9 Best Play-Doh Sets (2024 Update)

Play-Doh is a wonderful way to foster open-ended play in your child. It helps children practice fine motor skills, learn about independent play, and is a great group activity to develop teamwork skills. 

Play-Doh enhances children’s sensory and tactile experiences by introducing more sensory play into their activities. It helps spark your child’s imagination, and it’s also fun! Children love to pull, squish, and manipulate the Play-Doh to make fun creations.  

With a wide variety of options, we’ve done all the research to bring you the best Play-Doh sets on the market today.  

Best Play-Doh Sets

Pretend play is so important to foster your little ones creativity and imagination. Play-doh is similar to modeling clay and allows your child to form, shape, and create a variety of items. Whether you have an older child or a toddler, we’ve gathered the best play-doh sets and reviewed them below.

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Cookout

The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Cookout set offers children five Play-Doh colors, a toy grill, and 17 kitchen accessories. The set includes molds for fruits and vegetables and the ability to create hot dogs, burgers, and french fries. 

Your child can use the squishable play-doh compound to host their very own barbeque! Children will explore their imagination world by creating fun meals.

They can use the veggie molds to create their own kabobs. Utilize the spatula to flip the plastic buns and hamburgers on the grill. Lastly, they can add toppings by spreading them with the plastic knife or topping with veggies.

This set is ideal for teaching children the basics of grilling. It is for ages 3 and up.

PROS

• It is reasonably priced
• Includes lots of accessories
• Ideal for the budding griller
• Versatile and offers many food options

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh
• It has small pieces that are easy to lose

Play-Doh Max the Cement Maker

The Play-Doh Max the Cement Maker set includes three road accessories and five colors of Play-Doh. 

Let your child’s imagination run as they explore the world of construction sites. Load the cement mixer to create vibrant bricks and beams. Flatten and smooth cement roads with the removable steamroller. 

The Play-Doh containers can be turned over and used as cones to contain the construction site. The jackhammer tool can smash cracks into the cement road or create moldable maintenance hole covers. This set is ideal for ages 3 and up.  

PROS

• The truck is large in size
• Variety of cutouts and stamping options
• Play-Doh containers can be used in play too as traffic cones
• Can play with truck with or without play-doh 

CONS

• Molds are small, making it hard not to smash creation when removing from the mold
• Steamroller works better when not attached to the truck

Play-Doh Preschool FUNdamentals Box 

The Play-Doh Preschool FUNdamentals box offers ten cans of Play-Doh and 50 pieces for imaginative play. This box comes complete and ready to use with a Fun Factory tool, 30 cutters, 10 number stampers, 3 playmats, 2 rails, decorating tool, scissors, knife, and running cutter.

Kids can explore open-ended play while playing with numbers, shapes, patterns, and animal themes. The three playmats come in fun themes and help keep Play-Doh confined to one space. 

The 10 number stampers make counting more hands-on. Basic shapes, animals, and people can be created with the 30 cutters. Children can explore a variety of options and have fun while fine-tuning their motor skills and creativity. 

The box is perfect for storing all materials when not in use. Made for ages 3 and up. 

PROS

• It comes with 10 cans of Play-Doh
• Includes a variety of cutters, stamps, and tools
• It comes with 3 playmats to help keep Play-Doh off the table
• Includes storage box

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh
• Lots of loose pieces that can be hard to keep track of

Play-Doh Stamp ‘n Top Pizza Oven

If your little one loves pizza, the Play-Doh Stamp ‘n Top Pizza Oven is the perfect set. It comes with five Play-Doh colors, a pizza oven, paddle, pizza slicer, crust maker, cheese machine, and molds to create toppings.

Your child can have fun creating their own pizza. Stamp a pizza crust in the oven, use the cheese machine to create grated cheese and finalize with toppings created from the playset’s molds. Toppings include pepperoni and a variety of veggies.

Once their pizza has been created, they can display it with the pizza paddle or on the pizza stand. Utilize the pizza slicer to create individual pizza slices and serve! 

Included are three creation cards that show step-by-step instructions for crafting individual pizzas. Your child can follow one of these recipe cards or create their own masterpiece.  

This set is ideal for practicing fine motor skills while using their imagination to create fun pizza designs. Made for ages 3 and over.

PROS

• Includes creation cards for a step-by-step guide
• A good amount of accessories to keep track of
• Lots of molds attached to playset for toppings
• Great for the pizza-loving child

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh
• Pizzas are small at about a 3-inch diameter

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Ultimate Swirl Ice Cream Maker

The Play-Doh Swirl Ice Cream Maker comes with eight colors total; six classic Play-Doh colors and two Play-Doh plus colors. The pretend ice cream parlor is equipped with a whipped cream tool, a sprinkle maker, cones, dishes, spoons, and built-in molds for toppings.

Allow your child’s imagination to unfold as they create imaginary ice cream parties. Start by loading Play-Doh colors into the center ice cream dispenser. Place two cones or two dishes underneath the dispenser. Press the lever to make it spin and create fun, colorful ice cream swirls.

The whipped cream tool can be used at the whipped cream and sprinkle station or removed and used by hand. Use the fun built-in molds to create a variety of candies or toppings.

This kit comes with two kitchen creation cards giving step-by-step instructions for ice cream creations. Great for fine motor skills and innovation, your child is sure to love this ice cream maker. Ideal for children ages 3 and up. 

PROS

• Includes 2 creation cards
• Built-in molds for lots of creativity without loose pieces
• Can create 2 ice cream cones at one time
• It comes with 8 colors total; 6 classic colors and 2 plus colors

CONS

• Classic colors do not work as well as the plus colors with this set
• The pump needs adult help with smaller kids

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Super Chef Suite

The Play-Doh Super Chef Suite is the ultimate set for any junior chef. It comes with 10 Play-Doh colors, an apron, electronic stovetop, noodle maker with noodle discs, frying pan, saucepan, half-mold cutting board, rolling pin, bowl, pressing tool with rail, scoop, pie plate, ice cream cone with stand, 9 food stamps, rolling cutter, tongs, scissors, spatula, cleaver, knife, 3 plates, 2 forks, and 2 knives.

This set includes a Junior Chef’s Guide booklet with fun how-to ideas for your child to create. With over 30 kitchen-themed accessories and an electronic stovetop that makes real sizzling sounds, your child will feel like a real chef. 

The noodle maker has four settings to create spaghetti, ziti, and more. Your child can have fun as they squeeze out a pile of noodles onto a plate, making pretend pasta dishes.

Equipped with stampers and molds, this kit allows your child to create steaks, fruit, and a variety of vegetables.  

This set is great for practicing fine motor skills and enhancing your child’s culinary creativity while they concoct up any food item imaginable. Made for children 3 years and older. 

PROS

• Includes Chef’s Guide Booklet
• Over 30 kitchen-themed accessories
• 10 Play-Doh colors
• Includes storage box

CONS 

• The apron is stiff and uncomfortable
• Batteries not included

Play-Doh Doctor Drill N Fill Playset

Let your child’s imagination soar as they play dentist with the Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill set. It includes five Play-Doh colors, head, drill, tweezers, roller, tooth mold, mirror, and toothbrush.

Get the full dentist experience by removing food stuck between the teeth with tweezers. Then squeeze some make-believe Play-Doh toothpaste through the toothbrush to clean the teeth. 

With this playset, kids can fight cavities by giving the teeth a buzz with the electric drill. After clearing the cavity, they can refill it with more Play-Doh. Kids can also add braces with the roller. 

The tooth mold is perfect for shaping molars for your child to analyze and check with the mirror. 

This playset is a great way for your child to practice being on the other side of the chair while also learning more about proper teeth care. 

PROS

• Affordable
• Great for older kids interested in becoming a dentist
• It can be used to teach kids about dental visits
• Lots of accessories

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh 
• Batteries not included

Play-Doh Play ‘N Store Kids Play Table

The Play-Doh Play ‘N Store Kids Pay Table set offers everything a parent could want to keep your child’s play-doh toys organized. With two compartments you can easily store all the tools and the play-doh in one place.

This kit comes with 25 Play-Doh tools including cookie cutters, shapes and animal molds, scissors, ice cream cone holders, sundae holders, and eight Play-Doh colors.

The table measures 21 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall, providing the perfect space for your little one’s imagination and creative play. Plus, as a parent we all love the idea of keeping art projects contained to a table or area if possible.

This set is recommended for kids age 3 and up.

PROS

• Affordable
• Comes with table and storage
• 8 Play-Doh colors
• Lots of accessories

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh 
• Compartments can be hard to open for a child

Play-Doh Fun Tub Playset

If you aren’t quite ready to commit to a specific set or you want to encourage your child to utilize more of their imagination with less accessories, the Play-Doh Fun Tub Playset might be the best option for you.

This set comes with 5 Play-Doh colors, cookie cutters, molds, a plastic knife, and a shape pusher. The best part is when your child is done playing, you can store everything in the tub for easy clean up.

PROS

• Affordable
• Comes with storage tub
• 5 Play-Doh colors
• A variety of accessories

CONS

• Small containers of Play-Doh 
• Parent reviews state they wish the set came with a rolling pin

Benefits Of Play-Doh In Child Development Skills

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are the coordination between small muscles, such as moving fingers, hands, and wrists. While working with Play-Doh, your child will be using all of their fingers to manipulate the dough. 

The Play-Doh playsets come equipped with lots of accessories, devices, and levers. These are great for fine motor skills practice for your little one. Using these tools to manipulate the dough for their creations will help their minds process cause and effect results. 

As your child uses their imagination to create various objects, they will be exercising their fingers, hand muscles, and eye coordination. Through trial and error, your child will learn how to manipulate the dough to get the results they are looking for. 

Imagination and Creativity

Play-Doh offers your child a fun, open-ended play activity that isn’t bound by rules. They can choose colors, create different objects, and create whatever their imagination dreams up. 

Through the lens of make-believe, your child may create food items in non-realistic colors, or they may come up with a brand new object you’ve never heard of before. 

The flexibility of Play-Doh allows your child to explore creativity to its full potential. They are free to have fun, experiment, and explore without being defined by rules.

Concentration

According to Stanford Children’s Health, the average 3 year old can concentrate on tasks for 8 to 9 minutes. It is important to keep this in mind depending on your child’s age, so you have a clear view of expectations.  

Play-Doh is a self-paced activity where your child can create their visions at their own speed. It requires extended periods of time to manipulate the dough and build objects. Depending on your child’s age, they may be able to focus for a longer period right away, or it may take some time.

Incorporating Play-Doh into their activities gives them space to increase their concentration levels over time as they learn how to create more things. It also helps to teach them about patience as they work through trial and error.  

The ability to sit and concentrate will be a beneficial skill for them as they progress into a classroom setting.

Independent and Cooperative Play

As our children transition into toddlers, we learn how important independent play becomes for us as parents to get anything done. Like most things, independent play is a process children develop over time. Different activities can help facilitate this, though.

Play-Doh is a great way to foster independent play in your child. On their own, they can learn to create fun objects and use their imagination. Over time their attention span will expand as they focus longer on Play-Doh activities. 

On the flip side, Play-Doh is also a great way to foster cooperative play. It is a great group play activity that can help teach children how to work together.  

What to Consider when Choosing Play-Doh Sets

When purchasing a Play-Doh set, there are a few things you will want to consider. These are described in detail below. 

Versatility of Set

It is important to pick a Play-Doh set that offers a lot of options. Consider sets that have a variety of colors and accessories. Sets that come with multiple gadgets and molds will help to facilitate open-ended play.

If you have more than one child or your child has playdates, you will want to make sure the set accommodates more than one person.

Please take into consideration what skill sets each one has to offer. Picking a Play-Doh set with a large range of skill sets will become a great learning piece for your child. 

The more versatile the Play-Doh set you pick, the more your child will get out of playing with it. 

Longevity of Set

Kids are rough. When it comes to toys, kids put them through a lot of stress as they learn and hone their fine motor skills. It is important to pick a Play-Doh set that is going to last. Look for a set that is durable and will hold up to a lot of abuse. 

You also want to consider longevity in terms of use-life. Take into consideration if the set will capture your child’s interest for months and years to come. If your child loses interest quickly, that set will most likely sit on a shelf.

Age of Your Child

Always consider the age of your child before purchasing a Play-Doh set. Some sets come with smaller parts that may not be the most ideal for younger children. They could be a choking hazard or easily lose the pieces.

Also, take into consideration the theme of the set. Depending on your child’s age, a certain them might not appeal to them until they are a little older.   

Homemade Play Dough

Lots of parents choose to make their own homemade play dough. It’s quick and easy, plus cheaper than purchasing Play-Doh.

If this is something you have considered, we’ve put together a dough recipe that you can try out at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 Tablespoons of vegetable or coconut oil
• Food coloring (optional)
• Quart sized bags

Directions:

• Stir together the first three ingredients into a pot (flour, salt, and cream of tartar)
• Add water and oil
• Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly
• Continue to stir until the dough thickens and forms into a ball
• Remove from heat and place onto wax paper
• Allow to cool and knead dough until smooth
• Divide the dough depending on how many colors you are making
• Place the dough in a quart sized bag and slowly add drops of food coloring to the bag
• Knead the dough in the bag to mix in food coloring
• Continue adding food coloring until desired color is reached

When not in use, keep dough inside the zip-lock bags to keep soft. The dough will keep for approximately 3 months.

If you’re feeling up for a unique change, you can add in your favorite essential oil to provide a scent to the playdough. You can also add some glitter for some added sparkle!

Frequently Asked Questions about Play-Doh

How to keep play-doh from drying out?

Since play-doh is an actual dough, it is important to return it to an airtight container when not in use. Ensure that the lid is completely sealed around the container so no air gets in.

If the dough does begin to dry out, simply add a few drops of water to the dough at a time and gently work it into the dough. If it gets too wet you can either add play-doh from another container or leave it exposed to air for a short period of time.  

How do you clean play-doh out of carpet? 

To remove play-doh from carpet, first allow the play-doh to dry completely. Using a soft brush, gently brush the play-doh out of the carpet and vacuum it up. 

If this does not work, you can apply a warm wet cloth to the area and gently scrub. Allow to dry and then use the soft brush followed by the vacuum. It is not unusual to have to repeat these steps a  few times. 

Can I preserve my child’s play-doh masterpiece?

Yes. To preserve your child’s creation you will want to bake it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that the thicker the project the longer it will need to bake. 

Allow their creation to cool completely before removing it from the baking sheet. Once completely cool, it can be painted or shellacked to help preserve it longer. 

If I lose a piece to a set, can I reorder the piece I lost? 

It will depend on the piece that is lost. Different sets come with different replacement parts. Most replacement parts can be purchased by reaching out to customer service at Hasbro. 

Is play-doh safe to eat?

According to the company, play-doh is non-toxic to children and pets. It is common for young children to put things in their mouths and taste them. While it won’t hurt your child, it should not be eaten. Play-doh contains a high level of sodium and eating it isn’t a habit you want your child to get into.

What is the difference between play-doh and play-doh plus? 

Traditional play-doh is thicker and great for the larger aspect of your child’s design. Play-doh plus is softer and is more ideal for finer details in their creations. You want to make sure not to mix the two types of play-dohs together as it will form a weird consistency. 

Final Thoughts about the Best Play-Doh Sets

If you are looking for an activity for your child that helps them practice their fine motor skills, encourages independent play, and facilitates the use of their imagination, consider Play-Doh. Play-Doh is a fun and interactive toy that kids will enjoy throughout the years.

Looking for more gear for your little one? Head over to our Gear Guides Section to see more comparisons.

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