdough? Start with one of these five easy recipes! 

1. Classic Homemade Playdough Recipe

You will need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
2. Add the vegetable oil.
3. If using food coloring, add it to the boiling water, then pour the water into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Start with a few drops of color and add more for more intense colors.
4. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Let it cool down a bit before moving on to the next step.
5. Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead it for a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy.
6. Your classic homemade playdough is ready! If not used immediately, store it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.

2. Scented Playdough Recipe

This variation on the classic playdough recipe incorporates essential oils to engage your grandkids’ sense of smell. Remember, some essential oils are not suitable for younger children, so do a little research before adding them to your playdough.

You will need:

• All ingredients from the classic playdough recipe
• A few drops of kid-safe essential oil (like lavender, chamomile, or sweet orange)

Directions:

1. Follow the same steps as the classic recipe, but add the essential oil to the boiling water before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

3. Glitter Playdough Recipe

For kids who love a little sparkle, this glitter playdough will be a hit!

You will need:

• All ingredients from the classic playdough recipe
• 1-2 tablespoons of glitter (use more or less depending on how sparkly you want it!)

Directions:

1. Follow the same steps as the classic recipe, but mix the glitter in with the dry ingredients before adding the boiling water.

4. Textured Playdough Recipe (Sand Playdough)

This playdough has a unique, grainy texture that adds an extra sensory element. It’s great for creating beach scenes!

You will need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine sand
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, sand, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
2. Stir in the vegetable oil.
3. If using food coloring, add it to the boiling water, then pour the water into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
4. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Let it cool down a bit before moving on to the next step.
5. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead it for a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy.
6. Store the sand playdough in an airtight container or ziplock bag when not in use.

5. Edible Playdough Recipe (Peanut Butter Playdough)

Please be aware of any potential peanut allergies before making this recipe. Always supervise young children while they play with this edible playdough, as it’s still not meant to be a meal!

You will need:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup honey

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Stir until well mixed.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing and kneading until the dough becomes pliable and smooth.
3. The edible playdough is ready to be played with! If not used immediately, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Remember to take it out a little while before playtime, as it will be easier to mold at room temperature.

Conclusion

Where were all of these fun ideas when we were kids? (Oh, that’s right – there was no Google or Pinterest yet, hehe!) I hope that you and yours have as much fun with these as we have. Please let me know if you try them!