About Play Doh
Play-Doh is one of the world's most iconic children's toys, with over 3 billion cans sold since its transformation from wallpaper cleaner to creative plaything in 1956. Now manufactured by Hasbro under the Playskool brand, Play-Doh has inspired generations of children to sculpt, mould, and create. The fascinating origin story begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Noah McVicker developed a non-toxic, pliable compound of water, salt, and flour for Kutol Products in the 1930s—originally designed to clean coal-soot from wallpaper. When cleaner home heating made this obsolete, Joseph McVicker and his sister-in-law Kay Zufall reimagined the product as a children's modelling clay. Kay and her husband Robert suggested the name 'Play-Doh'. In 1956, the McVickers formed Rainbow Crafts Company, and Play-Doh debuted in department stores including Macy's and Marshall Field's. Television advertising on Captain Kangaroo in 1957 propelled sales to nearly $3 million by 1958. General Mills acquired the brand in 1965, placed it under Kenner in 1972, before Hasbro's 1991 acquisition brought Play-Doh into its current home. Inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998, Play-Doh remains a staple in children's playrooms worldwide. The non-toxic, colourful compound helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and imaginative play. From classic tubs to elaborate playsets, Play-Doh continues to bring the joy of hands-on creative expression to children of all ages.















