No matter how hard we try, our kids put play dough in their mouths at least once (if not all the time – it’s salty!) when they’re playing with it. Standard doughs contain wheat flour, which can make some kids extremely sick, even with the tiniest amount. For those with celiac, even contact with the dough can cause serious side effects. This is a great natural gluten free play dough alternative to use!
I created this Natural Gluten Free Play Dough so you can still have craft time with your kids at home, regardless of your allergies. Play dough is so great for the imagination plus fine motor skill development. Plus it's just a classic American pastime!
This play dough uses some ingredients I don’t typically cook with since paleo flours are a lot more expensive, but it’s gluten-free so it’s safe for your littles to play with and a fun activity to do together in the kitchen! I included a grain-free version for you too, just incase, but I will say it's a little more sticky than the other version.
We used India Tree natural dyes for the coloring, but you could have some fun with these homemade veggie/fruit dyes as well if you want! Just leave out the vinegar. I know a lot of people that put essential oils into their homemade play dough too to make it smell nice!
To my surprise, this dough actually stayed fresh in a glass tupperware for over a year! If your kids accidentally leave it out and it dries out a little, you can lightly wet your hands with warm water and knead the tough to revive it, or add a tiny bit of coconut oil.
mizzbombsauce
Should I use brown or white rice flour? Or does it even matter?
Danielle
I normally use white!
Jeremy N Erin Smith
My kiddos and I just made this recipe. It worked perfectly and is safe for my Celiac kiddo. She’s so thrilled! So much joy on a 2 year olds face. Thank you!!
Naomi
I made this for my grandson with celiac for school in August and it turned out great, but just tried 3 batches in March and all three was sticky so who knows what went wrong, he was pretty sad wonder why?
Danielle
Unsure! Especially if you made it before and it turned out great. Maybe you tried a different brand for one of the ingredients?
Deborah
Hi – I’m so excited to find this recipe I just wanted to clarify if the coconut oil. you used is the oil that is solid at room temperature or the oil that is liquid at room temperature? Thanks 🙂
Danielle
Coconut oil solidifies when cool. If you have solid coconut oil, you can heat it up for a few seconds for it to melt down.
Alyssa McGuire
Does this need stores in the refrigerator? Or is room temperature okay?
Danielle
Room temp. in an airtight container works!
Cirra
This recipe is so good! We did the baking soda version and used arrowroot starch (all we had on hand) and it came together so quickly on the stove. I love the texture of it and the distinct lack of icky Play-Doh smell. It’s so soft but not sticky. Our girls loved playing with it.
Diana Wallace
Making it now for our classrooms- i’ve replaced the rice flour with coconut flour (didn’t have it at the store)-because coconut flour is so dry, i ended up adding an extra cup of water. Anyone else try this this way?
Michael
Just wondering how long each of the two recipes above last for? Should we be making a new batch every 2 weeks or longer/sooner?
Thanks
Danielle
If you store these in airtight containers, they should last a while. You’ll be able to tell when it’s time for a fresh batch – old play dough will dry up and crack and/or start crumbling.
Lucy
Is there any other oil you can use instead of coconut oil ? Thanks
Danielle
You can try olive oil here.
Jennie
Can you buy this ready made anywhere ?
Danielle
You can probably search for Gluten-Free playdough on Amazon!
Jess
Thank you for this recipe! I made the grain free version. My kids loved it! It was a little sticky, so I put a tsp of coconut oil in a bowl on the table for them and they just dipped a little of it out when things started sticking. They enjoyed that part, too–made it feel like mixing ingredients and really cooking to them. 😊
Danielle
So glad they enjoyed it and thank you for your feedback!