Frugal Kids: Make Your Own Play Dough

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

31 May 2007 06:56 AM

For a fun activity, why not make your own play dough? It is fun and very frugal.

Playing with clay or play dough is one of the best things you can do with young children. It foster creativity, gives them lots of sensory input and allows them to be messy in a controlled way.

I started my kids on play dough at very early ages. Making my own home made play dough saves me money. It costs just pennies to make. Making my own play dough from kitchen ingredients also removes the worry if it accidentally goes into a child's mouth. And while that commercial stuff is non-toxic, it certainly isn't edible. Just make sure that you supervise using the play dough with very young children, as it could still pose a choking hazard.

Another nice thing about the home made play dough is that is dries a little faster than the commercial stuff, so if there is a creation that just has to be saved, you won't have to wait long. And if the dough is left out accidentally and hardens, it is easy to make up another batch.

For your home made play dough, you will need the following:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of salt
• 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar (look for it in the spices section)
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 teaspoon of oil
• Food coloring

Making the play dough is pretty easy to do:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together, with the exception of the food coloring, until everything is well blended.
2. Add the food coloring until you reach the desired color for your play dough.
3. Add the mix to a small saucepan and stir it over medium heat until it is very smooth.
4. Let the play dough cool and then store it in an airtight container.

It is that easy to make!

Related Articles:

Frugal Kids: Free Building Set

Frugal Fun: Make Your Own Snow Paint

Frugal Fun: Make A Snowman Kit

Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk Eggs

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 05 Jun 2007 02:50 PM

Thanks for the reminder!! I totally forgot about home made play dough. I need to pick up some cream of tartar. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 11 Jun 2007 04:09 AM

You are very welcome!