Play-Doh has been a staple of childhood creativity for generations, sparking endless hours of imaginative play. Whether it's sculpting animals, crafting pretend food, or shaping colorful flowers, kids - and even parents can't get enough of this timeless, squishy fun. With National Play-Doh Day coming up on September 16th, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of this beloved toy and try your hand at our easy DIY Play-Doh recipe that you can make right at home. Celebrate this classic children's activity and get ready to roll, squish, and shape your way to endless fun!
Share your favorite Play-Doh memories with your kids . . .
The History of Play-Doh
Did you know that there is a long and accidental history behind Play-Doh? It's one that dates back well over 70 years. Originally created in the 1930s by the Kutol company as a popular wallpaper cleaner. As time went on and less homes were heated buy soot producing coal there was less need for wallpaper cleaner and less and less homes had wallpaper the company needed to rethink their business. It was in the 1950s when a family member tried this pliable dough with her students for a classroom project where the children started using the material for modeling and creating. The wallpaper cleaner re-imagined, re-purposed and re-packaged into the colorful dough we know today.
According to the official Hasbro - Play-Doh website, Play-Doh brand modeling compound is made primarily of flour, water and salt - although it's not a food item, so don't eat it. It was first sold in stores in 1956. At that time, it came in one color, off-white and was in a large can. It would be four years later before smaller cans would be introduced in stores. Additional colors made their appearance in 1957, when red, yellow and blue Play-Doh was introduced. Other colors, including some special edition hues, made their appearances over the decades. In 1972, sixteen years after its debut, the 500,000,000th can of Play-Doh rolled out of the factory. Today, over 950 million pounds, or more than 2 billion cans, of Play-Doh have been squished and squashed.
It's easy to celebrate National Play-Doh Day. Just grab a few cans and see what you can create.
Oh, and Mom? Don't worry about Play-Doh making a mess. You can easily pick up the small pieces of Play-Doh with the larger ones. And if it gets in the carpet? Simply let it dry and brush the pieces away with a stiff-bristled brush. Then use your hands or a small vacuum to sweep up the small pieces. Be sure NOT to use water to clean up your Play-Doh as it will make it more difficult to remove from surfaces.
It's easy to celebrate National Play-Doh Day. Just grab a few cans and see what you can create.
Oh, and Mom? Don't worry about Play-Doh making a mess. You can easily pick up the small pieces of Play-Doh with the larger ones. And if it gets in the carpet? Simply let it dry and brush the pieces away with a stiff-bristled brush. Then use your hands or a small vacuum to sweep up the small pieces. Be sure NOT to use water to clean up your Play-Doh as it will make it more difficult to remove from surfaces.
Read more about the history of Play-Doh:
 FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
DIY Play-Doh Recipe
Don't have any cans of Play-Doh available? You can still celebrate with an easy homemade dough.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½-1 cup cold water
- 2 drops food coloring
- Combine plain flour and salt.
- Add water, food coloring and oil. Mix until ingredients are combined.
- Knead well.
- If consistency is too wet add a little more flour.
More Easy DIY Play Dough recipes you can make at home:
- DIY Modeling Dough Keeps Kids Busy
- The Best Playdough Recipe ~ Make Your Own Rainbow Dough
- DIY Homemade Moon Dough
- Macaroni Fun ~ Snow Dough
- Make homemade Kool-Aid® Play Dough
- DIY Pumpkin Scented Play Dough With Just 5 Ingredients
- DIY - Homemade Gingerbread Playdough
Happy Play-Doh Day!
