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

Basana Saha

Updated:

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 Sand Play-Doh
Ingredients 98% sand, 2% polydimethylsiloxane (aka silicone oil) A mixture of water, salt, and flour
Cost Moderate Inexpensive
Toxicity Non-Toxic Non-Toxic
Kids Age 3 years and up 2 years and up
Cleaning Up Easy To Clean Up It is difficult to clean and also leaves a residue
Drying out Does not dry out Dries out Fast
Gets Messy No Yes
Lifetime Lasts long Does not last long and grows mold
DIY Ingredients 5:3 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, 5.5lb (2.5kg) Natural Brown Bulk Play Sand for Arts and Crafts, Sandbox, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 3+
  • 2.5KG (5.5LB) KINETIC SAND: Includes 2.5kg (5.5lb)…
  • ONE & ONLY KINETIC SAND: The original magical…
  • SPARKS CREATIVITY: Encourage pretend play and fine…
SaleBestseller No. 2
Kinetic Sand, The Original Moldable Play Sand, 3.25lbs Beach Sand, Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 3 and up (Amazon Exclusive)
  • 3.25LBS KINETIC BEACH SAND: This Amazon exclusive…
  • MESS-FREE SENSORY FUN: A great addition to your…
  • ENDLESS CREATIVITY: Stimulate your child’s…
Bestseller No. 3
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, 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…
SaleBestseller No. 4
Kinetic Sand Ultimate Sandisfying Set, 2lb of Pink, Yellow and Teal Play Sand, 10 Molds and Tools, Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 7+
  • ONE & ONLY KINETIC SAND: The original magical…
  • 2LBS COLORED SAND & 10 TOOLS: Unlock a world of…
  • MIX, MOLD & CREATE: Experiment with the three…

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here are some of the excellent Play-Doh options:

Bestseller No. 1
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Assorted, 2 oz. Cans, Multicolor, Ages 2 and Up (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. 2
Play-Doh Bulk Winter Colors 12-Pack of Non-Toxic Modeling Compound, 4-Ounce Cans
  • 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…
Bestseller No. 3
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 24-Pack Case of Colors, Party Favors, Non-Toxic, Multi-Color, 3-Ounce Cans, Ages 2 and up (Amazon Exclusive)
  • PLAY-DOH VARIETY 24-PACK: Kids can make their own…
  • CREATIVITY FOR EVERY OCCASION: Shape, squish, mix,…
  • 3 OUNCES PER CAN: These 3 oz Play-Doh cans make…
SaleBestseller No. 4
Play-Doh Bulk Handout 42 Pack of 1-Ounce Modeling Compound, Party Favors, Ages 2 and Up (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…

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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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Basana Saha