Shaving Cream Tray Smear and Draw
Spray shaving cream on a tray and let your toddler smear, swirl, and draw with their fingers — a fluffy, fragrant messy play adventure.
What You'll Need
- 1Non-mentholated shaving cream
- 2Baking tray or high chair tray
- 3Food coloring (optional)
- 4Smock or old shirt
What You'll Need
Non-mentholated shaving cream (the cheap foamy kind works best)
A baking tray or high chair tray
Food coloring (optional)
A smock or old shirt
How to Play
Spray a generous mound of shaving cream onto a baking tray or high chair tray.
Drop a few dots of food coloring on top for a color-mixing surprise.
Place the tray in front of your toddler and show them how to spread the cream with flat hands.
Draw a simple shape in the cream with your finger to give them the idea.
Encourage free exploration — smearing, swirling, poking, drawing, and squishing.
Shake the tray to flatten the surface when they want a fresh canvas.
Keep going until the cream thins out or your toddler signals they're done.
Tips
Use non-mentholated shaving cream to avoid stinging if it gets near eyes. Supervise closely if your toddler still mouths things frequently.
This is one of the best pre-writing activities around. The resistance of cream on a tray is perfect for finger drawing practice.
Add toy animals or cars to drive through the foam for pretend-play extension.
The smell of shaving cream is a sensory experience all on its own — talk about it.
Cleanup tip: wipe the tray with a damp cloth and the surface underneath will actually be cleaner than before. Shaving cream is a mild cleanser.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 2 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: non-mentholated shaving cream, baking tray or high chair tray, food coloring (optional), smock or old shirt.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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