Chocolate Shop Play Dough Kits

Play dough kits are one of my absolute favourite things to put together for the kiddos when there’s a new holiday or season approaching! We keep several of these stocked on our play shelf at all times because they’re just so fun and convenient. Having everything neatly stored in one container makes them a fantastic ready-to-go activity for quiet time, independent play, sick days and play dates — the kids can just grab one and go!

They also make really great gifts and this chocolate shop play dough kit would be an absolutely perfect Valentine’s Day surprise for the kiddos should you want to skip the actual chocolate this time around.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a divided container of some sort
• a batch of our super soft and squishy chocolate play dough
• play dough in another colour if desired (we made one batch of play dough using this recipe, divided it into three and coloured it various shades of pink/red)
• a few small cookie cutters
• some loose parts (these really can be anything you like, we went with heart-shaped gems)
• a few small kitchen tools (use whatever you have on hand — we borrowed a mini-rolling pin, spatula, flipper and silicone cupcake liners from our play kitchen)

Once you have your play dough made and materials gathered, start by selecting the best spot for the dough first. Keep in mind that because most divided containers are not perfectly air-tight, it’s best to first place your dough into a zip-close bag and then into the container for storage. This will allow your dough to last for months so long as the kit is stored at room temperature and not near a heat source.

Next add your cookie cutters and loose parts. I love using a container that has at least a few small compartments to keep the smaller bits and bobs separate and organized. This keeps the kit really neat and tidy and makes clean up time a breeze, even for toddlers. 

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When it comes to selecting loose parts for your kit, dollar stores and craft stores are great places to look. These parts can easily be switched up based on your little ones’ interests and developmental stage. For littles, just a few bigger loose parts can be plenty, whereas a bigger collection of smaller loose parts can keep older kiddos engaged for ages. 

Think beads, gems, jewels, wooden pieces, foam shapes — anything goes!

Finally, finish the kit off with a few “tools.”  Mini-rolling pins are a great addition to play dough, as are small spatulas, flippers, tongs, plastic knives, chopsticks and popsicle sticks. And don’t feel like you have to go out and buy special items for your play dough kits. I always check our kitchen drawers and the kids’ play kitchen first!

Not necessary, but if you have them, empty chocolate boxes and heart-shaped ice cube trays make amazing additions to this kit, too.

When it’s all put together, let the kiddos dive in and begin making their chocolate treats. Chances are you’ll have a chocolate shop up and running from your kitchen in no time at all!

You can check out our other play dough kits here.