Everyone loves Play Dough. It’s a classic activity for kids. The consistency is perfect for stress relief and is perfect for sensory play. The classic smell brings back amazing childhood memories. Sadly, like most things we grew up on, the stuff in the containers is less than natural. I’m all for buying kids toys and crafts (this blog is about finding time after all) but if you have some spare time and you’re looking for something fun to do with kids on a rainy day, try making your own play dough.
I’ve tried numerous recipes for playdough and I couldn’t find one that I love. So there was nothing else to do but tweek a few of them and make this my own. The kids have been so stir crazy that they needed some aromatherapy to help calm them down and relieve mommy stress!
NO COOK PLAY DOUGH WITH LAVENDER
- Two cups all purpose flour
- 1.5 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup of salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp of Cream of Tartar
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- red and blue food coloring
- (plastic gloves for mixing…optional)
- 1.5 cups boiling water
Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix in oil. Add food coloring to boiling water. Slowly pour in boiling water and mix as you go. You can then add the essential oil to the dough. Here is the important part. You have to knead the dough like any other dough. This is where having rubber gloves comes in handy. Mix until you like the consistency. It took about 3-5 minutes of kneading. It smelled AMAZING! It keeps for about six months in an airtight container.
The best part of this recipe is you can make it your own… change up the color and scent any way you want. You can use essential oils or extracts to make your own. We do peppermint for Christmas and cinnamon for fall! Let your kiddos help with the measuring and mixing of the dry goods (you’re in charge of the boiling water) to make it a fun family craft!
Great idea! This is National Stress Awareness month and I think everyone loves playdoh – myself included!
Love this! I definitely need to make some. I think it could really help my stress and I’d probably have my kids use it too.
Anything that says anti stress is for me!
I love playdough.I can keep my boys busy for a long time.
I never noticed it before but you said is true. Every time I smell play-doh I automatically think of being a kid and making pretend food.
This is going on my summer list when I have my neice and nephew over. This will be a show stopper when I tell them we are making our very own play-doh, in my best Oprah voice.
I bet this play doh smells amazing. I haven’t tried making my own yet.
How fun! My nephew would have a blast with this no cook play-dough! Thanks for the post and inspiration!
This sounds like Awesome Play Dough! You made it your own and you know whats in it! Nothing Harmful for your Children……If it lasts for 6 months in an air tight container. That is an extra plus! Good Job Mommy! Thankyou for sharing! Have a great Day!
wow thanks for the tip!