Not only does play dough help build muscles and fine motor skills, but it's also a snowy/rainy day savior (especially because it's loved by kids of all ages). The doughy stuff need not be store bought, though — the options are endless when cooking it up at home, and it's actually pretty fun to make. Kids are going to have a blast trying out different variations, so we've rounded up some of our favorite recipes that you'll definitely want to check out below.
Source: Artsy Fartsy Mama [1]
All-Natural Play Dough
Vegetables and spices give this all-natural play dough [2] its vivid color.
Source: Little Coffee Beans [3]
Glitter Play Dough
Glitter makes everything better, so we're loving this recipe for sparkly play dough [4].
Source: The Creative Mama [5]
Basic Play Dough
Every mama needs a play dough recipe in her arsenal for rainy days, and this basic version [6] is just that.
Source: Artsy Fartsy Mama [7]
Microwave Play Dough
Ditch the stove top with a supereasy one-pot microwave play dough [8].
Source: Mummy Smiles [9]
Gluten-Free Play Dough
Never fear, there's even a gluten-free play dough [10] you can make at home.
Source: Lexie's Kitchen [11]
Glow-in-the-Dark Play Dough
Crafting doesn't need to stop when the sun goes down — glow-in-the-dark play dough [12] might just be the coolest thing ever.
Source: Tinkerlab [13]
Mud Play Dough
Boys and girls are going to love playing in the dirt at home with mud play dough [14].
Source: It's Gravy Baby [15]
Supersoft Play Dough
Not only is this no-cook play dough [16] supersoft, but it also requires only two ingredients.
Source: Kids Activities Blog [17]
Rose Petal Play Dough
For the ultimate in sensory play, try out this recipe for rose petal play dough [18].
Source: Blog Me Mom [19]
Ice Cream Play Dough
Ice cream play dough [20] is perfect for budding imaginations!
Source: Mama. Papa. Bubba. [21]
Erupting Play Dough
Kids are really going to love this baking-soda-based erupting play dough [22] — drop a ball in vinegar to give them a real thrill!
Source: Housing a Forest [23]
Jell-O Play Dough
The not-so-secret ingredient in this colorful and scented play dough recipe [24] is Jell-O.
Source: Our Little Coop [25]
Peanut Butter Play Dough
This truly edible peanut butter and marshmallow play dough [26] makes a fun snack when all the play is done.
Source: Kids Activities Blog [27]
Nutella Play Dough
Kneading and smashing never smelled as good as with this Nutella play dough [28]. FYI: it's not so tasty to eat!
Source: Kitchen Corners [29]
Scented Play Dough
Kick it up a notch with this scented play dough [30].
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Lavender-Infused Play Dough
Crafting never felt more calming than with this lavender-infused play dough [31].
Source: The Imagination Tree [32]