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Learn how to make easy DIY Jello playdough at home with just a few ingredients. This fun, colorful dough is perfect for sensory play is super soft and smells great!
This homemade Jello Playdough recipe is a colorful and fun way to get creative! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own vibrant, squishy playdough that’s perfect for sensory play and endless fun.
The best part? It smells just as good as it looks! Whether you’re making it for your kids or just indulging in some stress-relieving sensory fun, this Jello Playdough is sure to delight.
Jello Playdough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
- 1 (3 oz) packet of Jello (choose your favorite flavors – we used strawberry, orange, lime, and berry blue)
- 5 oz boiling hot water (start with that amount and add more a couple of tablespoons at a time if too dry)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Can you use sugar-free Jello to make Jello playdough?
Yes, you can use sugar-free Jello to make Jello playdough. It will still provide color and scent, but the texture might be slightly different compared to using regular Jello.
Sugar helps bind the ingredients, so the dough may be a little stickier or less elastic without it. If needed, add a bit more flour or cornstarch to adjust the consistency. Use the same amount as you would with regular Jello.
How to make Playdough from Jello
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar. Stir the dry ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed.
Step 2: Dissolve the Jello
In a liquid measuring cup, pour in one 3 oz packet of your chosen Jello flavor. Add the boiling hot water and stir well until the Jello is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Oil
Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the dissolved Jello mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure the oil is evenly mixed in.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Slowly pour the Jello mixture into the dry flour mixture, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until everything is well combined into a soft, dough-like consistency.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Once the playdough is fully combined, let it cool down before playing with it. It will be too hot to handle right away, so give it some time to cool to a safe temperature for little hands.
Optional: Make Multiple Colors
If you want to make different colors, simply repeat the process for each color by using a different flavor of Jello. I made four colorful batches using strawberry Jello, orange Jello, lime Jello, and berry blue Jello. The result is a fun, rainbow-colored set of playdough that’s ready to be squished and shaped!
Sensory Play Perks
Not only is Jello Playdough fun to make, but it also provides a great sensory experience. The soft, squishy texture is perfect for developing fine motor skills in little hands while the colorful Jello adds an extra layer of visual stimulation. Plus, the fruity scent of each Jello flavor makes playtime extra enjoyable.
Kids can create shapes, squish it between their fingers, or even roll it into little balls for hours of fun. Everything in this recipe is also edible, so if your little one gets a little too curious and eats some – no harm done!
Storage Tips
To keep your homemade Jello Playdough fresh, store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag when not in use. This will help prevent it from drying out and keep it soft for future play sessions. If your playdough starts to lose its softness, simply add a little water and knead it back into shape!
Final Thoughts
Homemade Jello Playdough is a fun and easy activity that provides endless entertainment and creative play. It’s perfect for rainy days, birthday parties, or simply a quiet afternoon at home. Plus, it offers the added bonus of being safe and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
The squishy texture and vibrant colors are sure to spark your child’s imagination and keep them engaged for hours. So gather your ingredients and start making some colorful, fruity fun today!
More easy sensory recipes
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Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.