PlayDoh Tinker Trays: a unique way to use PlayDoh, spring edition
We all know PlayDoh is a versatile product that can be used in many ways, but have you ever tried a tinker tray? In this post, I am going to share what tinker trays are, the benefits of using them, and a spring-inspired collection of loose parts we used for this activity. This is a way of using PlayDoh I had never done before, but I am so happy I did. It enhanced our PlayDoh to another level, so check it out below!
What are tinker trays?
Tinker Trays is an activity for all ages. They are compiled of a bunch of loose parts and small everyday items you have laying around the house. When used in combination with PlayDoh to make a "PlayDoh Tinker Tray" You will have kids combining a wide variety of objects to create one masterpiece.
Benefits of using a tinker tray
When researching Tinker Trays, I found a huge list of benefits. One that was stated over and over again was that building with Tinker Trays inspires creativity and imaginative play. I can confirm this from my own experience trying it with a 5 and 3-year-old. Our kids explored the Tinker Tray in a few different ways. They explored stamping, object building, and eventually full-on imaginative play.
Another positive aspect of using PlayDoh Tinker Trays is the sensory benefits. PlayDoh by itself is already a high sensory object but adding everyday loose parts such as flowers, pom poms, beads, etc. enhances the experience.
Some additional benefits of using PlayDoh Tinker Trays include practicing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, dexterity, and fine motor skills. This activity is truly open-ended and can be switched around and used with different loose parts/themes. The options for this activity are endless, read below to see how we made our PlayDoh Tinker Tray spring inspired!
Our spring-inspired loose parts
If you weren't already ready for it, buckle up because I am going to be sharing PlayDoh Tinker Trays more than once. As I mentioned before you can do this activity in SO many ways. This time, I decided to do a springtime tray. I will probably do more than one combination for each season, but this is our first. Be prepared to see Tinker Trays here at the Meck House for each season or holiday I see fit. I seriously love them!
To create this tray though, I went to Dollar Tree and looked around for anything that said "spring". I picked up a stem of flowers, some wooden bugs, colorful pom poms, a bug collection kit (which came with magnifying glass), and scrabble letters.
The cost of these items was $1.25 apiece (side note did you know DT raised their prices?). In my opinion, it was worth the cost because I was able to save everything to use again another day. If you don't want to spend any money, you can do this activity with any odd parts you have around the house. I plan to do a construction-themed tinker tray this summer where I will put screws, bolts, etc. We have tons of those in the garage so that tray will be free!
What do you think about creating a Tinker Tray for your child? Have you tried it before? Let me know in the comments how it goes if you do it!
💕💕sending love & momma to momma support,
Kaylin