We’ve been mixing up and giving away aromatherapy play dough for a few years ago, and making it for ourselves. The scent can be calming or invigorating, and there’s something just so therapeutic about the texture and motion of squishing and shaping the dough. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, and experimented with little changes until I settled into my own favorite combination.
Aromatherapy Play Dough
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup water
Essential oil
Food coloring
Mix the first six ingredients in a sauce pan and stir constantly over medium low heat until the dough begins to stick together and form a ball as you’re stirring. Don’t worry when it gets clumpy and lumpy right before it starts to pull together. That’s absolutely normal. *Small children can help add and mix the ingredients before you heat the mixture on the stove. Older children who are familiar with cooking safety should still have adult supervision while the dough cooks.
Place the dough on a smooth surface to cool until it is comfortable to handle. If you are making three different scents, split the dough into three parts now. Working with one scent at a time, flatten the dough a bit and then add 1-2 drops of food coloring and 2-3 drops of essential oil, folding the edges over the drops and the kneading the dough until the color and scent are evenly distributed. *The warm dough feels delightful, and this is definitely a step that the children will enjoy helping with! Always use caution when using essential oils with children and those who may be sensitive to it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What makes this the perfect Mother’s Day gift? My favorite gifts to give are gifts that I love myself. Children can help with quite a bit of this process, and it truly is a gift from their heart, because they know the joy that comes with it.
And what Mom doesn’t need a little relaxation sometimes?
But of course, as special as a clump of play dough is, presentation is EVERYTHING in this case. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a beautiful, coordinating Mother’s Day printable set that you just print and cut!
A lovely, homemade gift suddenly feels like the spa-inspired indulgence that it really is.
These jar lid covers fit a wide mouth jar, and the half-pint size keeps your dough nice and airtight to make it last several weeks depending on your climate (refrigeration helps it last even longer).
Tie on a little ribbon or tulle for the perfect finishing touch. I’ve even included a few tie-on tags in the printable set!
Of course, while these were designed with Mother’s Day in mind, they’re equally perfect for other occasions:
- Teacher Appreciation
- Visiting Teaching
- Hostess Gifts
- Birthdays
- Thank you
- Wedding favors
If you’re new to essential oils, we have a few scent recommendations for you! Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the oils that you choose.
Relax: Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Cedar-wood
Cheer: Peppermint, Lemon, Jasmine, Rosemary
Calm: Ylang-ylang, Bergamot, Marjoram, Frankincense
My personal favorite play dough scents are lavender and peppermint, and I find myself going to them over and over again. As you become familiar with essential oils you’ll find scents and scent combinations that are your personal favorites too!
Click here to download the printable project page. It includes the three jar topper images, and four different small square tags to choose from. You’ll also find a sneak peek at our next two projects, because the printable sheets for those fun Mother’s Day ideas are included in the download!
Don’t you love easy, inexpensive, kid-friendly projects that look really impressive and reflect how much you value the people you love? I do!
