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The 19 Best Slime Kits


Ooey gooey sticky slime is a favorite activity for many children, even though it can make us parents shutter.  But, if you’re ready to embrace the mess and let your children put on their scientist cap, you’ll want one of the best slime kits to get them up and running.  

When it comes to options, we love the Original Stationery Unicorn Slime Kit.  With materials for over 100 different combinations, this DIY slime kit will have your science-loving kids engaged for hours. 

Best Premade Slime Kit:
Best Elmer's Slime Kit:
Best DIY Slime Kit:


The Best Premade Slime Kits

The Byonebye Jumbo Slime Kit is the largest slime kit, with 28 different colors of slime. The SlimySand Castle Kit is the best slime kit for a kids. Fruit Slime is colorful and scented for more realistic play.

Zen Laboratory Jumbo Slime Kit

Ultimate Slime Kit for Girls 10-12 for Kids | Perfect Toys for Girls 7-12 Years Old | Complete DIY Slime Making Kit | Slime for Kids and Boys | Christmas Party Favors
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Zen Laboratory Jumbo Slime Kit is an extensive kit with 18 different colors of ready-made slime and tons of accessories!  Recommended for children starting at age 5 due to the size of beads and accessories, however, this slime does not contain borax and is non-toxic and safe for everyone.  Because there is no borax, slime may be a little stiff at first.  Warm it in your hands for a minute, and then pull and stretch.  As the slime warms up it will be stretching and flexible and ready to go.

Your child can choose from over 50 different mix-ins ranging from glitter to various style beads.  With each mix-in, your child can engage their senses as the textures and colors change.  This kit also comes with two packets of glow-in-the-dark powder.  You can add it to any of the ready-made slimes to make them glow in the dark instantly!  Kids will go crazy over this option.

Three cutting tools are also included to help kids develop their hand-eye coordination and small hand muscles.  Let your child tap into their creative side with this jumbo kit of slime.  Everything in the kit is resealable, so you can easily store and play again over and over.  Don’t stress about messes, if the slime gets on fabric, just soak in distilled white vinegar for 30-60 seconds, and then scrub with warm water. 

Pros

  • Everything you need comes in the kit, no need to purchase materials or additional supplies
  • Resealable, washable, and ready for extended play over a long period of time
  • No borax or other chemical agents, non-toxic and safe for children
  • This kit is unique because of its glow-in-the-dark powders which can make any slime glow

Cons

  • Once mix-ins are added, slime may not fit back into the original containers for storage

Scientoy Slime Kit

Scientoy Slime Kit, 110 Pcs Slime Kit for Girls Boys and Kids with Air Dry Clay and Crystal Slime, DIY Slime Making Kit Arts Crafts Toys with Supplies for Toddlers Age 5+
Quality
Popularity

The Scientoy Slime Kit is a kit that comes with 18 different pre-made slimes, 6 pre-made air dry clays and all kinds of mix-ins.  You can play with the clay and slime separately, or mix them together for a whole new experience.

Both clay and slime are made from non-toxic eco-friendly materials and do not contain borax.  Due to the small accessories, this kit is recommended for children ages 5+, but the safe non-toxic materials are a plus.  Both clay and slime are stretchy and pliable without being overly sticky.  No messy hands to worry about.

With 110 accessories, this kit is a great foundation for endless slime fun.  The pre-made cups of slime and clay leave no room for failed science experiments.  Kids can get right to decorating and embellish their slime concoctions with confidence.

Pros

  • Great value, this kit has 110 pieces for tons of slime fun
  • Safe and non-toxic eco-friendly materials that do not contain borax
  • This kit is unique because of its included air dry clays which can be played with separately or added to slime for new experiences

Cons

  • Slime and clay may not fit into included storage containers after mix-ins have been added

Byonebye Jumbo Slime Kit 

126 Pcs DIY Slime Making Kit for Girls Boys - Birthday Idea for Kids Age 5+. Ultimate Slime Supplies Include 28 Crystal Slime, 2 Glow in The Dark Powder, 48 Bottle Glitter Jar etc.
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Byonebye Jumbo Slime Kit is the largest pre-made slime kit we found.  With 28 colors of pre-made slime, your child can enjoy a rainbow experience as they create various concoctions.  In addition to the 28 slimes, this kit has 48 glitters, 4 sugar papers, 6 foam ball packets, 8 plastic animals, 4 slices, 6 clays, 6 packets of beads, 2 packets of glow-in-the-dark powder, 3 cutting tools, and 3 straws.  The options truly are endless.

Because this kit comes with the slime already pre-made, your kids can just right into personalizing their favorite slime.  Made from a non-toxic formula, this slime does not contain borax and is safe for children.  The recommended age is 5 due to small accessories and supplies.

If you’re planning a party, play date, or just have crafty kids, this is the ultimate kit with seemingly endless options.  With 28 colors of slime there’s sure to be something for everyone, boys and girls alike.

Pros

  • Great Value, 28 colors of pre-made slime, 48 bottles of glitter, and tons of other accessories
  • Resealable, washable, and ready for extended play over a long period of time
  • No borax or other chemical agents, non-toxic and safe for children

Cons

  • Once mix-ins are added, slime may not fit back into the original containers for storage

Dinosaur Slime Kit

Dinosaur Slime Kit - The Kid-Friendly DIY Activity Gift for Kids! Easy and Fun Kids Slime Kit with a Dinosaur-Themed Twist for Boys and Girls
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Dinosaur Slime Kit is the perfect kit for kids who love science, and dinosaurs!  It comes with 12 containers of pre-made slime, 12 dinosaur toys, 2 slime eggs and other tools and mix-ins.

This slime is a non-toxic blend that does not include borax, so you know your little one will be safe while playing.  The slime is soft and stretchy and becomes even more pliable as you play with it.  Whether burying and digging out dinosaurs or watching the magic as their footprints disappear in slime, this kit is one of the best.

No need to worry about failed recipes or experiments with pre-made slime.  The storage containers are convenient for packing away slime and keeping it nice and soft for the next time.

Pros

  • Kit includes 12 pre-made slimes, 12 dinosaur toys, 2 slime eggs, and additional mix-ins to change up the texture
  • This kit is unique because with every purchase a donation to Share our Strength is made to help feed hungry kids
  • No borax or other chemical agents, non-toxic and safe for children

Cons

  • Dinosaurs don’t fit in the storage containers with slime

SlimySand Castle Kit

SLIMYGLOOP Slimy Sand Magical Mermaid, 3 Pounds of Play Sand in 3 Colors (Purple, Blue Glitter & Pink), Stretchy & Moldable, Expandable Sand, Great For Tactile Fun and Sensory Play, Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Price$$$
Popularity

This is the perfect gift for the child who loves the beach and everything sticky! Made for children ages 5 and up, this non-toxic, pre-made slime has a fun castle theme that’s perfect for your little child. With 5 themed kits, including dinosaur and galaxy, to choose from, there’s something for every child.

This base set includes all the molds, rollers, sand, and accessories that your child will need. There are also resealable bags to keep things from drying out while they are stored. And did I mention that this slime is less messy and sticky than other slimes?

Pros

    • Best of slime and sand worlds!
    • Kit has rollers and molds to help him construct his worksite the way he sees fit.
    • SlimySand offers an array of colors that you can mix and match!
    • Reusable storage bags are included.

Cons

  • Users report that that the sand is not stretchy as advertised on the package; you have to buy the stretchable sand separately.

Fruit Slime Kit 

20 Pack Butter Slime Kit Fruit Theme, Educational Sludge Toys, Party Favors for Girl Boy Kids, Easter Filling Stuffers, Stocking Stuffers
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

Fruit Slime is great for birthdays, slumber parties or even holiday gifts! Throw in these twenty scented slimes as part of your next party favors! They are pre-made and safety tested!

If you’ve never tried butter slime, give it a shot. It is known to create much less of a mess compared to other varieties. The thick consistency is great for creating shapes and mixing in fun additions like glitter or beads.

As if the texture wasn’t fun enough, these slimes are scented. The cute charm on top of each container of pre-made slime lets you know the scent. 

Made for kiddos aged 3 and up, this slime meets all US testing requirements for safety. 

Pros

  • Extremely affordable
  • Comes with twenty 55ml containers of butter slime, plus beads and sprinkles.

Cons

  • Charm on containers is a choking hazard for little ones, so remove this before play. 

Best Elmer’s Slime Kits

With 4 pieces, the Elmer’s Metallic Slime Kit has less options for play than the Elmer’s Color Slime Kit, which comes with 4 pieces and the option for fun color slime kids will love.

Elmer’s Metallic Slime Kit

Elmer’s Slime Kit, Slime Supplies Include Elmer’s Metallic Glue, Elmer’s Magical Liquid Slime Activator, 4 Piece Kit
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Elmer’s Metallic Slime Kit is a super basic kit perfect for little ones who are ready to dabble in slime making.  It comes with enough materials to make two batches of metallic slime.  Elmer’s Glue and Slime Activator are safe, washable, and non-toxic, perfect for kids.

Add one bottle of glue, and one bottle of slime activator to a bowl and stir together. Gently knead together and stretch while enjoying the sticky gooey slime.  This kit doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, but if you’re just trying out slime for the first time, it’s a great place to start.  If your child ends up loving this science experiment, Elmer’s has various other slime kits for extra exploration and fun.

Pros

  • Only two ingredients needed, everything included in the kit
  • Washable, Safe, and non-toxic
  • This kit is unique because of its specialized glue, eliminating the need for food coloring or glitter

Cons

  • Does not come with any storage containers

Elmer’s Color Slime Kit

Elmer's Color Slime Kit, 2-Count + 2-Activator, Pink/Purple
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Elmer’s Color Slime Kit is a basic 4 piece kit that can make 2 varieties of slime.  All you need to do is mix one of the bottles of glue with one of the slime activators.  With Elmer’s you can always pick up extra color options and use the items in the kit to save a little money. Also, the set is easy to wrap. 

The specialty Elmer’s activator is an all-in-one formula that eliminates the need for contact lens solution and baking soda or other additives.  Paired with Elmer’s liquid glue which is washable, safe, and non-toxic, this makes slime perfect for kids.  Recommended for kids starting ages 3+, this has one of the youngest age ranges we could find.

Because the age range is geared towards younger kids, this is a great kit for beginners.  With the two necessary ingredients, you can create a special slime mixture, without being overwhelmed with too many mix-ins.  Parents will appreciate the ease of wash-ability that comes with Elmer’s Brand.

Pros

  • Great for beginners, starts are recommended age 3
  • Only two ingredients needed, everything included in the kit
  • Washable, Safe, and non-toxic

Cons

  • Does not come with instructions, recommended to mix a little activator at a time until you reach the desired slime consistency
  • This kit does not come with any storage containers

Best DIY Slime Kits

The Funkidz Galaxy Slime Kit has the best storage, with a convenient carrying case. Jell-O Slime is best for toddlers and young kids, while Discovering DIY is best for older kids.

Original Stationery Unicorn Slime Kit 

Original Stationery Unicorn Slime Kit, Slime Kit for Girls 10-12 to Make Amazing Unicorn Slime for Girls and Glow in The Dark Unicorn Slime for Kids
Price$$$$
Quality
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The Original Stationery Unicorn Slime Kit is perfect for older kids who are ready for a science experiment.  Everything you need is included in this kit to create over 100 different kinds of slime.  While it does use a borax-based activator, this slime has been lab-tested and deemed 100% safe for kids.  Recommended starting at age 7.

Included instructions, as well as various recorded videos, can be accessed to successfully create the perfect slime.  This kit includes glue, clay, foam beads, food colors, scents, glitter, snow powder, borax, cutting tools, and storage containers.  Everything your child could think of to make some of the most creative slime mixtures.

Because this kit does not include pre-made slime, your kids will enjoy the hands-on learning experience that comes with starting from the ground up.  Cloud slime and Foam slime are two of the top favorites.  Change up the color, or even add scents to make a truly exciting sensory experience.

Once your child is done playing for the day, use the included air-tight storage containers.  Slime can be played with over and over again for tons of fun.

Pros

  • Everything you need comes in the kit, ingredients, tools, supplies, and storage
  • Open opportunities for DIY slime concoctions
  • Kid tested instructions, easy to follow
  • This kit is unique because of its mix-ins for texture, color, and scent

Cons

  • As with any science experiment, sometimes the mixtures fail
  • Deemed 100% safe for kids, but does include a borax-activator

Original Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit 

Original Stationery Sweet Sprinkles Ice Cream Slime Kit for Girls, Yummy Making to Create Sundae Girls & More, Fun Birthday Gift
Price$$$$
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Popularity

The Original Stationery Ice Cream Slime Kit is an ice cream parlor delight!  This DIY slime kit comes with materials to make fluffy, butter, cloud, and foam slimes.  There are sprinkles, ice cream cones, ice cream scents, and even cherries for the top.

Your budding scientist will get to practice mixing and measuring as they follow instructions on how to make their slime.  They can change the texture, the color, and even the scent for a true ice cream experience.  The scents smell so realistic little ones might be tempted to try a bite, so this kit is recommended for children starting at age 7.

The ice cream cones double as adorable storage containers, so you can keep your slime protected while not in use.  The glue, activator and even mixing tools are all included in this slime kit, so you’ll need nothing additional other than a little creativity and a lot of imagination!

Great for playdates and teamwork, this Ice Cream slime kit is sure to be a hit.  If your kids love to experiment, then they’ll be wowed when they find out this kit has over 100 different combinations for endless slime fun.

Pros

  • Everything you need comes in the kit, ingredients, tools, supplies, and storage
  • Ingredients for 4 different slime textures, food colors, sprinkles, ice cream cones, scents, and cherries for on top
  • This kit is unique because of its delicious realistic ice cream flavored scents

Cons

  • Sprinkles don’t stick to the slime, they may pop out when stretching

ESSENSON DIY Slime Kit

ESSENSON Slime Kit - Slime Supplies Slime Making Kit for Girls Boys, Kids Art Craft, Crystal Clear Slime, Glitter, Slime Charms, Fishbowl Beads Girls Toys Gifts for Kids Age 3+ Year Old
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The ESSENSON DIY Slime Kit is a pretty extensive pre-made slime kit.  There are 12 sets of pre-made slime and a ton of mix-ins and accessories.  48 different glitters and gems to choose from, beads, foam balls, and more.  Your child can make the fanciest slime concoctions ever.

The screen is something different you don’t find in most kits and adds an additional experimentation element.  The included straws can be used for blowing bubbles in slime, and the cutting tools are great for dividing the pre-made cups of slime.

Recommended for children over three years of age due to small choking hazards, but this would make a great beginner’s slime kit.  No need to worry about following instructions or proper measurements, just grab a bottle of slime and get to work decorating!

Pros

  • Pre-made slime makes this a great option for beginners
  • Comes with a screen, which you don’t find in most slime kits

Cons

  • Once mix-ins are added, slime may not fit back into the original containers for storage

Funkidz Galaxy Slime Kit

Toy Galaxy Slime Kit for Boys Girls 10-12, FunKidz Ultimate Metallic Slime Making Kit for Kids Ages 8-10 D.I.Y. Glow, Galactic, Fun Slime Gifts
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Funkidz Galaxy Slime Kit is an extensive all-in-one DIY slime kit that comes in a super convenient storage carrying case.  This kit comes with everything you need to make hundreds of different slimes.  They also include plastic storage cups so that you can pack away your slime and keep it nice and soft for the next time.

This kit includes the main ingredients: 2 bottles of glue and a borax activator.  They also include scissors, stirring sticks, a spoon, measuring cups, and knives.  Once you’ve made your base you can choose the texture of your slime by adding clay, snow powder, foam cubes, or foam balls.  Then, go crazy with mix-ins!  Kids can choose from colors, glitters, beads, sequins, or glow-in-the-dark powder.

Once you’re done playing for the day, this kit includes 10 storage containers with lids.  The two measuring cups also have lids and can be used as well.  Everything neatly fits back into the carrying case for easy storage.  This also makes it a great portable option for vacations or travel.

Pros

  • Everything you need comes in the kit, ingredients, tools, supplies, and storage
  • All materials fit into a convenient carrying case for easy storage or portability

Cons

  • As with any science experiment, sometimes the mixtures fail
  • Mix-ins sometimes pop out and don’t stay stuck to the slime

National Geographic Mega Slime Kit

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab - 4 Types of Slime Plus 4 Types of Putty Including Magnetic Putty, Slime Kit for Boys and Girls, Sensory Putty Toy & Science Kit (Amazon Exclusive)
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Slime Kit is a great STEM kit for making 4 different kinds of slime and putty. 

Want to learn more about why slime drips and oozes? National Geographic includes a 16-page full-color learning guide.  If your child loves learning the science behind things, this is a great kit full of learning opportunities.   A UV light is even included for the glow-in-the-dark putty, not something we’ve found in other kits on the market!

Kids can make glow-in-the-dark putty or sparkling putty.  They can also make fluffy slime or regular slime.  There are 4 storage tins and everything you need to make both slimes and putty.  For those who love the texture and feel of different items, they can enjoy playing with both putty and slime and feeling for the difference between the two.

Pros

  • Glow in the dark putty also comes with a UV light for extra glow
  • This kit is unique because of its 16-page full-color learning guide to help kids explore the science behind slime and putty
  • Comes with 4 storage tins to keep slime and putty in great shape

Cons

  • The 2 putties and 1 slime come pre-made, only 1 DIY option

E.Z Lab Slime Creation Kit

Science Kits for Kids Age 8-12, FunKidz Slime Maker Kit for Girls Boys Age 6-8 Putty Slime Lab Includes DIY Magnetic Slime STEM Toys
Quality
Popularity

The E.Z Lab Slime Creation Kit is one of the only kits we found with the option to make magnetic slime.  In addition, you also have all of the ingredients needed to make glow slime and neon slime.

Recommended for children starting at age 8, this is considered a beginner’s chemistry kit because of the different chemicals.  Kids will love adding some magnetite powder and using the included magnet to see how magnetic slime reacts.

The included instruction manual includes recipes as well as color mixing guidelines.  All tools necessary to make slime are included in the kit.  Your child will really feel like a chemist since all included materials are provided in their natural state with their true chemical names.  This is a great kit for older kids who are ready for a hands-on learning experience.

Pros

  • This is a great beginner chemistry set, materials come in their natural state and use chemical terminology to help reinforce scientific learning
  • This kit is unique because of the included magnetite powder and magnet, magnet slime is hard to find!

Cons

  • As with any chemistry experiment, sometimes the mixtures fail

Candygloop Edible Slime Kit

Candygloop Cotton Candy Edible Slime Kit by Horizon Group USA, DIY Edible Fluffy Slime Making Kit, Cotton Candy
Popularity

The Candygloop Edible Slime Kit is a one of a kind slime kit you create, play with and can eat!  Leftover slime can be stored in an air-tight container, but should be eaten within the first 48 hours.

We definitely recommend starting with clean hands and a clean surface.  You will need to do a lot of kneading and stretching to get a slime consistency.  It is much more on the stretchy putty consistency than goopy slime, but kids will love this edible option.

This kit comes with a measuring bowl, a stirring spoon, and the necessary powder.  Follow the instructions for how much water to add, and then get ready to stretch and pull this candy slime.  If you have young kids and you’re worried about them trying to eat the slime, this is the best kit for them.  Just be prepared for a sugar rush!

Pros

  • This kit is unique because it is the only one we found that is edible!
  • Easy to mix and create, all you need is to add water

Cons

  • Make sure hands and play area are clean before playing, especially if your kids are going to eat the slime
  • Pretty sticky and messy the more it is played with as sugar melts

Discovering DIY Slime Kit

Discovering DIY Slime Kit for Girls and Boys - 52-Piece Slime Making Kit for Kids w/Craft Supplies - Makes Unicorn, Cloud, Butter, Galaxy, Mermaid and Slime for Kids
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

Spark the inner chemist in your kids with this opportunity for creation! The Discovering DIY bundle is for the true scientist in your life.

The detailed instructions help your child (and you!) ensure that the slime comes out just right. This is a borax-free and hypoallergenic kit. It even meets American testing requirements for safety.

All the slime types are unique and have different textures or features. There’s glow-in-the-dark and color-changing powder included, along with mixing tools and storage containers. 

Because this set is more simple and science-focused, it’s best for older kids (ages 8+) who are less enthused with decorating slime and more excited about creating it! 

Pros

  • Safe, hypoallergenic supplies.
  • 8 different types of unique slime!
  • Step-by-step instruction manual.

Cons

  • Low on accessories compared to some other packages.

Jell-O Play Slime Making Kit

Jell-O Play Slime Making Kit, Unicorn Strawberry (14.8 oz Mixes, Pack of 2)
Quality
Popularity

For the child who cannot resist putting things in their mouths, this Jell-O Slime will give parents peace of mind! Edible slime is a blast to make! And because it’s safe to go in the mouth, this set is perfect for toddlers or preschoolers. While parents don’t normally encourage their kids to play with their food, this is a fun, easy and affordable way to make dessert a little more exciting!

All you need is water to create these one-time-use treats. One-time use means that if your child wants to play with slime often, you will likely spend more in the long run compared to buying reusable slime. This kit does provide one jar that makes two batches of slimes, so it’s good for several play sessions. 

Also, remember to make sure that your kids always wash their hands before playing with this product if they plan on eating it.

Pros

  • Jell-O treats in unicorn strawberry flavored slime OR lime-flavored monster slime!
  • 100% edible and all you need is water!
  • Fantastic option for the younger scientists in your life who may have a tendency to try to chew on everything in sight. 

Cons

  • Only 1 hour of playing time until it needs to be eaten or thrown out.
  • Definitely not as tasty as regular Jell-O!

Canal Toys So Slime DIY Slime Factory

Canal Toys - So Slime DIY - Slime Factory - Make your own 10 Slimes Just add water No glue, no mess Multi, 13.5
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

Unlike other kits, Canal Toys gives your kids a mechanism to help create some shimmering goo without making too big of a mess. They will magically turn powder into metallic and pastel slime! For even more pizzazz they can add glitter and confetti too! This factory will help your little scientist formulate the best sparkly slime around! 

Additionally, if the little guy in your life wants a more stereotypical lime green slime workstation, they offer the So DIY Bold model that has creepy crawly critters and more bold, neon colors. Both options come with four surprise figurines along with the laboratory and slime making supplies!

This set is perfect for ages 6 and up. It’s safe enough to meet at US safety testing requirements. 

Pros

  • All-in-one slime kit – just add water!
  • Comes with two color options, storage containers, and mixing tools.
  • This DIY slime is less messy than others. 

Cons

  • They do not sell separate refills to create more slime later. However, there are shaker packs that you can purchase. 
  • A few parts of the factory that can pose a choking hazard risk so ensure that kids are supervised while playing with this toy. 

Nickelodeon Slime Ultimate Unicorn Kit

Nickelodeon Slime Ultimate Unicorn Slime Kit
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

It’s time to slime! Nickelodeon is synonymous with the splattering fluorescent green goo all over people on their show!

Now your kids create the gooey green glop that they see on television! This expertly crafted DIY package allows your kids to utilize this famous secret formula to make their own! The non-toxic formula is safe for children ages six and up. Furthermore, it will make three multi-colored and sparkly slime varieties! 

Although this is great for ages six and up, since this is a DIY slime, parental guidance is helpful to make sure that your little one mixes everything properly. 

Pros

  • Non-toxic DIY Slime kit comes with everything you need.
  • 3 colors and sparkles included! 
  • Mixing tools included

Cons

  • Final product’s consistency can be runny. This occurs when the ingredients are not measured out properly. 

Slime Kit Comparison

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How to Choose a Slime Kit

Pre-made Slime vs DIY Slime Kits

We found that Slime Kits came in two categories, ready-made slime, and DIY.  Depending on the age of your child you may want to go in one direction over the other.  The DIY kits leave room for hands-on learning and experimenting, but both kits allow for creativity and sensory engagement. 

Be aware that some DIY versions of slime may cause contact dermatitis on your little one’s skin. 

Mess Factor

While we love a good hands-on learning experience, what parent doesn’t cringe at the thought of a sticky mess all over the place?  We specifically looked for slime kits that were easy to contain and clean.  It was a bonus if they also came with storage containers.  One of the best things about slime is that it can be played over and over again if stored properly.  Slime kits that came with mix-ins typically had sturdy boxes for storage and airtight storage containers.  Washable products also gave us peace of mind that the mess would not have lasting effects throughout the house and on clothing.

Package Contents

As a parent you want the most bang for our buck! That means looking for a kit that includes everything that your children will need to enjoy the activity for an extended period of time. Most kits include the slime. However, if you are looking for added purchase value, choose options that have items like glitter, beads, magnets, and other accessories!

Additionally, packages that have a plethora of slime types can help to keep your kid’s attention longer. Companies offer color changing, magnetized, fluffy, glow in the dark and scented slimes, to name a few. The ability to change up the texture, colors, consistency and capabilities of this goo makes for hours of endless fun!

Safety 

Each brand has a different set of ingredients that they use to create slime. Always look for non-toxic options because as we all know, children like to put things in their mouths. In the off chance that this happens, these products are less likely to cause harm.

Many slimes are made with boric acid or borax. These components can bring the possibility of acute toxicity and are known to cause eye and skin irritation. Hypoallergenic alternatives tend to exclude this component from their products. Moreover, our pets like to get into things that we deem off limits to them. Watch your animals around slime as it can be toxic to them as well. 

However, it is important to note that no matter the composition, supervision is recommended when playing with slime. This is especially true with younger kids. 

Longevity

Proper storage is key to guaranteeing that the slime stays slimy for more than just one use. Look for resealable packaging and kits that come with containers. However, a ziplock bag will do the trick when a case is not included!

Additionally, check the packaging and company guidelines for their slime’s shelf life. Some are recommended for one time use, while others can last for much longer. This can make for a very affordable or very pricey hobby. Confirming this in advance will help you to save some money.

Skill Set

Are you purchasing the slime kit for a toddler or a child whose age is in the double digits? The answer to this question is key when determining whether to buy a pre-made slime kit or a do it yourself bundle! Younger kids likely just want to accessorize their slime and not necessarily create it from scratch.

Conversely, older children can be more creative and therefore might be more inclined to get a kit that lets them concoct the various types of sand to their liking. Considering their skill set prior to purchase can ensure that the activity keeps their interest!

FAQs about Slime Kits

Is slime safe for kids?

Most slimes are safe for kids, although they should not be ingested.  Slimes that require borax should be mixed with adult supervision.  Children should avoid ingesting slime or getting it in their eyes.  After they have finished playing children should thoroughly wash their hands and their play surface should be sanitized.  Many of these slime kits come with pre-made slime or nontoxic materials, but it still best practice to wash hands when they are finished playing.  Make sure to supervise children under age 3 with slime kits containing small accessories that could be considered choking hazards.

Will slime clean out of clothes?

Typically yes, slime can be removed from clothes without lasting effects.  The best method is to remove as much slime as possible, soak the area in vinegar for a few minutes, and then scrub off with warm water.  The vinegar should help to dissolve the slime as you are scrubbing.  If you can catch the stain before the slime has dried you will have the best luck at fully removing it.  Once scrubbed off, wash your clothes as you normally would, and you should be back to regularly scheduled programming in no time.

Can slime be re-used?

Yes, slime, similar to play-do, can be stored in an air-tight container and used over and over again.  If it’s starting to dry out, add a little bit of water to the container before storing it.  Because slime is so sticky it will start to attract dirt and dust particles, so your best option for longevity is to play in a clean space.  Discard slime once it becomes too dirty or dries out.

What are the different types of slime?

Slime can come in an array of textures and consistencies. The most popular types are butter, fluffy and jelly or crystal slimes. However, unlike back in the day, there are now magnetic, glow in the dark, color changing and scented varieties as well. Kits can include glitter, beads, charms and other add ons to bring a little more texture to the goo.

Moreover, there are also slime hybrids on the market. Sand slime and edible slime are popular options for those looking for a little less of a mess. 

How long does slime last?

This will depend on the brand, aka the ingredients they use, as well as how you store it. Some types last a week, while others can last up to four years. Always check the packaging to determine their recommended guidelines for usage, storage and disposal.

The goal should be to keep it in an airtight container in a cool place. The colder the location that you keep slime, the better the chance that bacteria and mold will not grow! Therefore, the refrigerator can be an ideal place to keep this gooey mixture.

A safe practice is to always take the time to check for mold prior to giving slime back to your child once it has left the original packaging. 

Sources

  1. SciELO…, www.scielo.br
  2. Is Borax Safe: To Ingest, For Kids, on Skin, and More, www.healthline.com

Jennifer Caffelle is an Early Education professional and blogger, but by far her favorite job is being a Mama to two littles. Jennifer completed a Masters in Education from Concordia University and has worked professionally in the field of Early Education for over 13 years.

Through professional and personal experiences, Jennifer easily relates to the extreme highs and lows that come with parenting. There is nothing better than being a part of a child's growth and education and watching parents revel in their children's success.



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