Aromatherapy playdough is more than a fun sensory activity – it’s a simple, powerful tool for emotional support, regulation, and connection. Whether your goal is calming a busy mind, helping your child wind down before bed, or setting the tone for focused homeschool learning, this aromatherapy playdough recipe is a game changer.

We’ve used it in our home for years, and every time we pull out the dough, the shift in mood is noticeable. Recently, while my youngest was playing with the Calmer-scented dough, he looked up and said:

“It just feels so nice – like squishing it and smelling it together makes me feel more relaxed.”

Exactly what we hope for, right?

What Is Aromatherapy Playdough?

It’s homemade playdough infused with kid-safe essential oils. The tactile, squishy nature of playdough already supports sensory regulation – when paired with aromatherapy, it becomes a calming, grounding, or energising tool, depending on the oils you use.

This isn’t just another DIY. This is about giving your child (and yourself) a sensory-rich, emotionally supportive tool you can turn to anytime.

Why Use Aromatherapy Playdough?

Here’s why my aromatherapy playdough recipe works so well:

Sensory Support

Rolling, squeezing, and squashing dough helps regulate the nervous system. It’s especially helpful for kids who are neurodivergent, anxious, or easily overwhelmed.

Emotional Regulation

Certain essential oils can help calm the mind, uplift the mood, or boost focus – and incorporating scent into play makes it feel effortless.

Connection & Confidence

There’s no “wrong” way to play with playdough. That freedom can boost confidence and self-esteem, and make space for meaningful connection – especially when shared between parent and child.

Homeschool & Daily Routines

Use it to start the day (Thinker or Spearmint wake-up dough), reset during transitions (Steady or Frankincense grounding dough), or wind down in the evening (Calmer or Lavender bedtime dough).

Fully Customisable to Your Child’s Needs

Because this aromatherapy playdough recipe is homemade, you can adjust the colour, texture, and essential oils to suit your child’s preferences and sensory needs – whether you’re supporting sleep, focus, or emotional regulation.

Totally Frank Aromatherapy Playdough Recipe

Ingredients

  • 110 g salt
  • 250 g water
  • 1 tbsp cream of tartar
  • 250g plain flour
  • 1 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)
  • 5–10 drops essential oils (see blend ideas below)
  • food colouring

Method: Thermomix

  • Place salt into the Thermomix bowl. Mix 5 sec / Speed 10.
  • Scrape down the sides. Add water + cream of tartar.
  • Cook 5 min / 60°C / Speed 3.
  • Cool for 5 minutes.
  • Add flour + oil. Mix 50 sec / Speed 4.
  • Knead 1 min / Interval Speed.
  • Adjust texture (add flour if sticky) and knead another 30 sec if needed.
  • Place dough in a bowl, then knead in essential oils and food colouring.

Method: Stovetop

  • Add salt, water, cream of tartar, and flour to a saucepan.
  • Stir constantly over medium heat until it thickens.
  • Allow dough to cool.
  • Turn onto a floured board. Add oil and knead well.
  • Add essential oils and food colouring. Knead until colour and scent are even.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Colour tip: Add food colouring to the water before cooking for even colour.
  • Scent tip: Wait until dough is fully cooled before adding oils. This protects their aroma and therapeutic value.
  • Safety tip: Always use child-safe oils and follow proper dilution guidelines. For hot oils or phototoxic oils, see Hot Oils & Skin Sensitivity and Photosensitivity for more info.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container. If using regularly, keep in the fridge and discard if you notice mould or a change in smell. See Storing Essential Oils for storage tips.

Essential Oil Blends for Aromatherapy Playdough

Each of these combinations supports a different need. Use 5–10 drops total in your batch (adjust based on scent strength and age).

Goal

Essential Oils

Sleep

Calmer, Lavender

Focus

Thinker, Vetiver, Litsea

Grounding

Steady, Frankincense

Energy

Brave, Wild Orange, Spearmint

Mood Boost

Stronger, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime

Stress Relief

Brave, Adaptiv, Bergamot

Need help choosing safe oils? See our Kid Safe Oils Guide and Dilution Guide.

Creative Ways to Use Your Aromatherapy Playdough

This isn’t just for free play (although that’s wonderful too). Here are a few ways we use it intentionally in our home:

  • Emotion check-ins: Make colour-coded balls of dough and talk about feelings as your child chooses one.
  • Movement breaks: Use energising oils and set a 5-minute timer to squeeze and roll before sitting to learn or eat.
  • Calm-down corners: Keep calming playdough in a labelled container your child can access when they need to self-regulate.
  • DIY gifts: Use our aromatherapy playdough recipe to create calming or happy dough and package it up with a little tag – great for birthdays, school holidays, or playdates.

What the Research Says About Sensory Play

According to Early Childhood Australia:

Our senses are incredibly powerful tools to help us learn and grow… When we gather information using our senses and allow them to guide us, we are using our sensory pathways. These pathways have direct access to the strongest and most lasting parts of our memory. (Stierwalt, 2020)

This is why multi-sensory activities like aromatherapy playdough are especially valuable for neurodivergent children – they offer safe, engaging ways to regulate, connect, and learn.

Learn more in our upcoming post: Playdough for Sensory Play: Why It Matters and How to Use It.

Final Thoughts

Aromatherapy playdough is one of those rare activities that feels like play but serves a bigger purpose. Whether your child needs calming, focus, or a sensory outlet, this simple homemade tool can meet the moment.

It’s not just about play – it’s about emotional support in your child’s hands.

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