Mama K’s Aromatic (and gluten free!) Play Clay, A Review and Giveaway

If you are the mother of a gluten free and/or food allergic child, then you know how important it is to have a safe play dough for your kiddos (if you are brand new to the gluten free lifestyle, please note that Play-Doh™ is NOT gluten free and neither is Crayola Dough).

Why does that matter you ask?

Exhibit A:

Enough said? 😉

The good news is that there are several safe alternatives and I’ve reviewed a good many of them. Click here to read my review of Aroma Dough, Blue Dominoes (sadly, Blue Dominoes is no longer in business), Soy-Yer Dough and Colorations Wheat & Gluten-Free Play Dough. FIMO Polymer Clay is gluten free too (I used this to make the Jungle Junction characters for Luke’s birthday cake last year), and I also make my own gluten free play dough, using the recipe I shared on my Gluten Free Art Supplies Page.

Now I have the pleasure of sharing a new gluten free modeling compound with you, Mama K’s Play Clay!  What I like about Mama K’s is the fact that the clay is all-natural, with no artificial colors…very important for kiddos who can’t tolerate chemical dyes.

From the Mama K’s Play Clay website (bold emphasis added):

Get more from your play time.  A wholesome, all-natural addition to play time, Mama K’s Play Clay is a kid-safe clay with subtle aromatherapy oils to soothe the mind.  Ingredients are basic and natural: they include certified gluten free flour, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable colorants and pure essential oils. Available in seven scents, including soothing lavender, relaxing chamomile and tension-easing bergamot.

Our ingredients are 100% natural and Mama K’s Play Clay is suitable for kids with Celiac and Autism Spectrum disorders.

Kari Erickson-Valenzuela, aka Mama K, created her unique scented Play Clay for use with her own active three-year-old, Olimpia.  Avoiding the artificial ingredients and cloying fruit and soda scents seen frequently marketed to children, she came up with a product that inspires focus and creates a calming atmosphere, all while encouraging creativity.

A few months ago, Kari sent me a complimentary 5-pack of the Mama K’s Play Clay and this was one of the treats that “The Easter Bunny” brought to my two little guys (thank you Kari).  As with any other modeling compound, my boys had a ball playing with the Play Clay (and yes, Luke was again prompted by his big brother to have a nibble, just in case you were wondering). 😀

I loved the texture (not the least bit sticky) and the beautiful natural colors of the award-winning Mama K’s Play Clay.  My husband had to be the sniffer on my behalf and he appreciated the subtle hint of aroma from the essential oils, it was not the least bit overpowering (good for sensitive noses!).

I asked Kari a couple of questions regarding manufacturing and she said that the Play Clay is made in a dedicated facility, in fact it’s the only product made there so no need to worry about cross-contamination issues.  Considering that we have additional dietary sensitivities, Kari did share with me that the Play Clay does contain corn and sorghum.

You can view all of Mama K’s Play Clay products on their Etsy store.  I think the Mama K’s party pack would make a great goodie bag for my soon-to be 4 year old’s birthday party next month; you get (30) 1-oz. play clays plus (10) party bags for $40.00 + shipping (much less expensive that what I made last year)!

Today though, you have a chance to win a FREE 5-pack of Mama K’s Play Clay!

To enter for a chance to win the same 5-pack of gluten free play clay (a $23.99 value) that Kari sent to me, simply leave a comment!

For extra entries you can do one or all of the following (strictly optional, just be sure to leave a separate comment for each completed take you do, as this is how I make sure you get credit for your bonus entries).

• ‘Like’ Mama K’s Play Clay on Facebook

• ‘Like’ Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom on Facebook

• ‘Follow’ Mama K’s Play Clay on Twitter

• ‘Follow’ Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom on Twitter
  

I will announce the winner on Monday, June 6, 2011.  Good Luck! 😀