Plastercine, Play doh or Fimo for a 19 month old?

[joymaker]

Hi All,

Do you think my ds is the right age or too young to enjoy all/any of the above (with supervision)? I've seen the age guidance on products but wonder how acurate this is.

I used plastercine when I was young so know what that is like (bet it still has that horid smell it had decades ago ) but am not familiar with Play Doh or Fimo but know they are very popular. Can you tell me how they compare with plastercine and what can be achieved with them (recommendations any kits that come with them that make playing with them more enjoyable/creative would be appreciated)
Thanks

fimo is definitely for older children, playdoh is probaby best as plasticine can stain things imo

Playdoh. Argos do a set of lots of small pots with cutters etc for £9.99 and it's in their 2 for £15 range and it includes SILVER and GOLD Playdoh!!

home made playdough. Its only flour salt water and oil with food colouring. You can make a batch cheaply and its loads of fun. Tastes nasty so they won't eat it but won't hurt if they taste it. Used to have receipe - it will be on google. Keep for a while air tight, make some fresh if it goes hard.

playdoh definitely - fimo and plasticine are both too hard for little hands to manipulate. And fimo costs a fortune too as I recall!

Thanks for your replies guys. jchocchip nice idea and definately safe. My ds seems to be very interested in texture and tries to squidge and snap anything he's handling

No Cook Playdough

1/2 cup salt
1 cup flour
1 Tbsp Cream of tartar
1 Tbsp Oil (Veg/Olive oil or Baby oil)
1 cup of boiling water mixed with food colouring of choice

Mix dry ingredients together in a heat proof bowl.

Add hot water and mix vigorously.

If he is particularly interested in texture you could add glitter or pasta (the small stars are good) to the dough after you make it and knead them in.

Also, you can add fragrances eg lemon/peppermint/strawberry using the cooking flavourings to increase the sensory effect.

You can get play dough cutters quite cheaply on Ebay or at car boots, and we use a variety of other stuff that makes patterns/holes in the dough (an old formula scoop/a butter curler/a neurofen syringe to make spaghetti/hair etc).

HTH

Oh 1973magpie Brilliant!!! I'm definately going to try making it now. Much appreciated, thanks for taking the time!

I sometimes add lavender oil when I make it - makes for a nice, chilled out playdough time (in theory )

Tikkabillajive

That's ok, you're welcome we get through tons of the stuff here

lots of recipes here on this lovely blog (wouldnt be surprised if she is magpie lol)

Thanks so much for linking to that blog - I'd seen it a while ago (she is def a Mumsnetter) and had been looking for it recently as she has such lovely ideas.

If you put a spoonful of cocoa in it looks like poo smells divine.

This is exactly why I'm always glad I asked! MNetters rock, thank you all!

getout not me, unfortunately - wish it was though, what a great blog!

1973magpie your secrets out... we now all know that you're a play dough goddess too

Thanks joymaker I love playdough! Might have to make some of the black sparkly stuff very soon...