Play-Doh. You used it as a child and we're betting that your kids have at least one can in their own collection. TOMORROW, September 16th, marks National Play-Doh day, a time to celebrate the iconic children's toy/activity that has helped kids create animals to food to flowers to almost anything in between.
THE HISTORY OF PLAY-DOH
Did you know that there is a long history behind Play-Doh? And it's one that dates back over 50 years. Play-Doh was originally created as a wallpaper cleaner, but when children started using the material for modeling and creating, it was re-imagined, re-purposed and re-packaged.
According to the official Play-Doh website, Play-Doh brand modeling compound (made primarily of flour, water and salt) was first sold in stores in 1956. At that time, it came in one color (off-white) and was in a 1.5 pound can. It would be four years later before the two ounce "mini-cans" that we know would be introduced in stores.
Additional colors made their appearance in 1957, when red, yellow and blue Play-Doh was introduced. Other colors, including some special edition hues, made their appearances over the decades.
In 1972, sixteen years after its debut, the 500,000,000th can of Play-Doh rolled out of the factory. Today, over 950 million pounds, or more than 2 billion cans, of Play-Doh have been squished and squashed.
It's easy to celebrate National Play-Doh Day. Just grab a few cans and see what you can create.
Oh, and Mom? Don't worry about Play-Doh making a mess. You can easily pick up the small pieces of Play-Doh with the larger ones. And if it gets in the carpet? Simply let it dry and brush the pieces away with a stiff-bristled brush. Then use your hands or a small vacuum to sweep up the small pieces. Be sure NOT to use water to clean up your Play-Doh as it will make it more difficult to remove from surfaces.
DIY PLAY-DOH RECIPE
Don't have any cans of Play-Doh available? You can still celebrate with an easy homemade dough.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½-1 cup cold water
- 2 drops food coloring
And just four simple steps:
- Combine plain flour and salt.
- Add water, food coloring and oil. Mix until ingredients are combined.
- Knead well.
- If consistency is too wet add a little more flour.
