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

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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 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:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Kinetic Sand, Construction Site Folding Sandbox with Toy Truck and 2lbs of Play Sand, Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 3 and up
  • WORKING CRANE: Dig, build and crush with a crane…
  • DUMP TRUCK TOY WITH BRICK MOLDS: With the…
  • CONTAINED PLAY SPACE: Open up the Construction…
SaleBestseller No. 2
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…
Bestseller No. 3
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag, Ages 3+
  • ENDLESS CREATVITY: 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
CRA-Z-Sand 3LB Bag of Amazing Beach Sand with Surprise Sand Tool, Shape, Mold and Slice It, Fun Sensory Toy for Ages 4 and up
  • Use Cra-Z-Sand to make sand-tastic creations! You…
  • A Cra-Z-Fun sensory toy, Cra-Z-Sand stays together…
  • With Cra-Z-Sand you can watch as the sand moves…

Last update on 2023-09-25 / 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, Perfect for Halloween Treat Bags, Non-Toxic, Assorted, 2 oz. Cans, 2+, Multicolor (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 Bulk Pack of 48 Cans, 6 Sets of 8 Modeling Compound Colors, Perfect for Halloween Treat Bags, Party Favors, Arts & Crafts, 3oz, Preschool Toys 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
  • SHAPE THEIR SCHOOL YEAR: Teachers can inspire…
  • 6 SETS OF 8 COLORS: Plenty of duplicate colors for…
  • 3 OZ PLAY-DOH CANS: If you do the math, 48 cans…
SaleBestseller No. 4
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Pizza Oven Playset, Play Food Toy for Kids 3 Years and Up, 6 Cans of Modeling Compound, 8 Accessories, Non-Toxic
  • A SLICE OF IMAGINATION: Imagine the creative ideas…
  • STAMP A MAKE-BELIEVE CRUST: To start, add compound…
  • 8 PIZZA-THEMED ACCESSORIES: Kids can play pretend…

Last update on 2023-09-25 / 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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