Playdough Shenanigans: 10 Creative Ways to Keep Your Toddler Entertained (and Yourself Sane)

Hey, Mumma! Got a toddler at home who seems to have more energy than a caffeinated squirrel? I feel you. Some days, I swear my little one is running on a combination of pure determination and cookie crumbs. But I’ve found a secret weapon in the battle for sanity—playdough! Yep, that colourful, squishy stuff you probably have hiding somewhere in a drawer (If, not we have the goods for you!) It’s not just for stomping into the carpet (although, fair warning, that will happen)—it’s actually amazing for keeping those little hands busy and those tiny brains buzzing!

Why Playdough? Because It's Parenting Gold!

1. Tiny Muscle Workout: Rolling, squishing, and moulding playdough is basically a gym session for those teeny hands. Think of it as toddler CrossFit, but without the membership fee.

2. Imagination Explosion: Your little one can make anything they dream of—a unicorn, a monster, or maybe a pizza topped with cookies and sprinkles. There are no limits, just pure, delightful chaos.

3. Messy Sensory Fun: It’s a sensory wonderland! Soft, squishy, cool… and sometimes mixed with a bit of mystery fluff from under the couch (whoops).

4. Talk Time: “Mumma, look! I made a rainbow snake that’s also a dragon!” These conversations are golden, even if you have no idea what’s happening half the time.

5. Stress Relief for Both of You: Ever had one of those days where you want to scream into a pillow? Playdough can be surprisingly therapeutic. Smash it, roll it, vent it out… and let your toddler join in too!

6. Brain Boost: Making stuff from playdough means planning, thinking, and figuring things out. Basically, it’s sneaky learning, and we’re here for it!

7. Longer Attention Span: Sometimes, they’ll play for 20 minutes straight, and you might actually drink a hot cup of tea! Dreams can come true. Make that dream a reality for yourself and get your hands on some of our non-toxic, handcrafted Play Sens Dough! 

10 Playdough Activities to Keep Your Little One Happy (So You Can Breathe!)

1. Playdough Pizza Parlor: Grab a tub of playdough and become the head chef of your own pizzeria. Toddlers can create "toppings" like green broccoli, pink pepperoni, or… purple carrots? Whatever, it's their masterpiece. Or try adding some Play Sense Sprinkles for those pizza herbs!

2. Nature Impressions: Venture outside (or the backyard if you’re lazy like me) and collect some leaves, flowers, and twigs. Press them into the dough to make “nature stamps.” 

3. Animal Track Detective: Press toy animals into the dough to make tracks. “Hmm, what’s this? A dinosaur? A zebra? Or just a very determined toy car?”

4. Story Mats for the Win: Make or print some simple scenes—a farm, a beach, or an enchanted forest. Then, let your kiddo add playdough animals, sea creatures, or fairies. It's like storytelling, but with way more squish. We have some freebie playdough mats you might like. Click here to print yours at home. 

5. Dino Excavation Dig: Hide some mini dinosaurs in a ball of playdough and let your little paleontologist dig them out. “Quick, grab the tools!” (Which is just their fingers, but they don’t need to know that.)

6. Cupcake Bakery Chaos: Set up a pretend bakery. “Mumma, would you like a blueberry, broccoli, and banana cupcake?” Sure, why not?

7. Rainbow Snake Factory: Have them roll out “snakes” of different colors and create a rainbow (or a very, very long worm). Great for color recognition, but also just hilarious to watch.

8. Mix and Match Faces: Make different facial features like googly eyes, funny noses, and wacky mouths. Stick them on a paper plate and mix them up for some seriously silly faces.

9. Playdough Road Map: Draw a simple road on cardboard and let them create playdough cars, trees, and people. “Look out! There’s a giant worm crossing the road!”

10. Tiny Tool Fun: Give them safe kitchen tools like a rolling pin, cookie cutters, or a plastic fork. Watch them pretend to be chefs, builders, or mad scientists.

Keep Calm and Playdough On!

So, the next time you’re one step away from hiding in the pantry with a chocolate bar, remember the humble tub of playdough. It’s more than just a crumb magnet for your floors — it’s a tool for creativity, fine motor skills, and keeping your toddler occupied long enough for you to take a breath (or three).

Happy squishing, Mumma!