Playdough has always been a favourite activity for my children. Kids love playing with playdough and there are so many opportunities for learning. It helps develop fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and offers a sensory experience that is both calming and engaging. This no-cook gingerbread playdough is quick and easy, and your kids can get involved with every step!

Gingerbread playdough engages multiple senses with its warm, spicy aroma, sparking more creativity and storytelling. Here are some of the benefits of playdough sensory play: 

• Strengthens Fine Motor Skills – Squeezing, rolling, and pinching build hand muscles for writing and coordination.
• Boosts Creativity & Imagination – Kids can create anything they dream up, encouraging problem-solving and innovation.
• Enhances Sensory Development – Textures and resistance stimulate tactile senses, which can also be calming for children.
• Supports Cognitive Growth – Learning shapes, colours and patterns while planning creations develops creative thinking.
• Encourages Social & Emotional Skills – Sharing, collaborating, and expressing feelings through play fosters connection and emotional regulation. 
  

What You’ll  Need:

• 2 tbsp of cinnamon
• 1 tbsp of ginger
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups of plain (all purpose) flour
• 2 tbsp of coconut oil 
  

How to make it: 

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the boiling water and coconut oil.
3. Mix until it comes together as a dough.
4. Remove from the mixing bowl and knead on a clean surface.
5. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, and if it's too dry, add a splash more water.  
   

To decorate the gingerbread people we used small buttons, farfalle pasta, peppercorns, and white Hama beads. Encourage your children to name their creations and build a small gingerbread village. This sparks imagination and communication. 

This gingerbread playdough activity also supports learning — kids can practice maths by counting the buttons they put on the gingerbread people, language by describing textures, and fine motor skills through rolling, shaping, and decorating. They can also experiment with patterns, shapes, and colours while imagining adventures for their characters. 

Storage Tips

Store playdough in an airtight container or a sealed bag in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it can last for weeks. If it dries out, knead in a small splash of water or coconut oil to restore its squishiness.

Whether rolling gingerbread people, decorating festive houses, or creating a whole village, these sensory activities are perfect for sparking creativity and storytelling. The PlayTRAY is our go-to tool for keeping things contained, making setup and cleanup a breeze! And our Storage Inserts are super handy for organising and separating decorations and playdough colours. 

If you try any gingerbread playdough activities, tag us @inspiremyplay. We love seeing your creations and the joy they bring your children. 

Happy PlayTRAYing!