Now I know it’s good for kids to learn that they don’t always get something when someone else does, but I still really enjoy bringing a small and simple ‘sibling gift’ when Miss G and I attend one of her friends’ birthday parties. Most of the time it’s something handmade and useful or consumable – meaning not just another little plastic toy to add to the heap – so I don’t feel bad about gifting it.
Yesterday, when we attended a friend’s birthday party with our craft kit gift in hand, we also brought along a very simple play dough kit for the little brother {who is also Miss G’s friend}. After having him over for a play date earlier in the week, we knew he loved play dough {which kid doesn’t, really?}, but didn’t yet have a set here in Kuwait. So that was that – an easy, inexpensive, play-inspiring gift idea right there.
Together, Miss G and I whipped up 3 batches of our favourite ever no-cook play dough, but skipped the Kool-Aid, divided the dough into 4 balls and coloured it with gel food colouring instead.
If you haven’t tried it before, this play dough is seriously so awesome. It’s really soft and pliable and it lasts foreeeever. We’re talking 6 months + if stored properly.
We packaged up our doughs, along with a set of fun cookie cutters and a miniature rolling pin, in a small plastic bin and that was that.
We sealed up the container, added a little label so that it coordinated with the craft kit, and our play dough kit was done. Easiest. gift. ever.
We are totally putting these together for some friends that are constantly in the hospital and need things to do. Thanks for the post!
That’s a fabulous idea, Sheila! Play dough always seems to brighten the day – hopefully it will do the same for them. :)
What is your play doh recipe? :) great idea!!!
I would like the recipe for the play dough. .
Found it lol
Hah! I was just responding with the link. :)
What does the kool aid do? I’m in the uk so need to find an alternative! Thx
Hey Jane! Kool-Aid is a powdered drink mix, so it adds a scent and a little bit of colour. If you don’t mind your play dough not being scented, you can easily skip it. :)
You can use food coloring as well. Add a few dots at a time and mix to get the color you want.
Thank you! I will have a go this weekend
Can you post the link to the recipe please? X
Hi Rachel! It’s above as a clickable link (the aqua words are all clickable links), but here it is again for you: https://mamapapabubba.com/2012/09/21/the-best-scented-no-cook-play-dough/. :)
I love homemade playdough, it’s the best.
Agreed, Janis!
how is the play dough made?
Hi Carol! The recipe and instructions are above as a clickable link (the aqua words are all clickable links), but here it is again for you: https://mamapapabubba.com/2012/09/21/the-best-scented-no-cook-play-dough/. :)
Hi. I read in your other post that you live in Kuwait. I live in Kuwait as well but dont know my way around here. Would love to know where you got the rolling pin and cookie cutters from? Thanks!
I do, En Yu! It takes a while to get to know where to find things, doesn’t it? The rolling pin and the cookie cutters in this kit are both from City Star in Egaila. If you go to Al-Bairaq Mall in Egaila (tall mall), directly behind it is the Al Liwan Mall (the peach coloured building), and directly behind that is a mall that is labelled in Arabic only. Go inside and down the escalator, and the entire bottom floor of the mall is City Star. It’s sort of like a dollar store – tons of great craft and kitchen supplies!
Great. Thanks. Kuwait isnt the easiest place to track down things if you dont know people who know their way around town. So glad I found you :)
I agree! You need insider information around here. ;) How old are your kids?
I have a very active 2 year old boy. Have been thinking how to channel his energy towards creative things. Your blog just gave me some good ideas.
Oh! Have you ever checked out Bright Minds? It would be perfect for him! Here’s their site: http://www.brightmindskwt.com and here’s a post I did on their creative play area: https://mamapapabubba.com/2013/09/28/bright-minds-creative-play-area/. :)
Love the little screw top containers! Where did you get them from?
Hi Belinda! They’re from Daiso, a Japanese dollar store. :)
Hi Jen, where did you buy your container for the play dough? I’m trying to find something similar to what you used, but can’t seem to find it. Thanks!