Homemade PlayDough

We’ve all been in lockdown since the beginning of March, and by now many of you are ready to rip your hair out.

If you have young children then finding things to keep them entertained can be a challenge, especially for this length of time.

I have to say when my kids were younger I relished being stuck indoors with them. We played games, colored, painted, had pretend tv & cooking shows, did all sorts of projects, including cooking everything we could think of, and even washed the dogs. One of our favorite ways to pass the time was to make Homemade Playdough. Not PlayDoh but PlayDough because we used flour in our recipe.

In fact my kids loved making PlayDough so much, that when their friends would come over (even in junior high) and they couldn’t think of what to do, they’d decide to make some.

Hours and hours of fun times can be had with this simple recipe. If the little ones decide to taste it, no worries, it’s edible as well. Although I’d try to remind them if they eat it, they won’t have it to play with.

Initially when we started making PlayDough I used a different recipe (see the Notes below). Then years later, we found this recipe using Jell-O. Both are equally as good, although I do feel like the initial recipe lasts longer. Plus, if you’re in total quarantine then you’ll likely have those ingredients on hand.

By the way, PlayDough isn’t just fun for kids, but for the entire family!

Don’t forget to use your kitchen tools to be creative, like a garlic press for making what looks like hair or grass, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and various other tools. The sky’s the limit.

After using the PlayDough, simply store in a zip-lock bag, stasher bag, or container with tight fitting lid. Have fun!

What creative activities have you been doing to keep busy? Please share in the comments below to help others looking for ideas.

Print Recipe

Homemade PlayDough

Yield: 1 Large Ball of PlayDough

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5-7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Make your own version of Homemade PlayDough with Jell-o, and have hours of fun creating! Plus, if the kids take a nibble or two, NO WORRIES, all ingredients are edible!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 Tbsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
• 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 1 (3oz.)pkg. Jell-O (select fun, bright colors)

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and mix until the majority of lumps are gone.
2. Cook over medium heat stirring continuously until mixture thickens into a ball of dough approximately 5-7 minutes.  When you can't stir anymore, it's done.
3. Remove from saucepan and allow to cool for 30 minutes.  If sticky, add 1 tablespoon at a time until no longer sticky.  Do not add more than 1/2 cup.

Enjoy!!!

ANOTHER RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon Alum (a preservative found with the spices at the grocer)
• 1 3/4 cups boiling water
• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• Lots of food coloring

Instructions:

1.  Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Mix the alum, water, oil and food color in a separate bowl; add to the flour-salt mixture.
3. Knead well. Add extra flour if sticky.
4. No refrigeration needed. Place in an airtight container or zip lock baggie and it will keep for several months.

Note: Use different food colors for each batch or divide ingredients adding different colors.

Items used:

Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc

Stasher Bags