With four little kids running around, we spend very little time inside. Being inside just feels chaotic. As soon as the fights begin or something is getting destroyed, we head straight outside. The open space, the fresh air, and the millions of ride-on toys are just what my kids need.
One of the many reasons I love summer is that everyone can run out barefoot and in a diaper. I dread the winter months when it seems to take longer to bundle everyone up than the time we actually have to play outside. Unfortunately, with winter comes a lot more inside time. I need to have inside activities planned for each day to keep these little people busy and entertained.
SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH VIDEO
The only thing more fun than playing with playdough is making playdough.
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This recipe is simple to make, and with the added essential oils, children reap many benefits when playing with it. My kids had fun helping me with this one! (Gluten-free recipe at the end)
Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together in a saucepan.
Stir in water, vegetable oil, and if you’re using food coloring, add that too.
Heat the ingredients on low heat, stirring often until the dough forms into a ball.
Once the dough had reached the consistency of playdough, remove from the heat.
Allow the mixture to cool and then add essential oils of choice. Knead the oils into the dough until well combined.
Store in an airtight container or ziplock bags.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SIMPLE HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH
Our Favorites Essential Oils for PlayDough
Wild Orange: immune support and cleansing
Lemon: uplifting and energizing
Lime: cleansing and uplifting
Peppermint: concentration and focus
Lavender: calming and relaxing
Our Favorite Combinations of Essential Oils for PlayDough
Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange: This blend is very uplifting, cleansing, and gives a natural energy boost. We love the way this one smells.
Peppermint and Lemon: These two essential oils smell well together and promote concentration and energy. Let the kids play with this playdough blend before sitting down to do homework.
Lavender and Frankincense: Two of my favorite essential oils to diffuse overnight. Add this blend to your playdough and make it part of the wind-down routine before bed.
Cinnamon, ginger, wild orange: This blend reminds me of the holiday season, and with its immune-boosting properties, it is perfect for little hands.
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 natural aromatic compounds extracted and distilled from plants for their many benefits. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to promote health, well-being, and uplifting mood.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
Diffuse– Diffusers disperse essential oil molecules into the air providing many benefits for you and your home.Certain essential oils like wild orange, lemon, and clove can kill airborne germs keeping your home clean and germ-free.Other oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lime can help open up airways and promote healthy breathing.
Inhale– Open up a bottle of essential oil and inhale straight out of the bottle. This is known as the “poor man’s way,” but it is very effective. Just by breathing an essential oil can affect mood, memory, and concentration.
Play Dough– As your child plays with the play dough, they will reap the benefits of the essential oils aromatically. The oil scent will be released as they squeeze and mold the play dough.
Hands– Add 2-4 drops of essential oil to the palm of your hand, rub together, and cuff over the nose.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
Stress and anxious feelings- Lavender, frankincense, copaiba, wild orange, and roman chamomile
Boost Energy- Wild orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, and peppermint
Calm and relax- Lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and copaiba
Promote healthy night sleep- Lavender, frankincense, vetiver, and cedarwood
Immune support- Cinnamon, clove, wild orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, and frankincense
Cleanse- Lemon, lime, melaleuca, and wild orange
Aid in memory and focus- Peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, wild orange, and lavender
Ground emotions- Ho wood, Frankincense, blue tansy, roman chamomile, and bergamot
Uplift mood- Bergamot, tangerine, wild orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit
Respiratory Support- Peppermint, eucalyptus, lime, and thyme
GLUTEN-FREE PLAYDOUGH RECIPE
With gluten intolerances on the rise, I wanted to include a gluten-free option. This playdough is softer than regular play dough, but the kids still enjoy playing with it. If your child is allergic to gluten, try this recipe.
Mix the baking soda and corn starch in a saucepan.
Stir in water and food coloring if using.
Heat the ingredients on low heat, stirring often until the dough starts to form and become more solid.
Once the dough had reached the consistency of playdough and balls up around the spoon, remove from the heat.
Allow the mixture to cool and then add essential oils of choice. Knead the oils into the dough until well combined, and play dough is the consistency you like.
Store in an airtight container or ziplock bags.
Have you ever wondered how to make playdough? Did you add in essential oils? If so, please share your favorite blends with me below!
Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together in a saucepan.
Stir in water, vegetable oil, and if using food coloring, add that in too.
Heat the ingredients on low heat, stirring often until the dough forms into a ball.
Once the dough had reached the consistency of play dough, remove from the heat.
Allow the mixture to cool and then add essential oils of choice. Knead the oils into the dough until well combined.
Store in an airtight container or ziplock bags.
Notes
Our Favorites Essential Oils for Play Dough Wild Orange: immune support and cleansingLemon: uplifting and energizingLime: cleansing and upliftingPeppermint: concentration and focusLavender: calming and relaxing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and mention us on Instagram @ouroilyhouse
I am not a nutritionalist. Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Emily Turpin says
Hi Laura ! Love your recipes ! I wanted to ask you if you knew any substitute for cream of tartare. I just can’t find any… Thank you soooo much !