Benefits of clay for child development
For kids, working with clay can be incredibly calming and beneficial to their development. Here are some of the developmental benefits of clay:- Enhances imagination and creativity: Playing with clay can be very open-ended, which encourages kids' minds to wander and boosts their imagination and creativity. The most original ideas often emerge from the process of making something completely new, such as a shape or a character.
- Colour recognition skills: Clay is excellent for developing children's colour recognition skills because both playdough and clay come in a variety of colours that kids can mix together.
- Hand-eye coordination: The ability to mould and shape clay while playing with it helps children's hand-eye coordination.
- Fine motor skills: Since they must knead and mould the clay, children can develop their fine motor skills by using it. This aids in strengthening the muscles in their hands and wrists.
- Social skills: Playing with toys and modelling clay with children their age is a fun way to assist children in learning social skills and how to interact with others.
Top Rated Clays For Kids in India
1. Best For Multiple Colours: Jovi Plastilina Modelling Clay Bars
To encourage your child's highest level of creativity, this is available in a pack of 30 bars in various colours. Your little one will undoubtedly enjoy the varied assortment of colours that come in this pack of clay bars. Additionally, the gluten-free and non-toxic clay bars are easy to mould. The ACMI-certified clay doesn't crumble, keeps its shape after moulding, and is a wonderful way to foster creative thinking in your child and let their imagination come to life.
Dimensions: 25 x 15.7 x 4.4 Centimetres
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Made with plant products, does not stain or dry out
Cons: Can not be baked
Ratings: 4.6/5
2. Best For Non-Sticky: Fundough The Ultimate Dough & Tool Kit
Funskool is a well-known name when it comes to the best children's toys in India. This box includes tools, cutters, shapes, and different colours of non-sticky dough. This is the best way to keep your child occupied for hours on end, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop motor skills in your little one because it comes with so many different tools. Due to the abundance of tools in this best clay kit for kids, it can also be enjoyed by multiple kids. Playing and using their imaginations with their friends will not only help them develop their creative abilities but also their social abilities. Overall, this kit is excellent for growth and developing critical skills.
Dimensions: 78 x 97 x 4 Centimetres
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Engaging kit with safe and non-toxic playdough
Cons: No concerns
Ratings: 4.4/5
3. Best For Imagination: Create Your Own Clay Dino
Give your little one a chance to transcend into the Jurassic Age with this fun and imaginative modelling clay set. Using this play set, your little ones can create their own dinosaur universe. This kit includes a set of four fossilised dinosaur skeletons, various colours of modelling clay, and other sculpting supplies. Since it includes learning cards about dinosaurs, this kit is also very educational. This modelling clay set is a great way to educate and develop your child's skills because it is fun, educational, and unique. Lastly, this children's clay modelling kit is also a great gifting option for little kids.
Dimensions: 21.69 x 17.2 x 5.89 cm; 299 Grams
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Air-dry clay, educational and interactive kit
Cons: Not enough clay included in the kit
Ratings: 4.2/5
4. Best For Quality: Play Doh Clay Party Pack
This play dough kit is enjoyable and will unquestionably push your children's imaginative abilities. The 12 different play doughs in this pack will make playing time ten times more enjoyable. These vibrant, non-toxic colours are both extremely safe and enjoyable to use. The high-quality clay can be shaped in various ways and is highly malleable. Additionally, the colours' smooth texture makes them enjoyable to use and will keep kids occupied for a long time. Finally, this product's packaging is excellent. It comes in smaller containers that are very convenient and great for storage.
Dimensions: 3 x 26 x 16 cm; 430 Grams
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Non-toxic, easy to store and won't dry out easily.
Cons: No additional tools included
Ratings: 4.2/5
5. Best for Hand-Eye Coordination: Jaini Non Toxic Frisky Dough
This comes in a variety of colours that are all top-notch and non-toxic. It comes in a variety of colours, including white, black, red, and green, so your child can mix and match them and learn more about these hues. In addition to the boxes in different non-toxic colours, this also includes a toy extruder and two strips. These objects and colours work together to increase hand-eye coordination and pique curiosity. The two strips that are included also have different shapes, which will help your child develop an understanding of shape and form.
Dimensions: 25 x 4 x 24 Centimetres
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Develops motor skills, safe and spongy clay.
Cons: No concerns
Ratings: 4.1/5
6. Best For Foam Clay: Imagimake Fleximos Air Dry Clay Set
Foam clay works wonders for sensory stimulation. The best thing about this clay is how simple and easy it is to clean up after use. Your child can combine all the easy-to-blend colours and discover new combinations that will boost their self-assurance in their capacity to think creatively and learn new things. This playset is a wonderful illustration of tactile and sensory play. This is due to the best clay kit for kids inclusion of bright colours and a beaded texture. This kit includes a variety of sticker plates that can be applied to any surface. Your children's creative growth can benefit greatly from using this distinct and textured clay in their play.
Dimensions: 29.9 x 20.9 x 5.6 cm; 260 Grams
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Great texture and unique stencils
Cons: May get a little sticky after use
Ratings: 4/5
7. Best For Non-Hardening Clay: Fratelli Play with Dough
This pack contains a wide range of vibrant colours. 24 bars and 12 colours are included in this pack. Your child can blend, mix, and create new colours with this easily malleable clay. They will learn colour theory and colour blending from this, which will also help with visual stimulation. Additionally, because clay comes in such a variety of colours, it will aid in the development of colour perception abilities. Lastly, the non-hardening clay is also packaged in individual packs, which makes it very easy to use.
Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 2 inches
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Non-toxic, safe and reusable
Cons: No concerns
Ratings: 3.9/5
8. Best with Neon Colours: Crayola Modeling Clay
Crayola is renowned for creating excellent craft products. This neon modelling clay is no different. Your kids can shape, sculpt, and build new shapes; let their creativity spark! The neon colours in this modelling clay pack are striking and visually appealing. Your children will definitely enjoy the neon clay's bright colours. Finally, the high-quality, non-drying clay will keep your kids occupied for hours while allowing their imaginations to run wild!
Dimensions: 1.27 x 1.27 x 13.49 cm; 153.09 Grams
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Soft consistency, long-lasting and washable
Cons: May have a strong odour
Ratings: 4.3/5
9. Best For Multi-sensory skills: Lattoo Taste Safe Clay Power Kit
This is one of the best all-inclusive clay kits that you need to purchase for your little one. This kit's play dough is organic, non-toxic, and free of preservatives. The soft, moldable dough can be baked as well as sculpted. This kit includes 7 multipurpose tools and 8 colours of soft dough, giving your child an open-ended, multisensory play session. As this clay set can stimulate multiple senses simultaneously, such as touch, sight, and feel, this kit helps children develop their multi-sensory skills. In addition to reducing screen time, this kit will aid in the development of motor skills and creativity.
Dimensions: 34 x 21 x 6 Centimetres ; 1 kg 200 g
Suitable for: 2 years and above
Pros: Non-sticky, taste safe, easy to sculpt
Cons: No concerns
Ratings: 4.4/5
10. Best in Kinetic Sand: Calldrishe Sand Activity Play Set
If you're looking for something clay-like that has various developmental benefits for your little one, this kinetic sand kit is the one for you. This set comes with ten different moulded toys and 1 kg of multicoloured free-flowing sand. This kinetic sand flows effortlessly and can be stretched and shaped to your children's preferences. Playing with and cleaning up after the soft sand is simple. Lastly, this children's sand clay kit is a great way to enhance your little one's movement skills since there are so many moulds and free-flowing textures included in this set.
Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 8 cm; 1.5 Kilograms
Suitable for: 3 years and above
Pros: Hypoallergenic, good quality and doesn't dry out
Cons: Quantity unsatisfactory
Ratings: 4.3/5
Things To Consider While Buying Clay For Kids
Here are a few things to consider when buying clay for your kids:- Non-toxic: Buying non-toxic clay is very important when it comes to buying the best clay for kids. This is because , even if your little one accidentally eats a small amount of it, it will not be a big deal and harm them. Buying non-toxic clay is also important for the safety of their skin.
- Non-sticky: If the clay gets too sticky, children will not want to play with it again. Additionally, sticky clay can turn into a very huge mess that can be difficult to clean.
- Malleable: Buying clay that is malleable or highly shapeable is advised. This will inspire children to express more creativity and sculpt their own shapes. Malleable clay is also simpler and more enjoyable for children to play with.
- Additional tools: Instead of just purchasing clay, consider purchasing children's clay making kits. By purchasing play clay that has multiple additional tools, your little one can be entertained for hours on end.
Types of kids clay
There are two main categories of clays: water-based and oil-based.- Oil-based clay: Although they are easier to bake, oil-based clays are more difficult to work with than water-based clays. However they are non-sticky, leave no residue and hold their shape very well. Modelling clay and polymer clay are two types of oil-based clay.
- Water-based clays: These will dry out if left out in the open for an extended period of time. Since most clays for kids are water-based due to their malleability and smoothness, they come in separate storage boxes to prevent the clay from drying out. Some examples include play dough clay, air dry clay, porcelain clay etc.
Clay is an overall great tool to facilitate development, reduce screen time, and encourage independent play. Playing with clay has numerous developmental benefits and is a fun and colourful way to educate your little ones. We hope we helped you find the best clay and the best clay kit for kids.
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