Calming Lavender Scented Playdough Play

All-purpose flour (1 cup)

Salt (1/2 cup)

Cream of tartar (2 tablespoons)

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon)

Boiling water (1 cup)

Lavender essential oil

Purple food coloring

Rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a garlic press

Combine flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and boiling water in a bowl. Stir until it comes together.

Add lavender oil and purple coloring, then knead until smooth (let it cool first!).

Set the playdough on a tray with tools — rolling pin, cutters, and a garlic press.

Invite your child to dig in, kneading and rolling while the lavender scent fills the room.

Show them the garlic press trick — push dough through it to make tiny lavender "spaghetti" strands.

Let your child shape, cut, and create freely. The process matters more than the product.

When they're done, store in a sealed container — this dough lasts for weeks.

Lavender is clinically shown to reduce anxiety. This is a wonderful wind-down activity before nap or bedtime.

Use only a few drops of essential oil — too much can be overpowering and irritate skin.

The garlic press is an incredible hand strengthener. Squeezing dough through those tiny holes works forearm muscles hard.

Try other calming scents: chamomile, vanilla, or rose are all gentle options.

This makes a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Roll it in parchment paper with a ribbon and a tiny cookie cutter.