If you’re just entering the world of Play-Doh, you know how hard it can be to find the perfect set for your child — not because it doesn’t exist. It does. The problem is there are so many amazing Play-Doh sets that it can be hard to know which one is best.
Not to worry — we (and our kids who love sensory play) have put the sets to the test — along with thousands of others whose feedback we have relied on.
We’ve come up with the ultimate list of the best Play-Doh sets that we’re convinced any little one would be thrilled to receive. We’ll also explain what you should look for when choosing the perfect set for your kids.
- High-quality set
- With rolling, cutting and molding tools
- Realistic-looking frosting details
- Mega-sized playmat
- Over 40 tools included
- 10 2-ounce cans of Play-Doh
- Make-believe toppings
- Fun noodle machine
- 4 noodle shapes
- Includes stand for displaying creations
- Feature step-by-step how-tos
- Budget-friendly
- Fun and interactive play
- Helps reduce dentist-visit anxiety
- Unique design
- Baking-themed accessory tools
- Irresistibly imaginative
- Makes a variety of desserts
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite Play-Doh sets for kids. We chose these because they suit a wide range of ages and interests, include more than just the basics, and should last for years (or until that sad day when your kids outgrow the Play-Doh phase).
Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Cookie Creations
Best for Budding Bakers
If you have a child who loves to bake, this Sweet Shoppe set is a great option. It’s been tested for quality and durability and meets safety standards. It comes with a variety of fun accessories, including embossed rolling pins and cookie cutters.
Your child will love how realistic the set is. It even comes with a baking tin and a spatula, so your little baker will delight in making you dozens of iced and decorated cookies. Suitable for children ages 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Arts and Crafts Set
Most Versatile Play-Doh Set
This is a great all-purpose set for your child’s collection. It could be the only Play-Doh set you own, or it could round out your collection. It comes with cookie cutter-style shapes and rolling and cutting tools. Also included are number forms, a press, and 10 Play-Doh colors.
In addition to the accessories and tools, this set comes with fun playmats to help keep the Play-Doh experience contained. For children aged 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Noodle Mania Set
Most Realistic Food Press
This Play-Doh set comes equipped to make pasta meals so deliciously realistic you may need to make sure your child doesn’t try eating it! They’ll be able to make spaghetti, bowtie pasta, ravioli, and shaped pasta. They can also top their pasta dishes off with mushrooms, shrimp, and lettuce.
This set includes fun Play-Doh colors in just the right shades for accurate food representation. Your child will have a bustling bistro in no time with this playset. For children 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Basic Fun Factory
Best Budget Buy
You can purchase great Play-Doh toys at any price point. This basic fun factory set will provide your child with hours of fun — without breaking the bank.
The set includes a standard press. There are interchangeable forms that allow you to create up to 10 different shapes.
This standard Play-Doh fun factory works with other fun factory models and accessories. The set is best suited for children 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations
Summer Fun Play-Doh Set
Nothing screams summertime more than delicious ice cream. Now your child can recreate the feeling of their favorite ice-cream truck dessert year-round with this Kitchen Creations Play-Doh set.
With this kit, children can make fun sprinkles, ice cream sandwiches, and ice pops. It includes multiple molds, popsicles, and even a whipped cream tool. Seven different Play-Doh colors come with the set. This set is recommended for children 3 years old and up or younger children who won’t put the dough or other items in their mouths.
Play-Doh Doctor Drill 'n Fill Set
Best Food-Alternative Play-Doh Set
Tired of endless meals when your child has pulled out the Play-Doh? This fun Dentist Drill and Fill Set from Play-Doh is a great way to give them something a little different.
What I like best about this set for my kid is that it helps remove the anxiety they might feel when visiting the dentist since they already have hands-on experience maintaining oral hygiene.
This set comes with three tubs of Play-Doh in vibrant silver, white and red; a toothbrush with toothpaste; and an electric drill. Your child will love the molds that allow them to make teeth and braces.
An electric drill ready to remove oral cavities mimics the sound of a real machine. Many additional accessories will have your child feeling like a bonafide dentist. Like most Play-Doh sets, this set is recommended for children 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Playful Pies
Most Tempting Play-Doh Set
This baking-themed Play-Doh set will have your child making delicious-looking pies in no time. This set comes with pie tins, plates, forks, and tools to make perfect crusts and whipped toppings.
The set includes a fruit basket and molds for popular fruit pie ingredients, along with four Play-Doh colors for a variety of pies. Suitable for children 3 years and older.
Play-Doh My Little Pony Make 'n Style Ponies
TV-Inspired Play-Doh Set
If you have a child who loves “My Little Pony,” this Play-Doh set is worth looking into. The adorable half-mold palette and accessories will have your child making the ponies from their favorite series and adding rainbow manes, tails, and more.
Little ones love the fun cutie mark molds they can use to make a variety of ponies. This set was designed for children 3 years old and up.
Play-Doh Rex the Chomper
Best Animal Play-Doh Set
Dinosaurs never go out of fashion — especially for kids. This fun Play-Doh set combines two things your child will love — Play-Doh and dinosaurs.
Included is Chomper, an adorable T-rex. He comes with four different Play-Doh colors and even his own volcano that erupts fiery strands of Play-Doh. Your little one will be able to complete their prehistoric landscape by making small creatures using the embedded molds in Chomper’s body. For children ages 3 and up.
Play-Doh Mickey Mouse Toolset
Best for Toddlers
Your toddler will recognize their beloved Mickey Mouse in this fun Play-Doh set. It’s simple to use, with a press-style cookie cutter in the shape of Mickey Mouse. It comes with two Play-Doh compounds.
However, this set contains small parts, so it’s not recommended for children under the age of 3.
Play-Doh Barber Shop Toy
Great for Future Barbers and Beauticians
This fun set is great for kids who can’t get enough of styling hair. Simply pop the play dough into the press, and your customer will grow beautiful hair. Then your child can trim and buzz it just how they want it.
Your child will love coming up with new hairstyles and fun characters. This toy requires two AAA batteries and is recommended for children ages 3 and older.
Play-Doh Fundamental Letters
Most Educational Play-Doh Set
This Play-Doh set is a great way to introduce the alphabet to your child. The set comes with 26 pieces.
Reinforce what your child’s been learning by creating letters, words, and more. This unit also comes with six different Play-Doh colors. For ages 3 and up.
Why Choose Play-Doh?
Play-Doh (also known as play doh, play dough, or playdough) is an iconic childhood sensory activity. The smell and feel of Play-Doh is a classic hallmark of growing up. It helps encourage creativity and inspires open-ended play.
It does more than just provide your child with some fun. Manipulating Play-Doh works coordination skills and helps your child develop fine-motor control.
Taking a small amount of Play-Doh and turning it into a finished product exercises the small muscles in the hand. This will be invaluable when it comes to learning how to write.
Play-Doh is also an activity that encourages social behavior. This can help accelerate language development and essential social skills like sharing.
How to Pick a Play-Doh Set
There are a lot of great Play-Doh sets out there. Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping:
- How old is your child? Make sure your set is appropriate for your child’s age. Some sets contain tiny pieces and are not suitable for young children.
- Does the set have longevity? Choose a Play-Doh set that aligns with your child’s ongoing interest. This can help ensure the toy continues to catch your child’s interest and prevents it from sitting unused on your shelf.
- How versatile is the set? Are replacement parts or additional accessories available? What will happen to the set if a piece is lost or broken?
Please remember when choosing a Play-Doh set that most commercial Play-Doh is non-toxic and does not irritate the skin. It should not cause problems with allergies, except for those who are sensitive or allergic to wheat gluten. When in doubt, always read the Play-Doh package carefully to ensure it is safe for your little ones.
Editor's Note:
Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RNPlay-Doh FAQs
What Age is Appropriate For Play Dough?
Play-Doh is typically appropriate for children aged two and up, as younger children may be at risk of choking or might try to eat the Play-Doh. Always supervise children during play dough activities and consider homemade or edible dough for younger kids.
Is it Cheaper to Buy or Make Play Dough?
It’s generally cheaper to make play dough, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Homemade playdough can be made with common kitchen ingredients and customized with colors and scents.
What is an Alternative to Play Dough That Doesn’t Dry Out?
An alternative to play dough that doesn’t dry out is kinetic sand or modeling clay designed for repeated use. These materials maintain their texture and shape over time and provide a similar sensory experience.
Is Kinetic Sand Better Than Play Dough?
Whether kinetic sand is better than play dough depends on the type of sensory experience you’re looking for. Kinetic sand offers a unique texture and is less messy, while play dough can be more versatile for creative modeling and is available in a wider range of colors.
How Often Should You Replace Play Dough?
Replace play dough when it starts to dry out, change consistency, or if it gets dirty. If kept sealed and clean, homemade play dough can last several months, while store-bought play dough might last longer.
How Do You Make Play Dough Last Longer?
Make play dough last longer by storing it in an airtight container or plastic bag and keeping it in a cool, dry place. Adding a little salt can also help prevent mold. If the play dough begins to dry out, kneading in a bit of water can rejuvenate it.
