Calming Lavender Play Dough

There are so many ways to make play dough for the classroom, but none is more effortless than combining lotion and cornstarch to make this soft, squishy lavender play dough. The assembly starts with a simple cloud dough recipe but uses lavender scented lotion and a splash of purple watercolor to create a gorgeous lavender color sensory experience!

This lavender playdough is a great activity any time, especially in spring when the flowers start to bloom and March storm clouds brew up above. Make a batch of this dough to go with your Spring Preschhol Unit or the Weather Preschool Unit.

Did You Know?

The smell of lavender promotes relaxation, so it seems like a win/win to add the scent to the sensory table where the children will thoroughly enjoy the sensory experience. This type of play dough is also gluten-free, so it’s a fantastic tactile activity for those with gluten allergies. Gather the supplies below to create this smooth and soft lavender playdough, and have a relaxing sensory experience.

Lavender Play Dough Recipe:

• 1 bottle of lavender lotion (or hair conditioner)
• equal amount of cornstarch
• 1 squirt of purple watercolor (If the lavender lotion is not already purple)

If the lavender lotion is white, mix some purple liquid watercolor with the lavender lotion to give it a light purple, or lavender, color. After the lotion is the desired shade, mix in equal parts of cornstarch – 1 part lotion to 1 part cornstarch. Experiment with the consistency until it reaches the desired texture. Some lotions have more water than others, so add more cornstarch if needed.

Where To Find The Ingredients for Lavender Play Dough

Find the core ingredients for lavender playdough (lotion and cornstarch) at local grocery stores or dollar stores. This convenience has the added advantage of being easy on the budget. Purchase liquid watercolors at local craft stores like Michael’s or online retailers like Amazon. Make sure to pick up zip-top baggies as well to keep the dough from drying out when not in use. This play dough gets dirty quickly, so it will only last about a week.

Other Ways To Use Cloud Dough

The mixture of lotion and cornstarch to make cloud dough is a versatile recipe. Read more about how to make cloud dough and pair it with these units listed below:

• Weather Circle Time – “Cloud” Dough shaped into clouds at the sensory table
• Polar Animal Circle Time – “Snow” Dough as icebergs and snow in the sensory table accompanied by polar bears and penguins
• Farm and Nursery Rhymes Circle Times – “Soft as a Lamb” Dough can be shaped into sheep

Check out the video below on how to make 5 different play doughs. Scroll through to 29 minutes for the mishap of Jamie and Gemma making lavender play dough. It’s sure to make you smile.

Whether making lavender playdough or some other version of cloud dough, it will not disappoint at the sensory table! So gather up the materials and get started with a fun sensory experience.

Additional Resources

Why is Play Dough in the Preschool Classroom important? Read on!

Check out our FREE Play Dough Recipe Book below for even MORE recipes and ideas.