Inxens Ice Cream Dough Tools, 9 Pieces: 4 Cones, 4 Scoop Molds

An ice cream play dough set in 9 pieces

This ice cream play dough set turns any table, sensory bin or beach trip into a pretend ice cream shop. You get 4 cones, 4 textured scoop molds and 1 serving scoop, listed for ages 2 to 4. It is tools only, so bring your own modeling clay or sand.

What's in it and how kids use it

The ice cream theme gives toddlers a play pattern they already understand, which makes it easier to start than a box of generic tools. Some ways to play:

• Run a shop: one child scoops and serves, another orders and pays with pretend money.
• Stack a double or triple scoop and count the layers.
• Make one cone per color and name the flavors.
• Share with friends: four cones and four molds let up to four kids each build their own.

Dough, clay or sand?

The pieces work with modeling clay indoors and with moldable play sand or beach sand outdoors, so one set covers the craft table, the sandbox and a summer trip. Damp sand holds a scoop shape better than dry sand. After the beach, rinse the sand off and let the pieces dry before packing them away.

Sized for small hands

The pieces are lightweight plastic with smooth edges, sized for toddlers to grip, press and scoop on their own, which makes this a good fine-motor and independent pretend-play activity. The set is compact enough for a travel bag, a preschool classroom center or a playdate.

Keep an adult nearby. Toddlers sometimes put dough, sand or small toys in their mouths, so stay close during play.

Build out the dough table

For more ways to shape dough, add the 25-piece molds and cutters set for animals, stars and faces, or the 9-piece rolling pin and scissors set for rolling and cutting practice. Disposable arm sleeves help keep clothes clean during clay or sand play.

A small gift for ages 2 to 4

As a birthday gift or a screen-free afternoon activity, pair the set with a few colors of dough so the shop can open right away.