Play Dough
2 cups of flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 tbs. vegetable oil
2 cups water with some food coloring dissolved in it

Mix above ingredients and place over low heat.  Stir often until mixture is like the consistency of mashed potatoes.  Turn onto wax paper or foil.  When cool, place on table to use.  Store in closed container at room temperature.  Can be used over and over again and can last up to 3 months.
 

Bubble Solution
1/3 cup dish soap or baby shampoo
1 1/4 cup water
2 tsp. sugar
1 drop food coloring

Combine ingredients and pour into an unbreakable bottle.  To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners formed into loops, strawberry baskets, spoons with holes in them, and other items you can think of!

*This recipe compliments of: Brenda Lovings in Hudson, IL

Alternative recipe (larger quantity)
1 part Dawn dish soap to 10 parts water
5 tbs. glycerin per 10 cups of liquid
Works best after it sits for awhile
 

Sensorial Cornstarch (feels like taffy!)
Cornstarch
Water

Mix together in a bowl until consistency is like that of taffy.  You should be able to put your fingertips in and have your imprints stay there briefly before slowly closing up.  This is a great object permanence exercise for toddlers.

* This recipe compliments of Jennifer Aung-Din, a child's place Mandarin in Jacksonville, FL
 

Colored Rice
White rice
Food coloring of choice
Rubbing alcohol (drops)

Mix together in plastic bag.  Shake well until all pieces are coated.  Dry on newspaper
 

Safe Polishes
Gold -- Wash in lukewarm, soapy water, dry and polish with a chamois cloth
Silver -- Rub with a paste of baking soda and water
Brass -- Mix equal parts of salt and flour with a little vinegar then rub.