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National Play-Doh Day

Fun · Family · September 16

A day for Play-Doh, the soft, colorful modeling compound that kids and adults squeeze, roll and shape into whatever comes to mind.

National Play-Doh Day falls on Thursday, September 16, 2027. That is 324 days away.

Play-Doh is a soft modeling compound that comes in small tubs and bright colors. You press it, roll it, flatten it and pinch it into shapes, then squash it all back into a ball and start over.

The feel is most of the appeal. It is cool and a little springy, it holds a thumbprint, and it has a faint, salty smell that many adults recognize the moment a lid comes off. The tub itself makes a satisfying pop.

Most people mark the day by simply opening a container and playing. Children make snakes, pancakes and lopsided animals. Adults tend to start with something ambitious and end up with a very good snake. Simple tools help: a plastic knife, a cookie cutter, a garlic press that has seen better days, or the tip of a pencil for texture.

Colors mix easily, which is lovely for about ten minutes and then turns every color into the same brownish gray. Families who want to keep the bright shades often play with one color at a time, or keep a separate tub for blending.

The dough dries out when it is left in the air, so the lid matters more than it seems. A tub pressed shut at the end of the afternoon will still be soft the next time someone reaches for it.

Ways to celebrate

• Open a tub and make something without planning it first.
• Try making a tiny version of your pet or your breakfast.
• Use cookie cutters or kitchen utensils to press patterns into the dough.
• Hold a family challenge to build the tallest standing tower.
• Press every lid tightly shut when you finish playing.

Official site

Dates

All national days on September 16

Also on September 16

• National Guacamole Day
• National Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Day
• Collect Rocks Day
• Mayflower Day

Categories: Fun daysFamily days