Simple homemade playdough recipe with aromatherapy benefits and the best essential oil blends for kids.
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With four young children, we spend most of our time outdoors when the weather allows. Inside can feel chaotic, so we head outside at the first sign of conflict or mess. The fresh air and open space help everyone reset.
Summer is my favorite because kids can play outside barefoot with minimal fuss. Winter brings more indoor hours and the need for planned activities to keep little ones entertained. A reliable, hands-on activity like playdough is perfect for those days.
SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH VIDEO
The only thing more fun than playing with playdough is making playdough.
This recipe is easy, safe, and doubles as a way for kids to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while they play. My children loved helping mix and knead the dough. A gluten-free version follows below.
SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt (Himalayan or table salt)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon coconut or other neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 5–10 drops essential oil of choice
- Optional: food coloring
SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.
- Stir in water and oil. Add food coloring if desired.
- Heat over low, stirring frequently until the mixture pulls together into a ball.
- When the dough reaches a playdough-like consistency, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add 5–10 drops of your chosen essential oil and knead until the scent is evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep it soft.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH
Favorite essential oils for playdough
Wild Orange — uplifting and immune-supporting
Lemon — energizing and bright
Lime — cleansing and refreshing
Peppermint — helps focus and concentration
Lavender — calming and soothing
Favorite blends
Lemon + Lime + Wild Orange — a refreshing, uplifting blend that smells bright and energizing.
Peppermint + Lemon — a stimulating combo that promotes focus; great before homework or tasks requiring attention.
Lavender + Frankincense — a calming blend to use for a gentle wind-down routine before bed.
Cinnamon + Ginger + Wild Orange — warming and seasonal with comforting, immune-supportive notes.
MAKE YOUR PLAY DOUGH COLOR MATCH THE SCENT
Red: cinnamon essential oil
Orange: wild orange essential oil
Yellow: lemon essential oil
Green: lime essential oil
Blue: peppermint essential oil
Purple: lavender essential oil
BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts used in aromatherapy to influence mood and well-being. When used appropriately, scents can support relaxation, focus, and an uplifted atmosphere during play.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
- Diffuse – A diffuser disperses essential oil molecules into the air for ongoing aromatic benefits. Certain oils such as citrus and clove can have cleansing properties, while eucalyptus and peppermint may help clear airways.
- Inhale – A quick inhale from the bottle (brief and careful) can provide an immediate sensory effect.
- Playdough – As a child handles scented playdough, the aroma is released through their movements, offering gentle aromatherapy during play.
- Hands – Rub 2–4 drops of an essential oil between your palms and cup over the nose for a short, aromatic boost.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
- Stress and anxiety: lavender, frankincense, copaiba, wild orange, roman chamomile
- Energy boost: wild orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, peppermint
- Calm and relaxation: lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang ylang, copaiba
- Promote sleep: lavender, frankincense, vetiver, cedarwood
- Immune support: cinnamon, clove, wild orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, frankincense
- Cleanse: lemon, lime, melaleuca, wild orange
- Memory and focus: peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, wild orange, lavender
- Grounding: ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, roman chamomile, bergamot
- Uplift mood: bergamot, tangerine, wild orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit
- Respiratory support: peppermint, eucalyptus, lime, thyme
GLUTEN-FREE PLAYDOUGH RECIPE
For children with gluten sensitivities, this gluten-free version is softer but still lots of fun to play with.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 5–10 drops essential oil
- Optional: food coloring
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Stir in water and food coloring if using.
- Heat on low, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken and clump around the spoon.
- When it forms a ball and has a playdough-like texture, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add essential oils and knead until evenly scented and the texture is as you like.
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Have you tried making playdough with essential oils? Share your favorite blends and tips—you might inspire another parent to try this sensory, aromatic activity.
SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH PRINTABLE
Aromatherapy PlayDough
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 5–10 drops essential oil
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.
- Stir in water, oil, and food coloring if using.
- Heat on low, stirring until the dough forms a ball.
- Remove from heat when the consistency is right.
- Let cool slightly, add essential oils, and knead until combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Favorite oils: Wild Orange, Lemon, Lime, Peppermint, Lavender.
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