You might be wondering why I’m writing a post about playdough on a paleo food blog. I promise this is relevant, just hear me out. I had written a previous post for a similar reason. When you decide to go paleo, it is extremely helpful to get rid of your non-paleo food, but I’m not a fan of wasting food so that was a hard thing for me.

Making playdough is an excellent way to use up some of that non-paleo food without really wasting it. This homemade playdough uses 3 non-paleo foods: white flour, canola oil, and artificial food coloring. In under an hour, I was able to make 6 batches, all different colors, and washed the pot and spoon in between each batch. The kids loved watching the ingredients turn into playdough, though they couldn’t really help because of the heat involved.

Now, I realize that not everyone has kids, and playdough isn’t really something on your mind, but let me tell you, the kid in me came out once the playdough cooled down. See that cute little lollipop? Yeah, the baby didn’t make that. And if she would have let me have more playdough (she may or may not be a slight control freak) I would have made more fun stuff too. But if you still don’t want to make playdough, even for yourself, maybe you know some adorable little kids that would love some as a gift.

Homemade Playdough

Ingredients

1 cup White Flour
1/2 cup Water
1/4 cup Table Salt, not your good sea salt
1 Tbsp Oil
1 Tbsp White Vinegar
Food Coloring, gel is best for vivid colors

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium pot over medium heat. - If you're using gel food coloring, a small blob is plenty. - If you're using liquid food coloring, you might need anywhere between 10-20 drops, depending on how bright you want the colors.
Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until smooth. Continue stirring until a ball forms (it might still be a little sticky but it will mostly resemble playdough at this point).
Remove the mixture from the pot onto a clean work surface and knead until smooth. It will be very hot, so work carefully, don't burn yourself.
Let the mixtures cool, then store in an airtight container. Repeat for every color you want to make.

Raquel

Friday 4th of January 2019

Can I use Apple cider vinegar?

Iris Stacey

Tuesday 12th of November 2013

Hi Kendra. I love this recipe! My girls loved using it too. I have put a link to it in a recent blog post (were I rate it as one of the best and link back here). I hope this is ok, I wanted to let my friends know about it.

Fit 'n' Well Mommy

Monday 16th of September 2013

Thanks for the recipe! I've been looking for a good recipe to make, since we are in desperate need of more play doh!

By the way, I love your blog and I'm drooling over your recipes! I look forward to following your blog!

Alicia

Thursday 22nd of August 2013

This is an ingenius idea! Would wheat flour work as well?

Kendra

I'm sure it would, I don't see why not.