Recipe by Lauren/mamabear. I haven't made it yet, but am planning to for Christmas at the latest:
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthre...t=play+d ough
Here's a thread with a link to
www.discountschoolsupply.com. They have a big tub of I think 6 different colors of playdough. It's several pounds worth, for $18. It lasts well, does get a bit dry esp. if not put right back in the bags. But it's definitely worth trying, we like it pretty well here.
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthre...t=play+d ough
Here's an idea taken from Michelle/mpeel to use clay. We bought some recently and started using this. I really like it, as does William. It's harder work than playdough though, which can be good for developing hand and finger strength. Try hiding a marble inside it for kiddos to dig out:
You can buy Marblex gray self-drying clay at Michael's, Walmart (sometimes) or Hobby Lobby. 5 lbs is about 6 bucks. My girls never had playdoh. We use this. It is great too because you can get it really wet or use it drier. My girls LOVE to sculpt. I sculpt too. I guess that is why I started with this instead of "kid" stuff.
Finally, I want to suggest that a lot of the Play Doh brand playsets are a lot of fun, just donate the dough itself to a friend, substitute with your own. We are particularly loving this set right now:
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthre...ht=playdo ugh
I also like the Playdoh scissors, I make a long strip of dough and have William cut it into short strips. It's easier than paper and a lot of fun. You can be cutting up french fries, pieces of cheese for pizza, baby snakes...whatever imagination suggests.
HTH Heather. If you make some play dough, let us know how it comes out. : )
Military wife of a deployed soldier. 
lol...
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