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It’s difficult to estimate how much time I’ve spent watching slime-related Instagram reels in recent years. The algorithm had long since picked up on my fascination with ASMR and, I’m assuming, sent me some slime videos to further glue my eyes to my screen. It worked.
In my defense, how could I not be mesmerized by the sights, sounds, and textures, whether the videos are of hands kneading sandy, crackling goop or an ice cream scoop depositing a satisfying sphere of sorbet-looking stuff?
Though I was intensely curious about what these slimes would feel like, I initially held myself back from purchasing any. I am 30 years old and, by all appearances, pretty normal, I thought. Am I really going to spend money I make from my adult job to buy slimes?
The answer was, of course, yes.
Benefits of Sensory Play
Despite the social conditioning that would have us believe that squishy, gloopy, bouncy, fluffy, or otherwise fun objects should only belong to children, research says otherwise. Engaging in sensory activities can help you relax, reduce stress, and regulate your mood. And many kinds of slimes, putties, and doughs stimulate multiple senses at a time—sight, sound, smell, and touch. (Unfortunately, the rules haven’t changed since you were a kid: You can’t eat them.)
You’ve likely had sensory experiences in yoga class. Perhaps your teacher offered you a few drops of essential oils to rub between your palms or softly played an instrument during Savasana. These rituals can help deepen your awareness of the present moment and turn your attention inward, similar to gripping, molding, or kneading a hunk of slime or clay.
Some kinds of sensory dough can even help improve your grip strength, which is useful if you practice yoga or spend a lot of time at a keyboard.
5 Favorite Slimes, Putties, and Doughs for Stress-Relief
Unlike other sensory activities that might require your dedicated time and full attention, you can slime anytime (I’m sorry, I had to), including during Zoom meetings or while you watch Netflix.
So what kind of slime is best for stress relief? The answer is whatever slime (or putty or dough) most entices you. The below are some of my favorites.
1. Momo Slimes – Various Slimes ($16-$20)
Responsible for my initiation into the slime side of Instagram, Momo Slimes has 1 million followers. Even a short perusal of their comments reveals a dedicated fan base—and for good reason. Momo sells jars of slime in an incredible array of textures and scents. Many are seasonal and Taylor Swift-themed, such as the sparkly pink and purple “Cruel Summer” slime and the green bingsu-bead infused “‘Tis the Damn Season” slime.
I purchased a Cherry Blossom Frappe, which is sweet sakura and white peach scented, complete with fake whipped cream and sprinkles to decorate it with before you crush it all together into a gratifying goop. Some of their slimes are made crunchy with sequins, beads, or mini toys. Others are impossibly smooth and glossy, like their jelly slime. Since their slimes are seasonal, not all of them are available year-round, and they sell out pretty quickly.
2. Play-Doh, Assorted Colors for $8
If smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory, getting a whiff of a freshly opened container of Play-Doh is a warp-speed ride down memory lane. Gummy, moldable, and non-toxic, this kid-friendly clay remains one of my top picks. (I keep one within arm’s reach during my workday.) If you value longevity in a dough, however, it’s worth noting that Play-Doh might dry out after several months—even when stored in its original container.
3. Kinetic Sand for $12 ($16)
The texture of this stuff is sorta magical. It’s dense enough to keep its shape when you compress it or mold it, but light and airy enough to slide through your fingers and feel as if you’re holding nothing at all. One online reviewer likens it to brown sugar that doesn’t dry out, which is pretty accurate. Another notes that the only downside is it sticks to her clammy hands. Can confirm. On the upside, the Instagram reels of people playing with kinetic sand in creative ways might be just as satisfying as playing with it in real life.
4. Schylling Nee Doh Nice Cube for $9
If you’ve noticed a boxed Nee Doh cube sitting unassumingly in grocery stores, Barnes & Noble, or the checkout bins at Anthropologie, you’re not seeing things. These squishy cubes seem to be everywhere. It’s the most dense and resistant sensory toy I’ve had, so if you have sensitive hands or wrists, it’s best to use gentle motions (resist squeezing too tightly too quickly). Though Nee Doh now makes its squishy toys in “teenie dogs,” “teenie cats,” gum drops and even mini Santas, you can’t go wrong with the classic cube shape. My Nee Doh cube did tear slightly at the bottom, and occasionally leaks a pretty sticky goo onto my hands, but that hasn’t kept me from using it.
5. Pinch Me Therapy Dough for $30
Though the price of this jar of dough might induce some understandable sticker shock, fans of the brand consistently mention its long-lasting appeal. Pinch Me Therapy Dough comes in more than 10 scents, including Spice, Peachy, and Beach. One reviewer notes that the texture is similar to Play- Doh but softer, and another says the scents are strong and natural-smelling. The dough also comes in “locket-sized” containers on keychains for on-the-go play.
The best way to tell what kind of slime is best for stress relief is to follow your curiosity and give it a try. If you find that playing with a particular sensory dough occupies your mind and quells anxious thoughts—even for a few minutes—chances are you’ve found the right one for you.
