20 Easy Playdough Recipes for Sensory Fun for Toddlers
Playdough is a timeless classic that never seems to lose its charm. Whether you’re a toddler or a grown-up, the fun and therapeutic benefits of playing with playdough are undeniable.
The best part is that making your own playdough at home is incredibly easy, and there are so many different recipes and variations to try.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of over 20 easy playdough recipes that you can make with just a few simple ingredients. From scented playdough to glittery playdough, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to have some fun with these easy playdough recipes!
Taste Safe Play Dough Recipe for Toddlers
This easy taste safe play dough recipe is perfect for little ones and toddlers who still happen to put things inside their mouths.
It is super easy to make and doesn’t require boiling water or cream of tartar, so your kids can make it with you if you want!
Edible Ice Cream Dough
Wouldn’t your toddler love to play with some ice cream playdough? This is such a fun sensory play idea that would keep your toddler entertained for hours on end!
Plus, this is a great taste-safe edible sensory play for your little ones too!
No Cook Playdough
For another non-cook playdough recipe, this one uses cream of tartar and makes the playdough really soft!
Add in some cookie cutters and your kids will love it!
Watermelon Play Dough
This watermelon play dough is another fun activity for your toddlers. You can add in some black playdough at the top and you can even make it for a fun counting game for toddlers too!
I think it would be super fun to get watermelon peels to use as the base like the picture and have your kids scoop it out just like you during the summer.
Easy No Cook Chocolate Playdough
Does your child love chocolate? Make this easy no cook chocolate playdough! It uses cocoa powder, glycerin, and sunflower oil so it is super soft.
Better yet, have your child help you make it too!
Try this hot chocolate sensory bin for more chocolate fun!
Fairy Playdough
This playdough recipe only uses 3 ingredients and is perfect for your little toddler girls! All you need is hair conditioner, corn starch, and food coloring.
You might even like to add some glitter too!
Kool-Aid Playdough
Kool Aid playdough is another one of the best playdough recipes for your toddlers. Plus, all the ingredients are taste-safe too!
Playdough Sensory Bags
Playdough sensory bags are a great way to make any type of playdough taste-safe for little ones who still put things in their mouths.
I also like to use these playdough bags when you want to have your child do sensory play but they don’t like getting their hands dirty.
My son hates getting anything on his hands, so this was the perfect way to involve him in sensory play without getting him dirty!
Scented, Colored Jell-o Playdough
Jello playdough is so much fun to make and to use for the kids! You can use any Jello, but the brighter the color of the pudding, you don’t have to use any extra food coloring!
How to Make Shaving Cream Playdough
Shaving cream playdough is so silky and soft, your kids will love it! It only takes 2 to 3 ingredients, which you probably all have in your home anyway!
This recipe is not a taste-safe recipe, so you will need to use it for only older toddlers who don’t put things in their mouths.
Cloud Playdough
Have you ever heard of cloud playdough? It is gluten-free, no-cook, and super easy to make. All you need is some lotion and corn starch.
Playdough Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
Sometimes you don’t have or simply don’t want to use cream of tartar. This simple playdough recipe is affordable, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients.
You can use either essential oils or Kool Aid to scent it too!
How to Make Edible Playdough
Sometimes you just need edible playdough for your young toddlers. While many recipes are taste-safe, this one is full on edible and can even be eaten afterwards as a snack!
Make sure to wash hands before and after using to help make sure no bacteria gets on the playdough if you do plan of snacking off of it.
Unicorn Play Dough
Unicorn anything is so popular nowadays. This unicorn playdough uses frosting and is another edible sensory play idea!
Sprinkles are optional, but I think your toddlers will have so much fun with that ingredient!
Taste-Safe Cake Mix Play Dough
You can make playdough with just about anything! This playdough recipe uses a cake mix, coconut oil, powder sugar, and a few other ingredients.
It is another taste-safe sensory playdough recipe too!
Pumpkin Play Dough
For the fall, why not make this pumpkin playdough? Not only can you teach about pumpkins while you make and play with this play dough, it even smells like pumpkins too!
It follows a basic play dough recipe, with flour, salt, and oil, and then uses all these spices to create such a lovely pumpkin smell!
Homemade Strawberry Playdough
Does your toddler love strawberries? Make this strawberry playdough recipe! It can be great for Valentine’s Day too.
It uses all taste-safe ingredients; even the glitter is edible!
Celebration Playdough
Do you need to have a celebration for your little ones? Make some celebration playdough!
Use some glitter and washable liquid watercolor to make this play dough popping!
Honey Playdough
Have you ever made playdough with honey? Try this honey playdough recipe! It uses pretty much the same basic playdough recipe but adds a bit of honey to make it sweet and smell so good.
If you are making this recipe for kids older than 1 year old, then it is taste-safe too!
Bath Playdough
Check out this super easy bath playdough recipe. Your toddler will love it and want to spend hours getting clean in the bath!
It uses kid’s soap, along with other ingredients, so while they are having fun in the tub, it also is cleaning them! Use bubble bath instead to make it a bubbly playdough recipe!
Playdough Recipes FAQs
What are some of the benefits of playing with playdough?
Playing with playdough can have many benefits, including improving fine motor skills, promoting creativity and imagination, and reducing stress and anxiety.
Is it easy to make playdough at home?
Yes, it’s incredibly easy to make playdough at home with just a few simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or at your local grocery store.
Are these playdough recipes safe for kids to play with?
Yes, all of the playdough recipes on this list are safe for kids to play with. However, some of the recipes include ingredients are not taste-safe, so it’s important to supervise young children while they’re playing with playdough.
How long does homemade playdough last?
Homemade playdough can last for several weeks if stored properly in an airtight container or plastic bag. However, the texture and color may change over time. It also all depends on the recipe.
Can I add food coloring or scents to my playdough?
Yes, you can add food coloring or scents to your playdough to make it more fun and exciting. Just be sure to use food-grade ingredients and start with small amounts to avoid staining or overpowering the playdough. If you need a taste-safe recipe, do not use essential oils.
Playdough Recipes Wrap-Up
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 20+ easy playdough recipes that you can make at home. Not only is making your own playdough a fun activity, but it’s also a great way to save money and reduce waste.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create endless hours of playtime fun for yourself or your little ones. So, go ahead and try out some of these recipes and get creative with your own variations. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite playdough recipe!
For more sensory play fun, try these DIY sensory bottles!
