1. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
There is no sensory experience quite like the warm, comforting scent of pumpkin spice to signal the arrival of autumn. Pumpkin spice playdough is a classic sensory craft that engages a toddler’s sense of smell, touch, and sight. Unlike store-bought playdough, this homemade version is completely non-toxic and incredibly soft, making it perfect for tiny hands that love to squeeze, roll, and squish. Making it is half the fun, as your toddler can help pour the dry ingredients and stir the mixture before it goes onto the stove.
To create this sensory delight, combine one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of salt, two tablespoons of cream of tartar, one tablespoon of ground pumpkin pie spice, and one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pot. Add one cup of water mixed with orange food coloring. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture clumps together into a ball. Once cooled, place it on a clean surface and knead until smooth. Provide your toddler with cookie cutters, rolling pins, and dried pumpkin seeds to encourage fine motor development and imaginative play.