Before we get into this, we want to say that we know what you are thinking: why make playdough when you can buy it at the store? While we have nothing against buying it—we aren’t playtime snobs—there are benefits to making it on your own.

5 Playdough Recipes You Can Make at Home

First, it is cheaper than buying it. While playdough is pretty cheap, often under a dollar per pot, we all know that it gets mixed with other colors and destroyed pretty quickly. So if your child loves this classic toy, making it can save money in the long run.

Second, you can make it with your child. Kids love learning how things are made, and this is a great opportunity. It goes beyond just play.

Finally, you can make different types of playdough that aren’t available in stores. Which probably answers another question you had: are there really five different types of playdough? Yep! And we have the recipes below.

Traditional Playdough

2 cups flour
1 cup water
½ cup salt
2 table spoons oil
Food coloring

You can’t go wrong with a classic, and this recipe is great for any playtime session. You can customize the color by adding as much or as little food coloring as you wish.

Scented Playdough

2 cups flour
1 cup water
½ cup salt
2 table spoons oil
2 tablespoons essential oil or shower gel
Food coloring

Playdough is already great for sensory play, but adding a pleasant scent to it amplifies the possibilities. Browse online for ideas with essential oils or just use your favorite shower gel.

Rock Salt Playdough

2 cups flour
1 cup coarse salt
½ cup water
4 tablespoons oil
Food coloring

Another way to up the sensory play is to add texture. This playdough is a little rough to the touch, but not so much that your child will be averse to playing with it.

Glittery Playdough

2 cups flour
½ cup glitter
½ cup water
2 tablespoons oil
Food coloring

While glitter can make a mess, when added to playdough, it is well contained. It also makes the dough that much more special to your child. What kid doesn’t love glitter?

Stretchy Playdough

1 cup conditioner
2 cups corn flour

Not only is this the easiest recipe for playdough, it also gives it the ability to stretch and create things that regular playdough cannot.

So, which playdough will you be making with the kids this weekend?