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National Play-Doh Day

Let your creativity run wild on National Play-Doh Day! Get crafting with a range of colors, tools and shapes for endless fun!

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYDIY

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get creative and celebrate National Play-Doh Day on September 16! This special day has been around since 2002 and is a great opportunity to revisit your childhood memories by getting out the iconic clay-like substance we all know and love. It was first created in the 1930s as a wallpaper cleaner but soon became an American favorite for children of all ages. It can be used for sculpting, painting, or just plain fun. So grab some Play-Doh, roll it out, and let your imagination run wild!

TIMELINE

National Play-Doh Day Timeline

Introduction of Play-Doh

Play-Doh was initially invented as a wallpaper cleaner, but its potential as a child's toy was quickly realized and it was rebranded.

Play-Doh Goes National

Play-Doh was picked up for national distribution by Rainbow Crafts to toy stores across the nation, gaining it more publicity and reach.

Hasbro's Acquisition

The toy company Hasbro acquired Play-Doh and made it part of their Playskool line.

Revival of Play-Doh

Hasbro revitalised Play-Doh with a brand new ad campaign aimed at a new generation of children.

First National Play-Doh Day

The inaugural National Play-Doh Day was celebrated on September 16, to acknowledge the impact of Play-Doh in fostering creativity among children.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Play-Doh Day

Create a sculpture

Grab some colorful Play-Doh and create your own masterpiece. Let your creativity flow as you form shapes and figures with the dough.

HOST

Host a Play-Doh party

Invite your friends over for a Play-Doh play date! It's a great way to get creative with friends and make new memories.

MAKE

Make a keepsake mold

Create a meaningful keepsake by pressing an object into the Play-Doh and allowing it to harden. This will create a lasting memory of your special day.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Play-Doh competition

Gather up some friends and have a Play-Doh sculpting competition! Have everyone come up with their own creation and then vote on who has the best one.

MAKE

Make custom jewelry

Using cookie cutters, roll out the Play Doh and cut out shapes that you can turn into jewelry. Add beads and charms for even more flair!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Play-Doh Day

You Can Do Anything With It

The great thing about Play-Doh is that the possibilities are endless - you can use it for small sculptures or stamping shapes with cookie cutters. You can even mix colors together to create new shades! It's an incredibly versatile material that anyone can enjoy!

It's Fun and Creative

Playing with Play-Doh is a fun and creative way to pass the time and bring out your inner artist. You can shape it into whatever you like—from animals to food to abstract shapes. Plus, it's a great chance for parents to bond with their children and enjoy a creative project together!

It Supports Motor Skills Development

Playing with Play-Doh not only encourages creativity, but it also helps support the development of fine motor skills in children. Playing with the clay helps to strengthen their hands and fingers, which improves movement control in the long run.

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