This Glitter Playdough is soft, sparkly, and super fun to make! It’s a kid-friendly, non-toxic, and easy DIY craft that provides hours of sensory play. Made with simple household ingredients, this homemade playdough is perfect for creative play, party favors, or holiday-themed crafts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & fun – Ready in just 10 minutes!
- Non-toxic & safe – Perfect for kids of all ages.
- Soft & pliable – Keeps its texture for weeks.
- Customizable – Use different colors, scents, and types of glitter.
- Budget-friendly – Cheaper and better than store-bought playdough!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Basic Glitter Playdough Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar (helps with elasticity)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Fine glitter (any color)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, or lemon for scented playdough)
- Glow-in-the-dark glitter for extra fun
- Neon food coloring for vibrant shades
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Stir in water, vegetable oil, and food coloring until combined.
Step 3: Cook the Dough
- Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously.
- After 3-5 minutes, the dough will thicken and pull away from the sides.
- Once it forms a soft ball, remove from heat.
Step 4: Add Glitter & Knead
- Let dough cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a clean surface.
- Sprinkle in glitter and knead until fully combined.
- If sticky, add a little extra flour while kneading.
Step 5: Play & Store
- Once cooled, play and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep it fresh.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Refrigeration: Helps extend freshness but is not necessary.
- Reviving Playdough: If it starts to dry out, knead with a few drops of water.
Variations
- Edible Glitter Playdough – Use edible glitter and food-safe ingredients.
- Holiday-Themed – Add red and green glitter for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
- Glow-in-the-Dark – Use glow-in-the-dark pigment or fluorescent glitter.
- Scented Playdough – Mix in essential oils or vanilla extract for a fun aroma.
FAQs
Can I make this without cream of tartar?
Yes! Substitute 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar.
What kind of glitter works best?
Use fine or extra-fine craft glitter for the best sparkle.
Can I use edible glitter?
Yes! It’s great for younger kids who may put playdough in their mouths.
How do I prevent sticky playdough?
Add extra flour while kneading until the texture is smooth.
Is this safe for toddlers?
Yes! But supervise younger children to prevent accidental ingestion.
How do I keep the color vibrant?
Use gel food coloring for rich, deep colors.
Can I freeze playdough?
Not recommended, as freezing can change the texture.
How do I make extra-soft playdough?
Add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil for a smoother texture.
Can I bake playdough creations?
No, this dough is not for baking—it will crack when dry.
How do I make metallic or galaxy playdough?
Use metallic pigment powder and holographic glitter for a space-themed look!
Conclusion
This Homemade Glitter Playdough is a fun, sparkly, and easy DIY project that kids will love! Whether you make it for sensory play, parties, or gifts, this soft, colorful, and long-lasting playdough is a must-try craft. Make a batch today and enjoy hours of creative fun!
PrintGlitter Playdough
This Homemade Glitter Playdough is soft, squishy, and sparkly, perfect for kids’ crafts, sensory play, and fun DIY projects! Made with simple pantry ingredients, this playdough is non-toxic, easy to store, and lasts for weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Category: DIY, Kids’ Craft
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salt (helps preserve the playdough)
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar (makes it soft and stretchy!)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (keeps it smooth and non-sticky)
- A few drops of food coloring (any color you like!)
- 1–2 tbsp fine glitter (silver, gold, rainbow, or any color!)
- 1 tsp vanilla or peppermint extract (optional, for a nice scent!)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Playdough
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add water, oil, food coloring, and optional scent. Stir well.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- After 2-3 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken and form a dough.
- Once it pulls away from the sides and forms a ball, remove from heat.
Step 2: Add the Glitter & Knead
- Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a clean surface.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Sprinkle in the glitter, kneading until evenly distributed.
How to Store Playdough
- Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature.
- Stays soft for up to 2 months—add a few drops of water if it starts to dry out.
Fun Variations
- Galaxy Playdough: Use black or dark blue food coloring with silver & purple glitter.
- Unicorn Playdough: Make pink, blue, and purple batches, then swirl them together!
- Neon Glow Playdough: Use neon food coloring and glow-in-the-dark glitter.
Notes
- No Cream of Tartar? Use 2 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar instead.
- Want softer playdough? Add 1 extra tbsp vegetable oil.
- More sparkle? Add extra glitter or metallic flakes!