Jello Play Dough

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and safe way to keep your kids entertained, Jello-based play dough is the perfect project! I made it this month for my little ones school valentines and with my nieces and nephew on these snow days. Not only does it have a fun, soft texture, but it also smells amazing and comes in bright, vibrant colors. Plus, it’s non-toxic and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Why Jello Play Dough?

• Soft and squishy texture – Perfect for little hands to mold and shape.

• Smells delicious – Thanks to the Jello, it has a fruity scent.

• Easy to make – Requires only a few pantry staples.

• Non-toxic – Safe for kids (though not meant to be eaten).

This recipe makes plenty but if you want more or making it for multiple children you can double the recipe.

Ingredients:

• JELLO – 3oz box of JELLO in strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, berry blue and grape. Our personal favorite scents are strawberry and orange.

• 1 cup flour

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1/4 cup salt

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (do not use olive oil)

• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and Jello powder. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.

2. Wet ingredients

In a saucepan, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 cup water.  Bring to a boil.

3. Cook over low heat

Pour the dry ingredients into the saucepan. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will start to form a dough. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

4. Cool and knead

Remove the dough from the pan and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead it for a couple of minutes until it’s soft and smooth. If it is too sticky which mine usually is add more flour. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.

5. Store and play!

Store your Jello play dough in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep it fresh. It should last for about a week some can last up to a month if kept airtight. If it starts to dry out, you can knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness.

Another tip is wrap your play dough in saran wrap or zip lock bag then store in an air-tight container. You’ll notice that play dough will get hard if left out. I know though being a mom it is hard to keep up with storing this especially if you little one is like mine running all around with it.

Fun Variations

• Mix colors – Try combining two different Jello flavors to create unique colors and scents.

• Add glitter – Make your play dough sparkle by adding a little fine glitter. At valentines we added heart glitter and Christmas we added Christmas glitter.

• Scent boost – If you want a stronger scent, add a drop or two of matching essential oil.

Jello play dough is a fantastic activity for sensory play, fine motor skill development, and creative fun. Whether you’re making it for a rainy day activity or as a homemade gift, this simple recipe is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Mine love it.

Have you tried making Jello play dough? Let me know in the comments what flavors and colors you used!