Shaving Cream Tray Smear and Draw

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

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.

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.