Kinetic Sand VS Play-Doh: Differences(What’s BETTER?)

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by Basana Saha

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You learn something new every day, but you probably didn’t know that two similar sandbox products are on the market. 

Both are made for kids, and both are a ton of fun! This blog will compare kinetic sand vs Play-Doh and find out which one is better. 

Let’s get started!

Kinetic Sand vs Play-Doh

Kinetic SandPlay-Doh
Ingredients98% sand, 2% polydimethylsiloxane (aka silicone oil)A mixture of water, salt, and flour
CostModerateInexpensive
ToxicityNon-ToxicNon-Toxic
Kids Age3 years and up2 years and up
Cleaning UpEasy To Clean UpIt is difficult to clean and also leaves a residue
Drying outDoes not dry outDries out Fast
Gets MessyNoYes
LifetimeLasts longDoes not last long and grows mold
DIY Ingredients5:3 Sand to Cornstarch and oil(Optional)All Purpose Flour, Salt, Tartar, Water, Vegetable Oil
Kinetic Sand vs Play-Doh

What is Kinetic Sand?

Kinetic sand is a moldable compound that allows you to create sculptures and art without worrying about making a mess.

The mixture is 98% sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane (aka silicone oil).

It’s designed to never dry out like regular sand, making it perfect for kids of all ages. 

What age is kinetic sand good for?

Kinetic sand is suitable for kids of 3 years and above. It is made of non-toxic materials and is safe for kids.

Just check the ingredients used as specified by the manufacturer and check the safety guidelines.

What is Play-Doh?

Play-Doh is a modeling compound that is popular among children.

It is usually sold in bright plastic containers and can be purchased at almost any toy store.

It is made of flour and salt, with a few other fillers thrown in. 

Play-Doh is non-toxic and is often made to smell like fruit, but it is still not edible and should not be eaten.

It is a popular product that has stood the test of time and is still relatively unchanged, even though there are many knock-offs of Play-Doh. 

Play-Doh is a unique product that can be molded and can be used to create almost any type of creation, including a cake, a truck, and even a turtle. Play-Doh is a popular product among children and is often a favorite in kindergarten classrooms.

What age is Play-Doh good for?

Play-Doh is appropriate for kids who are 2 years and up.

Is Kinetic Sand better than Play-Doh?

Kinetic sand is a newer product in the children’s toy scene, but it’s a lot like Play-Doh. So, is Kinetic Sand better than Play-Doh?

The short answer is yes, but not for the reason you’re probably thinking. 

No, it’s not because it’s made from 98% sand and 2% binding ingredients.

It’s not because it’s “healthy for kids” or because it’s odorless and messy.

The answer is yes because the experience is better. Play-Doh is an enjoyable product, but it’s well it’s a bit of a mess. 

Kids enjoy playing with Play-Doh, but they also get it everywhere, and they can be left with a real mess to deal with after they’re done.

On the other hand, Kinetic sand is mess-free and is safe for kids to use. It’s non-toxic and completely safe.

Does kinetic sand dry out like Play-Doh?

Kinetic sand does not dry out like Play-Doh. Kinetic sand is unique sand made from a mixture of polymers, which are made to keep the sand together.

This makes the sand itself a lot stronger than the traditional Play-Doh. 

This isn’t a huge deal, but it is nice to know that you won’t have to go through the process of making your kinetic sand over and over again.

My View

Choosing between Kinetic sand and Play-Doh is up to the consumer since both products are made with the same basic ingredients and function similarly. 

There are some differences between the two products, though.

Play-Doh is a modeling compound made from flour, salt, water, and food coloring, while kinetic sand is made from non-toxic, odorless materials that are entirely safe for children.

You need to check the ingredients and safety before purchasing.

Here are some of the Kinetic Sand choices:

Bestseller No. 1
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids & Classroom, Resealable Bag, Back to School Teacher Must Haves, Ages 3+
  • ENDLESS CREATIVITY: Kids can squish and mix colors...
  • LOADS OF SENSORY FUN: Kinetic Sand for kids...
  • MADE WITH NATURAL SAND: Kinetic Sand is safe for...
Bestseller No. 2
Kinetic Sand, Construction Site Folding Sandbox with Toy Truck, 2lbs Play Sand, Sensory Toys for Kids, Back to School Classroom Must Haves, Ages 3+
  • WORKING CRANE: Dig, build and crush with a crane...
  • DUMP TRUCK TOY WITH BRICK MOLDS: With the...
  • CONTAINED PLAY SPACE: Open up the Construction...
Bestseller No. 3
Kinetic Sand, Castle Containers 10-Color Pack Colored Sand for Party Favors, Goodie Bags, Sensory Toys for Kids Aged 3 and up
  • 10 COLORS OF KINETIC SAND: This 10-Pack includes...
  • MAGICAL FLOWING KIDS TOYS SAND: Feel the...
  • ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY: Kinetic Sand encourages...
Bestseller No. 4
Kinetic Sand, Squish N’ Create Playset, with 13.5oz of Blue, Yellow, and Pink Play Sand, 5 Tools, Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 3 and Up
  • ONE & ONLY KINETIC SAND: The original magical...
  • SQUISH N' CREATE: This Kinetic Sand kit features...
  • 5 KINETIC SAND TOOLS & MOLDS: Layer, carve & slice...

Here are some of the excellent Play-Doh options:

Bestseller No. 1
Play-Doh Bulk Handout 42-Pack of 1-Ounce Modeling Compound Cans, Non Candy Halloween Handout Toys & Party Favors, Kids Arts & Crafts, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
  • 42 mini Play-Doh cans in assorted colors for...
  • Non-toxic, wheat-free modeling compound for ages 2...
  • Great as party favors, classroom prizes, or...
Bestseller No. 2
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, 3 Oz Cans of Assort. Colors, Non Candy Halloween Handout Toys & Party Favors, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
  • OVER 6 POUNDS OF PLAY-DOH COMPOUND – This...
  • MEGA PACK OF MEGA PLAY-DOH FUN – Shape, squish,...
  • SHAPE YOUR IMAGINATION – Squishy, bright,...
Bestseller No. 3
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Assorted Colors, Non-Toxic 2 oz. Cans, Non Candy Halloween Handout Toys & Party Favors, Preschool Toys for Kids, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
  • 10 cans of creative fun – kids can get creative...
  • Just the right colors to start - shape, squish,...
  • Shape your imagination – squishy, bright,...
Bestseller No. 4
Play-Doh Bulk Jewel Colors 12-Pack of Modeling Compound, 4-Ounce Cans, Non Candy Halloween Handout Toys & Party Favors, Kids Arts & Crafts, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+
  • WINTER WONDERS: This festive winter Play-Doh...
  • BULK PLAY-DOH CANS: This Play-Doh 12-pack includes...
  • CREATIVE TOYS FOR KIDS: Boys and girls 2 years and...

Conclusion

Let’s conclude the post!

I hope you enjoyed this post on Kinetic Sand vs Play-Doh. It’s always great to find a new activity to help keep the kids entertained.

There is another type of sand known as Moon Sand. You can check the comparison of Kinetic Sand vs Moon Sand here.

So if you’re looking for a new way to keep the kids entertained, you should check out Kinetic Sand! 

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Analyzed By Basana Saha

Basana Saha has expertise working for more than 25 years as a beautician. She has expertise in choosing the right accessories and gears for your baby. Being a mom she knows the problems new moms face. She would like to help with Parenting to new moms with her expertise in raising a child. Learn More About Basana Saha.