Playdough Fun

Coming up with simple but fun ideas for birthdays parties in Winter can often be quite tricky - especially if they are 2-4 years old. Playdough has been around for many, many years  generation after generation of kiddies loves the sensory experience it provides.

Your playdough can be adapted easily to the theme of your party by;

• choosing a co-ordinating colour for your playdough
• adding plastic toys or cutters to compliment the chosen theme.
• add some 'treasures' such as coloured glass stones, scatters, raw rice or glitter
• add some child friendly essential oils
• provide patty cases for the kiddies to make their own 'cupcakes'
• be adventurous - as long as it is not toxic to children, you can't go wrong.

Cooked Playdough is my favourite recipe to use when making playdough, as I like the nice smooth texture. If you would like a hands on activity for the kiddies then the uncooked method can still serve the purpose. I have included both recipes so you can choose the one best suited to your party's needs.

COOKED PLAYDOUGH

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
4 tbsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp oil
3 cups water
Food colouring

METHOD:

1.    Mix all dry ingredients together in a large saucepan. Combine the oil, water and a few drops of food colouring in a jug. Add to the dry ingredients,  a little at a time, until combined.
2.    Cook mixture over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture congeals and leaves the side of the saucepan.
3.    Knead until smooth.

UNCOOKED PLAYDOUGH

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1 tbsp oil
1 cup water
Food colouring

METHOD:

1.    Combine the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
2.    Combine the oil, water and food colouring in a jug.
3.    Add enough of the water mixture to the dry ingredients until a soft dough is formed. Knead until smooth.

VARIATIONS:

A sticky, stretchy dough can be made with self raising flour and water.