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{{short description|Children's modeling compound}}
[[Image:Playdoh.jpg|thumb|Green Play-Doh with can and accessory [[extruder]]]]
{{good article}}
{{Infobox toy
|name=Play-Doh
|image=[[File:Play-Doh brand logo.svg|200px]]<br/>Logo used since 2015<br/>[[File:Play-Doh.jpg|200px]]
|image_size=
|caption=A can of green Play-Doh
|slogan=Fun to play with, not to eat
|type=[[Modelling clay]]
|inventor=Kay Zufall <br>Brian Joseph McVicker<br>Bill Rhodenbaugh
|country=[[United States]]
{{Infobox|decat=yes|child=yes|label1=Age range|data1=2+}}
|company=[[Kutol Products Company|Kutol]]<br/> (1955)<br />[[Rainbow Crafts]]<br/> (1956–1971)<br />[[Kenner]]<br/> (1971–1991)<br/ > [[Hasbro]]<br/> (1991–present)
|from=1956
|to=present
|website=playdoh.hasbro.com
}}


'''Play-Doh''' or also known as '''Play-Dough''' is a [[modeling compound]] for young children to make arts and crafts projects. The product was first manufactured in [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], [[United States]], as a [[wallpaper]] cleaner in the 1930s.<ref name="Walsh" /> Play-Doh was then reworked and marketed to [[Cincinnati]] schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts.<ref name="Works" />
'''Play-Doh''' is a commercial modeling compound similar in texture to [[bread]] [[dough]] that has been sold as a children's toy around the world for over half century. [[tool]] Its exact makeup is a trade secret, but it is primarily a mixture of [[wheat flour]], [[water]], deodorized [[kerosene]] or another [[petroleum]] [[distillate]] (which provides the smooth texture), [[salt]], a drying agent such as [[borax]] (which deters [[mold]]), an [[alum]]-based hardening agent, and colorings and perfume.YOUR GAY, DUDE


Advertisements promoting Play-Doh on influential children's television shows in 1957 furthered the product's sales.<ref name="Walsh"/> Since its launch on the toy market in the mid-1950s, Play-Doh has generated a considerable amount of ancillary merchandise such as the Fun Factory.<ref name="Sobey"/>
It is non-toxic, non-staining, and soluble in [[soap]]y water. When kept in a sealed container, Play-Doh remains pliable, but when exposed to air it hardens in about a day. However, because it tends to crack during hardening, it is not good for projects one wants to save. Many adults have fond childhood memories of its salty taste and distinctive smell (due to the small amount of petroleum distillate it contains).


==History==
Play-Doh was invented by Noah McVicker and Joseph McVicker in [[1956]] and awarded U.S. [[Patent]] 3,167,440 in [[1965]].[[tool]] One of many common products invented by accident, it was meant as a [[wallpaper]] cleaner. It was marketed by toy manufacturer Rainbow Crafts, and first sold at the [[Woodward & Lothrop]] [[department store]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]
[[Image:Play dough 04799.jpg|thumb|Objects made out of multi-color Play-doh]]
Play-Doh is available in several different colors and has a distinctive smell and texture. Over 900 million pounds have been sold so far. The product is now owned by [[United States|American]] [[toy]] giant [[Hasbro]].


===Origin===
In 2006, the distinctive Play-Doh smell was turned into a limited-edition [[fragrance]] by the [[Demeter Fragrance Library]] to celebrate the product's 50th birthday. There is also a national Play-doh Day on September 16. <ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/media/default.cfm?page=release&release=486 National Play-Doh Day]</ref>
[[File: Play dough 04799.jpg|thumb|Objects made out of Play-Doh.]]
The non-toxic, non-staining, reusable modeling compound that came to be known as "Play-Doh" was a pliable, putty-like substance concocted by Noah McVicker of [[Cincinnati]]-based soap manufacturer [[Kutol Products Company|Kutol Products]]. It was devised at the request of [[Kroger|Kroger Grocery]], which wanted a product that could clean [[coal]] residue from wallpaper.<ref>''[http://www.cbc.ca/undertheinfluence/season-1/2012/03/17/accidental-brands-1/ "Accidental Brands"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815065819/http://www.cbc.ca/undertheinfluence/season-1/2012/03/17/accidental-brands-1/ |date=2012-08-15 }}, from [[Under the Influence (radio documentary series)|Under the Influence]]'', by [[Terry O'Reilly (broadcaster)|Terry O'Reilly]], on [[CBC.ca]]; first broadcast March 17, 2012</ref>


Following [[World War II]], with the transition from coal-based home heating to [[natural gas]] and the resulting decrease in internal soot, and the introduction of washable [[Polyvinyl chloride|vinyl]]-based wallpaper, the market for wallpaper cleaning putty decreased substantially. McVicker's nephew, Joe McVicker, joined Kutol with the remit to save the company from bankruptcy. Joe McVicker was the brother-in-law of nursery school teacher Kay Zufall, who had seen a newspaper article about making art projects with the wallpaper cleaning putty.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |author=Greg Hatala |url=http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2014/01/made_in_jersey_dover_teacher_made_a_household_item_into_a_household_word_with_play-doh.html |title=Made in Jersey: Play-Doh is a Dover teacher's handiwork |publisher=NJ.com, The Star-Ledger |date=January 28, 2014 |access-date=April 16, 2016 |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506065628/http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2014/01/made_in_jersey_dover_teacher_made_a_household_item_into_a_household_word_with_play-doh.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Her students enjoyed it, and she persuaded Noah McVicker (who also sold the putty) and Joe McVicker to manufacture it as a child’s toy.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Zufall and her husband came up with the name Play-Doh; Joe McVicker and his uncle Noah had wanted to call it "Rainbow Modeling Compound".<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
== References ==
<references/>


===Launch===
== External links ==
Joe McVicker took Play-Doh to an educational convention for manufacturers of school supplies,<ref name="Walsh">{{cite book |last= Walsh |first= Tim |year= 2005 |title= Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them |chapter= Play-doh |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=jftapGDTmYUC&pg=PA115 |publisher= Andrews McMeel Publishing |location= Kansas City |isbn= 978-0-7407-5571-2 |pages= 115–120 |access-date= 2016-02-19 |archive-date= 2023-07-31 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230731161858/https://books.google.com/books?id=jftapGDTmYUC&pg=PA115 |url-status= live }}</ref> and [[Woodward & Lothrop]], a department store in [[Washington, DC]] began selling the compound.<ref name="OhioC">{{cite web |url=http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/enwiki/w/Rainbow_Crafts_Company,_Inc. |title=Rainbow Crafts Company, Inc. |access-date=October 30, 2008 |publisher=Ohio History Central |date=July 28, 2006 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112052748/http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/enwiki/w/Rainbow_Crafts_Company,_Inc. |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1956, the McVickers formed the Rainbow Crafts Company to make and sell Play-Doh.<ref>{{cite web |author=Phil Ament |url=http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/playdoh.htm |title=Play-Doh History – Invention of Play-Doh |publisher=Ideafinder.com |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607170114/http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/playdoh.htm |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Also in 1956, a three-pack of 7-ounce cans was added to the product line, and, after in-store demonstrations, [[Macy's]] of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Marshall Field's]] of [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]] opened retail accounts. In 1957, chemist Dr. Tien Liu reduced Play-Doh's salt content (thus allowing models to dry without losing their color), and Play-Doh ads were telecast on ''[[Captain Kangaroo]]'', ''[[Ding Dong School]]'', and ''[[Romper Room]]''. In 1958, Play-Doh's sales reached nearly $3 million.<ref name="Walsh" />


===Subsequent developments===
* [http://www.hasbro.com/playdoh/ Hasbro's official Play-Doh site]
In 1964, Play-Doh was exported to Britain, France, and Italy.<ref name="Walsh" /> By 1965, Rainbow Crafts received a patent for Play-Doh.<ref>Noah W. McVicker and Joseph S. McVicker, [http://patimg1.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=03167440&homeurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO1%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526d%3DPALL%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsrchnum.htm%2526r%3D1%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526s1%3D3,167,440.PN.%2526OS%3DPN%2F3,167,440%2526RS%3DPN%2F3,167,440&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=NONE&Input=View+first+page "Plastic modeling composition of a soft, pliable working consistency,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114605/http://patimg1.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=03167440&homeurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO1%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526d%3DPALL%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsrchnum.htm%2526r%3D1%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526s1%3D3,167,440.PN.%2526OS%3DPN%2F3,167,440%2526RS%3DPN%2F3,167,440&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=NONE&Input=View+first+page |date=2017-12-30 }} U.S. patent no. 3,167,440 (filed: May 17, 1960; issued: January 26, 1965).</ref> Also in 1965, [[General Mills]] bought Rainbow Crafts for $3 million.<ref name="Walsh" /><ref name="OhioC" /> In 1967, General Mills bought [[Kenner Products]]. In 1971, Rainbow Crafts and Kenner merged, and, in 1987, the [[Tonka Corporation]] bought the two. In the 1980s, its cardboard can (with a rust-prone metal bottom) was replaced with a more cost effective plastic container.<ref name="50Year">{{cite web |title= The 50 Year History of Play-Doh |year= 2006 |url= http://www.failedsuccess.com/index.php?/weblog/comments/playdoh_history |access-date= February 19, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060515012026/http://www.failedsuccess.com/index.php?%2Fweblog%2Fcomments%2Fplaydoh_history |archive-date= May 15, 2006 |url-status= dead }}</ref> In 1991, [[Hasbro]] became the owner of Play-Doh, putting the compound under its [[Playskool]] brand, and continues to manufacture the product today.<ref name="Walsh" /> In 1996, gold and silver were added to Play-Doh's palette to celebrate its 40th anniversary.<ref name="OCreg">{{Cite news |last=Rrodriguez |first=Paul |date=May 2, 2006 |title=Happy 50th, Play-Doh |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2006/05/02/happy-50th-play-doh/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |work=Orange County Register |location=Orange County, CA, US}}</ref>
* [http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blplaydoh.htm Who Invented Play-Doh]

* [http://www.failedsuccess.com/index.php?/weblog/comments/playdoh_history The 50 Year History of Play-Doh]
More than two billion cans of Play-Doh were sold between 1955 and 2005,<ref name="Walsh" /> and, in 2005, Play-Doh was being sold in 75 countries at 95 million cans a year.<ref name="Walsh" /> In the United States, more than 6,000 stores carry Play-Doh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/play-doh.htm |title=HowStuffWorks "How Play-Doh Modeling Compound Works"<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=19 July 2000 |access-date=2007-02-27 |archive-date=2017-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619133141/http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/play-doh.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/play-doh.htm How Stuff Works - Play-Doh]

Play-Doh was inducted into the [[National Toy Hall of Fame]] at [[The Strong]] in [[Rochester, New York]], in 1998.<ref name="NationalMuseumPlay">{{Cite web |title=Inducted Toys: Play-Doh |url=https://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/play-doh/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=The Strong National Museum of Play}}</ref>

In 2003, the [[Toy Industry Association]] placed Play-Doh into its "Century of Toys List", a roll call of the 100 most memorable and most creative toys of the twentieth century.<ref name="mcall">{{Cite news |date=December 27, 2005 |title=Century of Toys list probably won't stand the test of time |url=https://www.mcall.com/2005/12/27/century-of-toys-list-probably-wont-stand-the-test-of-time/ |work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, PA, US}}</ref>

In late 2014, the company offered to replace the "Play-Doh Cake Mountain" playset's extruder tool, for free, after receiving complaints about the tool's "phallic shape".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/31/living/feat-play-doh-toy-penis-shape/index.html?eref=edition|title=Play-Doh will exchange phallic-shaped toy|last=Respers France|first=Lisa|work=[[CNN]].com|date=31 December 2014|access-date=January 3, 2015|archive-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103211525/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/31/living/feat-play-doh-toy-penis-shape/index.html?eref=edition|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Scent===
To mark Play-Doh's fiftieth anniversary, [[Demeter Fragrance Library]] created a limited-edition [[fragrance]] inspired by Play-Doh's distinctive odor for "highly-creative people, who seek a whimsical scent reminiscent of their childhood."<ref name="Works" /><ref name="Play-Doh smells">{{cite news |last1=Siegel |first1=Rachel |title=Remember how Play-Doh smells? U.S. trademark officials get it. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/05/24/remember-how-play-doh-smells-u-s-trademark-officials-get-it/ |access-date=December 21, 2023 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=May 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Just sniff. Don't eat.">{{cite news |last1=Kooser |first1=Amanda |title=Hasbro just trademarked Play-Doh's smell. Oh, the memories Just sniff. Don't eat. |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/hasbro-trademarked-the-smell-of-play-doh/ |access-date=December 21, 2023 |publisher=[[CNET]] |date=May 18, 2018}}</ref>

In 2018, Hasbro registered Play-Doh's signature scent with the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]. It's described as a "combination of a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough."<ref name="Play-Doh smells"/><ref name="Just sniff. Don't eat."/>

===Mascots===
[[File:2016 Nuernberger Spielwarenmesse - Play-Doh - by 2eight - 8SC3014.jpg|thumb|upright|Doh-Dohs at the [[Nuremberg International Toy Fair]] 2016]]
Play-Doh packaging was briefly illustrated with children in the mid-1950s, but replaced by the Play-Doh Pixie, an elf [[mascot]] which, in 1960, was superseded by Play-Doh Pete, a smock and [[Beret|beret-wearing]] cartoonish boy.<ref name="Walsh" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.advertisingweek360.com/whatever-happened-play-doh-pete/ |title=''Whatever Happened to Play-Doh Pete?''<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=2020-11-01 |archive-date=2020-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927155751/https://www.advertisingweek360.com/whatever-happened-play-doh-pete/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1992, Play Doh Pete's beret was recolored in blue, and his eyes were given a more human look. Later in 2000, Play-Doh Pete's beret was replaced with a baseball cap. Play-Doh Pete later retired and was removed in 2003, lasting for 42 years.<ref name="Walsh" /> Since 2012, the Doh-Dohs are the mascots.<ref name="mascots2012">{{Cite web |last=Corday |first=Karen |date=March 7, 2022 |title=What Happened To Play-Doh? |url=https://www.grunge.com/788363/what-happened-to-play-doh/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Grunge.com}}</ref>

==Ingredients==
Play-Doh's current manufacturer, Hasbro, says the compound is primarily a mixture of water, [[salt]], and [[flour]],<ref name="Works">{{cite web |last= Wilson |first= Tracy V. |title= How Play-Doh Modeling Compound Works |date= 19 July 2000 |publisher= How Stuff Works |url= http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/play-doh.htm |access-date= February 19, 2009 |archive-date= 19 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170619133141/http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/play-doh.htm |url-status= live }}</ref> while its 2004 [[United States patent]] indicates it is composed of water, a starch-based binder, a [[Retrogradation (starch)|retrogradation]] inhibitor, salt, lubricant, [[surfactant]], [[preservative]], hardener, [[humectant]], fragrance, and color.<ref>{{cite web |title= Google Patents |url= https://patents.google.com/patent/US6713624 |access-date= July 28, 2014 |archive-date= September 11, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140911061950/https://www.google.com/patents/US6713624 |url-status= live }}</ref>

A [[petroleum]] additive gives the compound a smooth feel, and [[borax]] prevents mold from developing.<ref name="Sobey">{{cite book |last= Sobey |first= Edwin J.C. |author2= Woody Sobey |year= 2008 |title= The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=F2ApK7QnbPUC&pg=PA96 |publisher= Chicago Review Press |isbn= 978-1-55652-745-6 |page= 96 |access-date= 2016-02-19 |archive-date= 2023-07-31 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230731161920/https://books.google.com/books?id=F2ApK7QnbPUC&pg=PA96 |url-status= live }}</ref> Play-Doh contains wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to wheat gluten. It is not intended to be eaten.<ref name=FAQ>{{cite web |url=https://playdoh.hasbro.com/en-us/faq |title=FAQ |website=Play-Doh |access-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111061751/https://playdoh.hasbro.com/en-us/faq |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Related merchandise==
[[File:Playdoh.jpg|thumb|Play-Doh Fun Factory]]
In 1960, the Play-Doh Fun Factory (a toy press that extrudes the compound in various shapes) was invented by Bob Boggild and Bill Dale.<ref name="Walsh" /> The Play-Doh Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop of 1977 and Mop Top Hair Shop of 1986 featured a figurine whose extruded "hair" could be styled.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

In 1995, an educational software CD-ROM game, ''Play-Doh Creations'' was released.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

In 2003, the Play-Doh Creativity Table was sold. Play-Doh related merchandise introduced during the 2007 anniversary year included the Play-Doh Birthday Bucket, the Play-Doh Fifty Colors Pack, the Fuzzy Pumper Crazy Cuts (a reworking of the 1977 Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop), and the Play-Doh Creativity Center.<ref name="Sobey" /> In 2012, "Play-Doh Plus" was introduced. It is lighter, more pliable, and softer than regular Play-Doh.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

==Other media==
===Film===
On April 2, 2015, [[20th Century Studios|20th Century Fox]] announced work on a film adaptation with Hasbro Studios along with its subsidiary company [[Allspark (company)#Allspark Pictures|Allspark Pictures]] and [[Chernin Entertainment]] producing, Jason Micallef writing, and [[Paul Feig]] directing from his production company Feigco.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/04/play-doh-live-action-feature-paul-feig-fox-hasbro-1201403854/|title=Fox Molding 'Play-Doh' Film With Paul Feig Circling; Another Hasbro Toy Brand Making Movie Transfer|publisher=Deadline|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=January 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109111435/https://deadline.com/2015/04/play-doh-live-action-feature-paul-feig-fox-hasbro-1201403854/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was eventually cancelled and rejected after the acquisition of Fox's parent company [[21st Century Fox]] by [[The Walt Disney Company]].{{cn|date=October 2024}}

On March 17, 2022, it was announced that a new animated film adaptation is in development at [[Entertainment One]] and its parent company Hasbro, [[Emily V. Gordon]] writing and [[Jon M. Chu]] producing and possibly directing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title='Play-Doh': Emily V. Gordon To Write, Jon M. Chu Circling To Direct Animated Pic For eOne & Hasbro About Colorful Clay|url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/play-doh-jon-chu-emily-gordon-movie-1234981605/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 17, 2022|access-date=March 17, 2022|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317221531/https://deadline.com/2022/03/play-doh-jon-chu-emily-gordon-movie-1234981605/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jackson|first=Angelique|title=Play-Doh Animated Movie in the Works from Emily V. Gordon and Jon M. Chu|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/play-doh-movie-emily-v-gordon-jon-m-chu-1235208674/|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 17, 2022|access-date=March 17, 2022|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317234515/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/play-doh-movie-emily-v-gordon-jon-m-chu-1235208674/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Series===
A game show adaptation started streaming on [[Amazon Freevee]] (then known as IMDb TV) initially as a one-off holiday special on December 10, 2021 and later as a full-length series on November 11, 2022. It is hosted by [[Sarah Hyland]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.entertainmentone.com/press/imdb-tv-celebrates-the-holiday-season-with-play-doh-squished-premierin/ | title=IMDb TV Celebrates the Holiday Season with Play-Doh Squished, Premiering December 10 &#124; | access-date=2022-11-17 | archive-date=2022-11-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117081219/https://www.entertainmentone.com/press/imdb-tv-celebrates-the-holiday-season-with-play-doh-squished-premierin/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/when-will-play-doh-squished-2022-premiere-amazon-freevee-sarah-hyland-host | title=When will Play-Doh Squished 2022 premiere on Amazon Freevee? Sarah Hyland is the host and more | access-date=2022-11-17 | archive-date=2022-11-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117081215/https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/when-will-play-doh-squished-2022-premiere-amazon-freevee-sarah-hyland-host | url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Toys}}
* [[Milliput]]
* [[Plastilina]]
* [[Plasticine]]
* [[Sculpey]]
* ''[[Play-Doh (sculpture)|Play-Doh]]'', sculpture by [[Jeff Koons]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Play-Doh}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140226152114/http://cincinnati.com/blogs/ourhistory/2013/01/24/play-doh-began-as-wall-cleaner/ Play-Doh began as wall cleaner | Our History]
* [http://www.parents-choice.org/article.cfm?art_id=236 Playmakers Part II: Play-Doh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127061303/http://www.parents-choice.org/article.cfm?art_id=236 |date=2015-11-27 }}
* [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/ The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh, by David Kindy, smithsonian.com, November 12, 2019]

{{Hasbro}}


[[Category:Art and craft toys]]
[[Category:Art and craft toys]]
[[Category:Clay toys]]
[[Category:1950s toys]]
[[Category:1960s toys]]
[[Category:1970s toys]]
[[Category:1980s toys]]
[[Category:1990s toys]]
[[Category:2000s toys]]
[[Category:2010s toys]]
[[Category:2020s toys]]
[[Category:Hasbro products]]
[[Category:Hasbro products]]
[[Category:National Toy Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Hasbro brands]]
[[Category:Modelling clay]]

[[Category:Products introduced in 1956]]
[[fr:Play-Doh]]
[[fi:Muovailuvaha]]

Latest revision as of 05:51, 30 December 2024

Play-Doh

Logo used since 2015
A can of green Play-Doh
TypeModelling clay
Inventor(s)Kay Zufall
Brian Joseph McVicker
Bill Rhodenbaugh
CompanyKutol
(1955)
Rainbow Crafts
(1956–1971)
Kenner
(1971–1991)
Hasbro
(1991–present)
CountryUnited States
Age range2+
Availability1956–present
SloganFun to play with, not to eat
Official website

Play-Doh or also known as Play-Dough is a modeling compound for young children to make arts and crafts projects. The product was first manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s.[1] Play-Doh was then reworked and marketed to Cincinnati schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts.[2]

Advertisements promoting Play-Doh on influential children's television shows in 1957 furthered the product's sales.[1] Since its launch on the toy market in the mid-1950s, Play-Doh has generated a considerable amount of ancillary merchandise such as the Fun Factory.[3]

History

[edit]

Origin

[edit]
Objects made out of Play-Doh.

The non-toxic, non-staining, reusable modeling compound that came to be known as "Play-Doh" was a pliable, putty-like substance concocted by Noah McVicker of Cincinnati-based soap manufacturer Kutol Products. It was devised at the request of Kroger Grocery, which wanted a product that could clean coal residue from wallpaper.[4]

Following World War II, with the transition from coal-based home heating to natural gas and the resulting decrease in internal soot, and the introduction of washable vinyl-based wallpaper, the market for wallpaper cleaning putty decreased substantially. McVicker's nephew, Joe McVicker, joined Kutol with the remit to save the company from bankruptcy. Joe McVicker was the brother-in-law of nursery school teacher Kay Zufall, who had seen a newspaper article about making art projects with the wallpaper cleaning putty.[5] Her students enjoyed it, and she persuaded Noah McVicker (who also sold the putty) and Joe McVicker to manufacture it as a child’s toy.[5] Zufall and her husband came up with the name Play-Doh; Joe McVicker and his uncle Noah had wanted to call it "Rainbow Modeling Compound".[5]

Launch

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Joe McVicker took Play-Doh to an educational convention for manufacturers of school supplies,[1] and Woodward & Lothrop, a department store in Washington, DC began selling the compound.[6] In 1956, the McVickers formed the Rainbow Crafts Company to make and sell Play-Doh.[7] Also in 1956, a three-pack of 7-ounce cans was added to the product line, and, after in-store demonstrations, Macy's of New York and Marshall Field's of Chicago opened retail accounts. In 1957, chemist Dr. Tien Liu reduced Play-Doh's salt content (thus allowing models to dry without losing their color), and Play-Doh ads were telecast on Captain Kangaroo, Ding Dong School, and Romper Room. In 1958, Play-Doh's sales reached nearly $3 million.[1]

Subsequent developments

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In 1964, Play-Doh was exported to Britain, France, and Italy.[1] By 1965, Rainbow Crafts received a patent for Play-Doh.[8] Also in 1965, General Mills bought Rainbow Crafts for $3 million.[1][6] In 1967, General Mills bought Kenner Products. In 1971, Rainbow Crafts and Kenner merged, and, in 1987, the Tonka Corporation bought the two. In the 1980s, its cardboard can (with a rust-prone metal bottom) was replaced with a more cost effective plastic container.[9] In 1991, Hasbro became the owner of Play-Doh, putting the compound under its Playskool brand, and continues to manufacture the product today.[1] In 1996, gold and silver were added to Play-Doh's palette to celebrate its 40th anniversary.[10]

More than two billion cans of Play-Doh were sold between 1955 and 2005,[1] and, in 2005, Play-Doh was being sold in 75 countries at 95 million cans a year.[1] In the United States, more than 6,000 stores carry Play-Doh.[11]

Play-Doh was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York, in 1998.[12]

In 2003, the Toy Industry Association placed Play-Doh into its "Century of Toys List", a roll call of the 100 most memorable and most creative toys of the twentieth century.[13]

In late 2014, the company offered to replace the "Play-Doh Cake Mountain" playset's extruder tool, for free, after receiving complaints about the tool's "phallic shape".[14]

Scent

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To mark Play-Doh's fiftieth anniversary, Demeter Fragrance Library created a limited-edition fragrance inspired by Play-Doh's distinctive odor for "highly-creative people, who seek a whimsical scent reminiscent of their childhood."[2][15][16]

In 2018, Hasbro registered Play-Doh's signature scent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It's described as a "combination of a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough."[15][16]

Mascots

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Doh-Dohs at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair 2016

Play-Doh packaging was briefly illustrated with children in the mid-1950s, but replaced by the Play-Doh Pixie, an elf mascot which, in 1960, was superseded by Play-Doh Pete, a smock and beret-wearing cartoonish boy.[1][17] By 1992, Play Doh Pete's beret was recolored in blue, and his eyes were given a more human look. Later in 2000, Play-Doh Pete's beret was replaced with a baseball cap. Play-Doh Pete later retired and was removed in 2003, lasting for 42 years.[1] Since 2012, the Doh-Dohs are the mascots.[18]

Ingredients

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Play-Doh's current manufacturer, Hasbro, says the compound is primarily a mixture of water, salt, and flour,[2] while its 2004 United States patent indicates it is composed of water, a starch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor, salt, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, humectant, fragrance, and color.[19]

A petroleum additive gives the compound a smooth feel, and borax prevents mold from developing.[3] Play-Doh contains wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to wheat gluten. It is not intended to be eaten.[20]

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Play-Doh Fun Factory

In 1960, the Play-Doh Fun Factory (a toy press that extrudes the compound in various shapes) was invented by Bob Boggild and Bill Dale.[1] The Play-Doh Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop of 1977 and Mop Top Hair Shop of 1986 featured a figurine whose extruded "hair" could be styled.[citation needed]

In 1995, an educational software CD-ROM game, Play-Doh Creations was released.[citation needed]

In 2003, the Play-Doh Creativity Table was sold. Play-Doh related merchandise introduced during the 2007 anniversary year included the Play-Doh Birthday Bucket, the Play-Doh Fifty Colors Pack, the Fuzzy Pumper Crazy Cuts (a reworking of the 1977 Fuzzy Pumper Barber & Beauty Shop), and the Play-Doh Creativity Center.[3] In 2012, "Play-Doh Plus" was introduced. It is lighter, more pliable, and softer than regular Play-Doh.[citation needed]

Other media

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Film

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On April 2, 2015, 20th Century Fox announced work on a film adaptation with Hasbro Studios along with its subsidiary company Allspark Pictures and Chernin Entertainment producing, Jason Micallef writing, and Paul Feig directing from his production company Feigco.[21] The film was eventually cancelled and rejected after the acquisition of Fox's parent company 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company.[citation needed]

On March 17, 2022, it was announced that a new animated film adaptation is in development at Entertainment One and its parent company Hasbro, Emily V. Gordon writing and Jon M. Chu producing and possibly directing.[22][23]

Series

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A game show adaptation started streaming on Amazon Freevee (then known as IMDb TV) initially as a one-off holiday special on December 10, 2021 and later as a full-length series on November 11, 2022. It is hosted by Sarah Hyland.[24][25]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Walsh, Tim (2005). "Play-doh". Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing. pp. 115–120. ISBN 978-0-7407-5571-2. Archived from the original on 2023-07-31. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  2. ^ a b c Wilson, Tracy V. (19 July 2000). "How Play-Doh Modeling Compound Works". How Stuff Works. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c Sobey, Edwin J.C.; Woody Sobey (2008). The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More. Chicago Review Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-1-55652-745-6. Archived from the original on 2023-07-31. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  4. ^ "Accidental Brands" Archived 2012-08-15 at the Wayback Machine, from Under the Influence, by Terry O'Reilly, on CBC.ca; first broadcast March 17, 2012
  5. ^ a b c Greg Hatala (January 28, 2014). "Made in Jersey: Play-Doh is a Dover teacher's handiwork". NJ.com, The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Rainbow Crafts Company, Inc". Ohio History Central. July 28, 2006. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
  7. ^ Phil Ament. "Play-Doh History – Invention of Play-Doh". Ideafinder.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  8. ^ Noah W. McVicker and Joseph S. McVicker, "Plastic modeling composition of a soft, pliable working consistency," Archived 2017-12-30 at the Wayback Machine U.S. patent no. 3,167,440 (filed: May 17, 1960; issued: January 26, 1965).
  9. ^ "The 50 Year History of Play-Doh". 2006. Archived from the original on May 15, 2006. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  10. ^ Rrodriguez, Paul (May 2, 2006). "Happy 50th, Play-Doh". Orange County Register. Orange County, CA, US. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  11. ^ "HowStuffWorks "How Play-Doh Modeling Compound Works"". 19 July 2000. Archived from the original on 2017-06-19. Retrieved 2007-02-27.
  12. ^ "Inducted Toys: Play-Doh". The Strong National Museum of Play. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  13. ^ "Century of Toys list probably won't stand the test of time". The Morning Call. Allentown, PA, US. December 27, 2005.
  14. ^ Respers France, Lisa (31 December 2014). "Play-Doh will exchange phallic-shaped toy". CNN.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2015.
  15. ^ a b Siegel, Rachel (May 24, 2018). "Remember how Play-Doh smells? U.S. trademark officials get it". Washington Post. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Kooser, Amanda (May 18, 2018). "Hasbro just trademarked Play-Doh's smell. Oh, the memories Just sniff. Don't eat". CNET. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  17. ^ "Whatever Happened to Play-Doh Pete?". 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 2020-09-27. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  18. ^ Corday, Karen (March 7, 2022). "What Happened To Play-Doh?". Grunge.com. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  19. ^ "Google Patents". Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  20. ^ "FAQ". Play-Doh. Archived from the original on November 11, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  21. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 2, 2015). "Fox Molding 'Play-Doh' Film With Paul Feig Circling; Another Hasbro Toy Brand Making Movie Transfer". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 9, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  22. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 17, 2022). "'Play-Doh': Emily V. Gordon To Write, Jon M. Chu Circling To Direct Animated Pic For eOne & Hasbro About Colorful Clay". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  23. ^ Jackson, Angelique (March 17, 2022). "Play-Doh Animated Movie in the Works from Emily V. Gordon and Jon M. Chu". Variety. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  24. ^ "IMDb TV Celebrates the Holiday Season with Play-Doh Squished, Premiering December 10 |". Archived from the original on 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  25. ^ "When will Play-Doh Squished 2022 premiere on Amazon Freevee? Sarah Hyland is the host and more". Archived from the original on 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
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