Clay & Dough

Clay & Dough has over 290 lines for squishing, rolling and sculpting. Play-Doh is the biggest brand here, with nearly 70 sets including Kitchen Creations, ice-cream and dentist playsets, and multi-colour packs. Alongside them are Crayola Model Magic, air-dry clay, ultra-light foam clay, polymer-style modelling kits and dough tool sets with rolling pins, cutters and extruders.

Types of dough and clay

• Play dough – soft and reusable if you keep it sealed. Best for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Air-dry clay – hardens without an oven, so models can be painted and kept.
• Ultra-light and foam clay – light, springy clay for cake toppers, snowmen crafts and slime add-ins.
• Tool sets – plastic and wooden modelling tools and storage tubs.

Ages and prices

Most dough sets are for preschoolers: about 79% of those with an age grade are rated from 3–4 years, around 10% from 1–2 (Play-Doh is typically graded 2+ or 3+) and around 9% from 5–7, mostly sculpting kits. Tubs and kits cost from £17, with a median of £36 and over 100 lines under £30. Brands include ESSENSON, ARTPAR and HEY CLAY.

Using dough safely

Dough isn't food. Supervise younger children, and keep small tool parts and cutters away from under-3s. Wash hands after play. Many play doughs contain wheat, so check the ingredients on the listing or packaging if your child has a wheat allergy.

FAQs

How do I stop play dough drying out?

Put it back in its sealed tub straight after play. Air-dry clay should also be kept airtight until you use it.

Can air-dry clay be painted?

Yes. Once it's fully dry (usually 24–72 hours, depending on thickness), use acrylic or poster paint.

What else is in arts and crafts?

See Arts & Crafts for craft kits, paints and stickers.

For anything else, try the category list or the brand directory. Scissors for cutting card and paper are in Hobbies.