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Craft Corner: Homemade Kool-Aid® Play Dough

By Colleen Lunn Scholer January 8, 2014

Yesterday I took my youngest Mini Macaroni to the grocery store and we picked up ingredients to make homemade Kool-Aid® Play Dough. This was something I hadn't made in years and never with my youngest.

With three kids, I must confess that many times I forget to step back into the world of my youngest. We are often busy going to basketball practice or a school event and she's just along for the ride.

But I was recently reminded how important it is to appreciate the special smiles and words that come from a 3-year-old when doing something as simple and fun as making homemade play dough. It is really easy and little ones love to help with the mixing. Plus, the Kool-Aid® makes it smell great!

What You Need:

  • 1¼ cups flour
  • 1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
  • ¼ cup salt
  • 2½ Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of boiling water

What You Do:

  1. Mix flour, Kool-Aid, and salt in a large mixing bowl (this is a great step for your Mini Macaroni). Don't worry, the Kool-Aid won't come off on your hands when you play with it.
  2. Mix in the vegetable oil and then add in the boiling water.
  3. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Keep the flour out and add a little bit at a time if it seems too sticky.
  5. Imagine, create, and play!

My favorite part of this whole activity came later in the day when we were in the car driving to pick up the older kids. From the back seat I hear this cute little voice, "Mom, this was a great day!"

I turned around to see her beautiful big smile and I was sold. Making homemade play dough is priceless!