If ever there was a toy that would never go out of style, it is play dough. Having been around for decades, it remains one of the most popular toys among kids.
Suitable for both children and adults, play dough sets are all-rounded toys that offer educational and entertainment benefits. For starters, play dough helps strengthen handle muscles and promote the development of fine motor skills.
Squishing play dough stress balls is incredibly therapeutic for kids as it helps release extra tension, improve concentration, and ease tension.
Playdough offers limitless options when it comes to creativity. Some kits are themed around specific interests, while others target children of a certain age range.
In this post, we tell you how to choose a play dough set for your child. We also review the best Play-Doh sets on the market.
Play Doh Sets: Amazon Best Sellers
If you’re in a hurry, take a look at these Amazon Best Sellers. Otherwise, keep reading!
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The Best Play Doh Sets for Toddlers For September 2023
Here are the top 10 Best Play-Doh Sets for September 2023.
1. Play-Doh Modelling Compound 36-Pack Case of Colors
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Topping our list is the Play-Doh Modelling Compound 36-Pack, an excellent choice for someone in search of assorted colors. It is a budget pack that includes 36 tubes of Play-Doh, each weighing 3 ounces.
It is everything your child needs to expand their creativity and more. Like other official Play-Doh products, this one is nontoxic and doesn’t pose any harm to your kid.
You may have to look elsewhere if your child is allergic to gluten. This is a great starter play dough kit, especially since the wide assortment of colors allows their imagination to go wild.
Recommended for ages 2-36, this mega pack can be used in classrooms and party favors for children, arts & crafts, and birthday gifts. Opening the package is easy, and the packaging (lids and cans) is recyclable.
Highlighted features:
- Easy to open, recyclable packaging
- 36-pack Play-Doh modeling compound
- 36 assorted colors in 3-ounce cans
- Squishy, bright, and non-toxic Play-Doh
- Recommended age: 2-36 years
2. Play-Doh Modelling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors
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This Modelling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors is our favorite pick for the best playdough set for girls. It is offered as a pack of 10 cans, hence plenty of creative fun for your little one.
Each can comes in a unique color and weighs 2-ounces. Your little girl gets all the right colors to explore their creativity. They can squish, shape, and mix the dough to make anything they’d like.
This is great for use as an add-on to Play-Doh toys or Play-Doh refills. This modeling compound is squishy and non-toxic, hence safe for children who love arts and crafts.
It is recommended for kids aged 2+ years and doesn’t contain any ingredients to cause severe allergic reactions. Like all Play-Doh products, it is packaged in easy to open, recyclable cans.
Highlighted features:
- 10 cans of creative fun
- Recommended for kids aged 2+ years
- Easy to open, recyclable packaging
- 10-pack Play-Doh in 2-ounce cans
- Just the right colors to get started
3. Play-Doh Shoppe Cookie Creations
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Another best play-doh set for girls is the Shoppe Cookie Creations by Play-Doh. It is a great gift choice for girls who love spending time in the kitchen. Suitable for children of all ages, this is a high-quality toy that makes for entertaining play dates.
It is made using quality ingredients that are safe for your child. The kit is tested for durability and quality, so you can be sure your money will be well spent.
It comes with everything your little girl needs to feel like a real-life baker. The kit includes four cutters for creating a square, heart, circle, and star-shaped cookies.
A textured rolling pin allows one to create fun patterns. Also included is press pretend frosting with an extruder, which comes in handy when making make-believe sandwich cookies.
Highlighted features:
- Textured rolling pin for fun patterns
- 5 cans of modeling compound in different colors
- Tray, roller, spatula, 2-piece extruder, and 4 cutters
- Press pretend to frost
- Create a circle, square, heart, and star-shaped cookies
4. Play-Doh Modeling Compound 24-Pack Case of Colors
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This 24-pack case of colors offers plenty of non-toxic modeling compounds for your child to channel their creativity. Suitable for both children and adults, the compound is packaged in multi-colored cans weighing 3 ounces.
Being a rainbow assortment, this pack allows you to create anything you set your mind to. You can press, squeeze, shape, squish, roll…the creative possibilities are limitless.
It is recommended for kids aged 2+ years, and the pack includes 24 cans of non-toxic play dough compound. The packaging is frustration-free and recyclable to ensure environmental sustainability.
Highlighted features:
- Great for kids aged 2+ years
- Bounce Play-Doh in 24 assorted colors
- Non-toxic modeling compound
- Ideal for birthdays, parties, classrooms, and more
- Ships in recyclable packaging for sustainability
5. Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set
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This is a fun Play-Doh set for 2-year-old children that offers plenty of room for exploring with mold and tools. It allows children to explore their creativity while having a great time.
The kit comes with assorted cans and tools, thus providing open-ended possibilities for creation. The Fin Factory Deluxe Set is available in different themes, hence plenty of creative role play.
It includes six cans of modeling compound in assorted colors. The compound is perfect for children who love squishing, squeezing, shaping, and more.
It is also packaged in recyclable cans and lids. All tools are made from plastic and are safe for small hands, and are easy to clean.
Given how many pieces this set comes with, the price is quite reasonable. It is a great classic toy that will keep your child occupied for hours.
Highlighted features:
- 6 cans of play dough in assorted colors
- Available in different themes
- Plastic tools are easy to clean
- Non-toxic play dough
- Recommended for 2+-year-olds
6. Play-Doh Numbers Letters N Fun Art Multi Kids Toddler Games Play Set
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This is a great play dough set for boys and girls who love arts and crafts. They can roll, mold, cut, and press the play dough. Perhaps the best advantage offered by this kit is that it promotes literacy and numeracy development in children.
They’ll be learning to identify digits and letters as they play, hence an easier time in school. In addition, they can create their own sequences and even create words.
Highlights include more than 35 colorful numbers and letter molds to satisfy your child’s creativity. The set of numbers and letters allows for endless counting and spelling.
Highlighted features:
- More than 35 number and letter molds
- Dozens of molds in assorted colors
- Roll, cut, press and mold
- Promotes numeracy and literacy development
- Molds made from non-toxic ingredients
7. Play-Doh Playful Pies Set
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This Play-Doh set for 3-year-olds comes with everything your child needs to tap into their creative side. It is perfect for creating pretend Play-Doh pies.
Being a baking-themed kit, it comes with all the necessary tools and Play-Doh accessories to make pretend pies. There are four cans of modeling compound, all in assorted colors.
This makes for a slew of colorful pies in different designs. What’s more is that the Play-Doh is easy to squeeze, cut, press, mold, and shape into whatever you want.
A pie plate is also included for convenient ‘baking.’ The fruit basket is a nice addition that expands creativity and motivates the inner baker.
When you factor in the 5 pie-themed accessories, it’s easy to see why this makes a great gift for make-believe bakers.
Highlighted features:
- Fruit basket for creating fillings
- Cream mold for topping colorful pies
- Includes 5 pie-themed tools
- Pie plate for serving
- Four cans of the colorful molding compound
8. Play-Doh Max The Cement Mixer
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If you search for a play dough set for boys, Max the Cement Mixer is a good contender. It allows your little boy to be the boss of their own construction site. It offers an engaging playtime that your kid will not get enough of.
This kit is designed to be safe for children, easy to use, and play constructions games. It comes with a complete set of accessories, including a stamp that resembles a cracked road and a steamroller.
There are five cans of modeling compound, all in different colors. You can mix and match them for colorful creations and a more enjoyable experience.
A few cutting and squeezing accessories are included for fun playtime. The cutting accessories include a collection of cutouts and shapes.
Highlighted features:
- Five cans of play dough
- Molding compound in different colors
- Steamroller included
- Cutting and squeezing accessories
- 3 road accessories
- Truck with extruder tail
9. Kiddie Dough Deluxe Mega Dough Set
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The Deluxe Mega Dough Set by Kiddie Dough is a great starter kit for children who want to engage in creative role play and express their imagination.
It includes twelve colorful mini cans of the molding compound. The molding compound is made from non-toxic ingredients and comes in six rainbow colors.
The can lid features built-in stamps that make for creative art and craft projects. This playset incorporates six unique factory themes. These include animals, super candy shops, people, and ice cream shops.
It comes with assorted modeling and cutting tools that include cookie cutters, rolling pins, stencils, pasta machines, and more. This deluxe playset offers open-ended opportunities for playing while teaching a child art and vocabulary fundamentals.
The modeling compound is non-hardening and all things considered, this kit is a great gift for Christmas and birthdays.
Highlighted features:
- 12 colorful mini-cans of play dough
- Superset with 6 rainbow colors
- 6 unique factory themes
- Assorted cutting and modeling tools
- Food, animals, people, and more for open-ended play
- Non-toxic modeling compound
10. Play-Doh Sparkle Compound Collection
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Concluding our Play-Doh reviews is the Sparkle Compound Collection, which includes six cans of sparkle modeling compound. It is the perfect setting for creating shiny creations, hence a great gift for girls.
The kit comes with two cuttings for creating different shapes like flowers, gems, and more. There are endless creative possibilities. This set is recommended for children aged three years and up.
Highlighted features:
- Six colors of sparkly modeling compound
- Play-Doh packaged in recyclable cans
- Includes two cutters
Safety Precautions
Before we get into in-depth details, it’s important to note that play dough can be a health hazard for your little one. As such, there are certain safety precautions you need to keep in mind when your kids are playing with them.
Let’s take a quick look at these precautions:
Playdough is a choking hazard
There is a good reason why play dough is mostly recommended for children aged two years old. Kids tend to put anything they find in their mouth, including large chunks of balls made from Playdough.
Play-Doh is a choking hazard, hence the importance of constant supervision.
Keep play dough away from babies and dogs.
Playdough shouldn’t be given to babies who still put everything they find into their mouths, or pets for that matter. Their salty taste makes them very appealing, and many babies will try to eat them.
Watch your toddler and pet closely when they are playing with play dough.
Playdough should not be eaten.
This is particularly concerning for children with wheat allergies. The last thing you need is your child suffering from a severe allergic reaction after eating play dough.
Even the smallest taste of playdough made with wheat can cause an allergic reaction.
Homemade playdough is as safe as its ingredients.
Making playdough is pretty easy – all you need is a good recipe and the ingredients you already have at home. However, just because homemade playdough is edible doesn’t make it your child’s favorite food.
It won’t harm your child even when swallowed. But then again, the taste may be so bad that he will spit out the dough right away.
Whatever the case, discourage your child from eating homemade play dough and give them water if they become thirsty.
Always, always read the label.
Even though commercial play doughs are generally non-toxic, reading the labels before a purchase is a must. Look at the ingredients, age recommendations, and warnings to be aware of before buying.
What To Look For Before Buying?
Choosing a play dough set for kids is fairly easy once you know what to look for. Officially branded products are always the best choice since legit companies invest many years in research and testing.
That said, there are few factors you should consider before making any purchase.
Here are the KEY things we focused on when compiling a list of the best playdough sets:
Your child’s interest
While they do offer educational value, play dough sets are primarily designed to entertain. As such, it is important to consider your child’s interest when making a purchase.
If your child loves spending time in the kitchen, a cooking play dough set will encourage them to explore their interest in cooking. Some kits allow children to create props to pay tribute to their favorite games and TV shows.
If your child doesn’t have a particular interest yet, a bumper kit can help them explore their options and discover their creative side.
Ease of use
Because you are purchasing a play dough set for a 3-year-old, you must consider its ease of use. A play dough set should be easy for your little boy or girl to set up without help.
Keep in mind that the ease of use may vary depending on age. However, kits designed for children are easy enough to figure out.
Ease of cleaning
This is a huge one considering how messy children can be. Playdough kits with baskets, trays, cutting, and shaping accessories should be easy to clean.
Many mothers are busy juggling things at home and work. As such, having an hour to clean playdough kits isn’t easy.
Accessories
The number of accessories included depends on the kit purchased. More accessories are always best because they offer a wider variety and more room to be creative.
If going for a variety mold, look for a stamp, a variety of molding compounds, cutter shapes, and squeezes. Cooking-themed kits may include an oven, baking tray, and trays, while a construction kit may come with a steamroller.
Colors
Regardless of the play-doh set you choose, it’s important to go for as many colors as possible. You want your kids to experiment with different things, and offering a variety of colors stimulates them mentally and ensures they don’t get bored.
Overall ratings from parents
Reviews from parents can tell you a great deal about play dough sets and toys in general. It allows you to discern themes for different toys easily and if they are right for your kid.
In addition, parent reviews identify the positives and negatives of particular sets. Keep in mind that a 1/5-star rating isn’t always what it seems.
Some customers give bad reviews due to confusion. Take time to read the actual reviews for more information about a product.
Does Play-Doh Set Dry Out?
Yes, Play-Doh sets dry out if not stored properly or left out in the open. It loses its pliable consistency, making it difficult to mold and craft with. The good news is that there are many ways to revive dried-out Play-Doh.
The first method is to use water. Place the dough on a flat surface, add a few drops of water and knead the dough. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired consistency.
You can also use water and a paper towel. Use water to dampen the paper towel, then wrap it around the play dough. Place the dough in a covered container and leave it overnight.
Remove the paper towel and knead the Play-Doh until it is pliable. The third method involves using glycerin. Place the Play-Doh on a flat surface, make an indentation in the middle with your finger, and pour a ½ teaspoon of glycerin.
Knead the dough for several seconds and if necessary, add ¼ teaspoon of glycerin. Keep going until you achieve a pliable consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are used to make Play-Doh?
While it is proprietary, Play-Doh cites that they use water, flour, and salt as the primary ingredients for their products. It contains wheat and is free of milk by-products, peanuts, and peanut oil.
The Play-Doh modeling compounds are completely safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating. However, caution is advised if your child is allergic to gluten or wheat.
How can you preserve play dough creations?
Because it is designed for repeated use, Play-Doh can make great creations. The downside is that those creations can crack if allowed to crack.
A good way to avoid this and create long-lasting creations is to use oven curable clay from the local crafts store.
How do I remove play dough from my upholstery, couch, and fabrics?
Using hot water to remove play dough from upholstery will only make things worse. Wait for it dry, and use a stiff brush to loosen it. You may have to clean with warm water and soap or vacuum your couch.
Best Play Doh Sets: Final Verdict
Every child benefits a great deal from using play dough sets. They are budget-friendly toys that promote literacy and numeracy, encourage independence, provide learning opportunities, enhance hand mobility, and more.
And while there is no such thing as a play dough set for boys or girls, children experience the same kind of joy when playing with play dough.
We hope the above play dough set reviews have helped narrow down your options. The buyer’s guide section offers more advice on factors to consider when identifying the right play dough set for your child.
Remember that play dough sets are meant to entertain, so the primary concern should be fulfilling your child’s interests.
Play Doh Sets: Today’s Best Deals
- A SLICE OF IMAGINATION: Imagine the creative ideas they'll cook up with this pizza oven toy for kids 3 years and up. It makes a great birthday or holiday gift, or just a fun arts and crafts activity
- STAMP A MAKE-BELIEVE CRUST: To start, add compound and press the top to stamp out a round Play-Doh pizza crust and send it spinning out of the oven
- 8 PIZZA-THEMED ACCESSORIES: Kids can play pretend chef with the classic look of the cheese grater, the pizza paddle with fun molds, the serving and slicing tools, the pizza box, roller, and 2 plates
- OVER 25 PRETEND TOPPINGS: The play food tools throughout this Play-Doh set feature lots of molds to make pretend pepperoni, onion, make-believe mushrooms, and so much more
- 6 CANS INCLUDING TRI-COLOR: 2 ounces of tricolor compound with red, yellow, and orange for pretend cheese, plus 5 more classic colors to give kids what they need to get started (contains wheat)
- ALL-IN-ONE PLAYSPACE: This self-contained Play-Doh workstation includes play surfaces, tools, molds, and plenty of storage - everything kids need for lots of imaginative fun!
- BUILT-IN CREATIVE FUN: The carrying case has lots of fun features including 2 built-in Play-Doh classics! The Fun Factory tool makes long, silly shapes and the Fuzzy Pumper tool grows hilarious...
- OVER 30 PLAY-DOH TOOLS: Little hands will love using the incredible assortment of tools to roll, stamp, and cut fun Play-Doh shapes like animals, pretend fruits and sweets, shooting stars, and more
- 10 PLAY-DOH CANS: Play-Doh modeling compound 10 pack case of colors in 2-ounce cans including 2 cans of pink and white Confetti and 2 cans of red and green Sparkle compound. Contains wheat
- GREAT KIDS GIFT, CONVENIENT CLEANUP: Play-Doh sets are awesome as birthday presents or holiday gifts for 3 year old girls and boys and up. This travel toy is perfectly portable, with ample storage and...
- PLAY DENTIST AND CREATE SMILES: Open up and say "ahh" Kids can make the patient stick his Play-Doh tongue out, then use the tooth mold to easily create an entire row of Play-Doh teeth all at once
- DRILL AND FILL PLAY-DOH TEETH: Use the hand-powered spinning toy drill to dig into those cavities, then squeeze Play-Doh fillings from the syringe extruder to fix them right up
- ADD METALLIC COLORED PLAY-DOH BRACES AND FILLINGS: Silver and gold Play-Doh modeling compound colors are perfect for making pretend braces with the roller and cavity fillings with the syringe extruder
- 8 TOTAL CANS INCLUDING CAVITY COLOR: Playing Play-Doh dentist isn't complete without all the right colors. 2-ounce cans include special cavity and silver and gold metallic colors, plus white, red, and...
- DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH AND FLOSS: This pretend play dentist kit comes with a total of 10 dental toy tools including a toothbrush that squeezes Play-Doh toothpaste, a flosser, pick, mirror, and tweezers
- GIVE THE PUP A CHECK UP: This toy vet kit for kids 3 years and up lets them get creative and play pretend veterinarian. It's up to them to groom and care for the adorable toy dog
- GROOM AND STYLE: Make the doggy grow a long Play-Doh tongue and silly Play-Doh hair from its ears and back. Kids can also mold pretend fleas, pick them off with the tweezers, and style up the pup
- TAKE-ALONG CARRIER: Storage and on the go fun all in one. Yes, please. The play pet carrier also features fun molds to make Play-Doh medicine, bows, and more
- 10 VET-THEMED PLAY-DOH TOOLS: Stamp with the toy stethoscope, fill in the thermometer, make 5 different bandage styles, give the pup a haircut with the play scissors, and more
- 5 PLAY-DOH CANS: This Play-Doh set has 5 modeling compound cans in blue, pink, orange, brown and green, making it a great birthday gift or other fun present (contains wheat)
- Play-Doh play lets kids take the lid off their imaginations and explore their creativity
- Can packs and basic tool sets offer all kinds of open-ended play
- Play sets come in many different themes and offer lots of creative role play
- Great for play dates
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who am I? A Montessori educator.
What a pleasure to recognize and interpret each child’s needs!
How exciting to help children become self-reliant and support them in their process of self-development.
I am also truly passionate about guiding adults in building their relationship with children.
#9 Kiddy dough deluxe mega play dough set , I really like the idea of a variety of options as our grand kids love to play with Play-Doh. It only comes with one plastic cutting knife, so hard to share when several are playing together. The little kits could have used a bit more pieces as some only had 1 item in them. Overall our grand kids are having fun with it so worth the purchase!