0

The Best Slime Kits for Kids – 2022 Reviews

It’s slime time! Kids love the gross, gooey fun found inside a slime kit. But there’s more to slime than meets the eye. Slime can be used for crafting, as a way to introduce STEM subjects and more.

Not sure which slime is the, well, slimiest? We’ve squished and squeezed every slime we could find to create our updated 2022 list of the top slime kits for kids. Plus, we’ve included a complete slime guide with a variety of fun activities to try:

Best Slime Kits

1. National Geographic Mega Slime and Putty Lab

Not all slime is the same. National Geographic’s Slime and Putty Lab features eight different fun substances. Slime highlights include magnetic slime, glow in the dark slime, fluffy slime, foam balls,  and more.

Aside from slime, the set also includes four different types of putty (which is thicker and easier to mold). You get color-changing putty, bouncing putty, glow in the dark putty, and magnetic putty. Storage is easy, and mess-free thanks to the included storage tins.

As you might expect from National Geographic, hidden behind the fun is a ton of education. A full-color, 16-page learning guide is included which explains the science behind slime and putty. Written for kids eight and older, it’s a fun introduction to a wide range of scientific subjects.

2. 47 Piece Slime Kits for Girls and Boys by Laevo Cook

Budding slime scientists will love this giant kit from Laevo Cook. It has 47 pieces including slime glue, soft clay, slime activator and a variety of colors, glitter, and special powers. You can make color changing slime, glow in the dark slime, crunchy slime, glitter slime and more.

It also includes four mixing tools and a variety of slime-making recipes. Store your unique slime creations in the ten included storage jars.

The slime is built to last. If it ever shows signs of drying, simply add the Slime Softener to restore it to its natural, slimy glory.

3. Elmer’s Glue Deluxe Slime Starter Kit

Unleash your child’s inner mad scientist with this make-your-own slime kit from Elmer’s. It’s not traditional glue. Instead, it’s glitter glue, which you use as a base to create goopy slime in bold, sparkling pink, purple and blue.

Making slime is a big part of the fun. You’ll add a few common household items such as baking soda and contact lens solutions to the glue.

When dry, the foam slime is still flexible and suitably slime-like. You can also use the goop to add three-dimensional designs to art projects.

Used in classrooms across the country, Elmer’s glue is non-toxic and washable. However, while the glitter glue is non-toxic, certain slime recipes do call for items such as contact lens solution which can be potentially hazardous if swallowed. You need to make sure they are being safe!

4. Unicorn Slime Egg Toys

Apparently, unicorn eggs are filled with slime! While the concept might be a bit odd, the unicorn slime is actually high quality. The set includes six large eggs — each three by two and a half inches — filled with slime.

The manufacturer heavily promotes the idea that their slime is “fresh.” While we’re not 100% sure what fresh slime is, the slime in this set is pliable with a nice consistency. It’s metallic slime available in a variety of rainbow colors.

Each egg doubles as a mess-free storage space. With proper storage, the unicorn slime will be usable for years. All slime is tested before shipping to ensure it’s non-toxic and safe.

5. Playz Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Lab Science Kit

Know a budding young scientist – or perhaps mad scientist? Unleash their inner Dr. Frankenstein with this spooky science kit. It features over 19 experiments with more than 31 tools and ingredients. Everything is detailed in the 72-page, kid-friendly lab and activity guide.

Kids between the ages of eight and 12 will love learning about polymers, matter transformation, atoms, molecules and more. Of course, all the learning is hidden behind hours and hours of slime-making fun. Kids can make fluffy slime, shampoo slime, “sticky fish” and more.

It’s a great introduction to a variety of STEM subjects including chemistry and even physics. Not only is it a great choice for kids new to science, but it can be helpful for kids struggling with scientific subjects in school. The hands-on curriculum allows the struggling student to approach the material in an entirely new way.

6. Eazy Slime 25-Piece Slime Kit

Billed as “the Ultimate Slime Kit,” this set from Eazy Slime includes 18 slime colors, six packs of foam beads, foam balls, five holographic glitter bottles, seven fruit/ice cream-shaped pieces, and much more.

Kids have practically limitless room to experiment. They can stretch, squeeze and combine the different types of slime to create completely new concoctions. Every item has its own storage container to help keep everything organized and mess-free.

All materials are made from natural, eco-friendly materials. Although all the slime is completely non-toxic, some of the experiments can be complex. The set is recommended for kids six and older.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slime Kits

What is Slime?

This sticky, often-green goop has been a kid’s favorite for decades. It first appeared in the hit kid’s comedy TV show “You Can’t Do That on Television” where characters would regularly get buckets of green slime dumped on their heads. (Source)

The popularity of slime quickly grew. Of course, everyone remembers the famous “He slimed me” scene from Ghostbusters. Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards also regularly feature celebrities getting slimed.

Recently, YouTube has seen a big increase in slime videos, too. Kids love to watch other kids make and play with slime. We’re going to review the best slime kits for kids in 2022!

What is Slime Made Of?

It’s fun and easy to make slime at home! The main ingredient is usually Elmer’s Glue. Then you can add saline drops, contact lens solution or liquid starch.

Knead the ingredients together. At first, it’ll be very sticky. But as you mix it will solidify a bit until it’s a stretchy blob.

Homemade slime is similar to bubblegum. It’s not quite the same as the semi-liquid green stuff often poured on Chris Pratt. Kids do not need to make their own slime but it’s a lot of fun!

How Do You Store Slime?

Left in the open air, homemade slime will dry up after a few days and eventually break. If it’s partially dry, you can usually knead it back to full sliminess. But most people make slime for a single play session and then throw it away. Storing it in a plastic bag can help it last for a few weeks.

Is Slime You Buy Better than Slime You Make?

Slime is fairly easy to make. But, as the list above clearly shows, plenty of premade options are available, too. Is homemade slime different than the kind you buy?

There are actually quite a few significant differences.

Pre-made slime usually has the best consistency. That’s because it’s blended by machines instead of by hand. An even consistency helps the slime stay together when stretched to long lengths. Plus, homemade slime can sometimes have blobs of glue or binding agents (and nobody wants their slime to be gross, of course).

Additionally, pre-made slime typically has more colors and special properties than homemade slime. These kits often include glow in the dark slime, which changes colors and more. Kits will typically let you add colors and sparkles to your slime, too.

Technically, you can create multi-colored slime at home. With a bit of chemistry, you can even make homemade slime with some fun properties like color transformation. But you probably won’t be able to reach the same level of, well, slime sophistication which is possible with a kit.

Finally, premade slime can last much longer than the homemade kind. With proper storage – and many kits include special storage containers – your slime will basically never dry out. Some kits even include special conditions to revitalize slime if it starts to dry.

Is Slime Safe?

Both homemade and premade slime should be non-toxic. However, it’s important to note that while eating non-toxic material is unlikely to kill you, but it can still make you sick. Slime should never be eaten.

Children should only play with slime when they’re old enough to understand they must never put the slime in their mouths. Even older, elementary-aged kids should be supervised – at least the first few times they play with slime.

Here’s the thing about slime: It looks delicious. With sweet smells and soft textures, even kids who should know better can feel tempted to take a bite. Make sure kids know slime is only for touching.

However, with proper supervision, there is a way which toddlers can play with slime, too. Seal the slime inside two Ziploc bags. Kids can squish the slime without touching it directly.

To be clear, touching the slime itself isn’t harmful. The bags are useful because toddlers typically can’t help but touch the slime and then touch their mouths.

All kids should be aware of “slime hands.” Once you start playing with the slime, you’re not allowed to touch anything else. No petting the dog, grabbing a snack or high-fiving a sibling. When playtime is over, kids must wash their hands thoroughly to make their “slime hands” go away.

What Games Can You Play with Slime?

Slime is great for both unstructured and structured play.

Unstructured Play

Slime is a natural for unstructured play. After all, what’s more unstructured than slime? Kids love to stretch slime, squish it between their fingers and enjoy the tactile experience.

Kids as young as four can benefit from simply squeezing and squishing slime. It helps develop fine motor control, hand-eye coordination and more. Plus, the cool, squishy texture helps develop their sense of touch.

Unstructured slime looks pretty simple but actually has big benefits. Your major concern is making sure kids don’t eat the slime, but that shouldn’t be an issue with proper supervision.

Unstructured slime play can engage the mind, too. While your child plays with the slime, ask him or her what they think the slime is made of. A few key questions can spark a child’s interest in science.

Structured Play

Slime is good for structured play, too. Here are five fun games kids love which also have significant educational benefits:

Letter Imprints

Do you have a refrigerator door covered with magnetic letters and numbers? Great! You can use them to make imprints in the slime.

It’s a fun game for kids learning their letters and numbers. They can squish the magnets into the slime to write their name or other words.

Slime acts a great canvas. Kids can press their favorite toys into the slime and study the impressions left behind. It’s a great way to help kids learn about shapes and understand the idea of cause and effect.

Writing Practice

Slime can be easily rolled into cylinders, circles and other simple shapes. Kids can take those shapes to make letters and numbers.

Creating the individual parts of a letter helps kids develop a better understanding of how to draw that letter with a pencil. For example, a capital “A” has three lines. Kids can understand this concept clearly when they create each line from three-dimensional material like lines.

Hidden Object Search

Hide small objects in the slime for kids to find. Kids love finding hidden treasures and toys. Searching for objects helps develop hand-eye coordination. Kids also learn how to rely on their sense of touch.

Of course, this game only works with colored, opaque slime. For a unique twist, hide objects in glow in the dark slime then turn out the lights.

Group Play

Slime is fun with friends, too. Slime-themed birthday parties are especially popular. Give the partygoers plastic eggs filled with slime as party favors.

What’s the Best Slime Kit to Buy?

First, consider the slime’s level of safety. While no slime is safe to eat, make sure the slime in the kit is non-toxic and free from any harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, there are no official safety standards for slime toys.

Only buy slime from a manufacturer you trust. That’s why we’ve included lots of kits from trusted companies such as Elmer’s Glue and National Geographic.

Next, choose a kit for kids with lots of variety. Plain slime is fun, but fancier slime is often better. Popular types of slime include:

• Glow in the dark slime
• Changes colors
• Crunchy slime
• Fluffy slime

You also want the ability to add glitter and colors to the slime. The best kits allow you to mix and match colors and types of slime to create all-new substances.

Also, check out what else the kit includes besides slime. The best kits will include accessories such as mixing bowls and slime containers.

The kit should include kid-friendly instructions for making slime. Many kits on our list include a guide with a variety of experiments. These experiments often emphasize basic scientific concepts.

Does Slime Stain?

Unfortunately, it can. Homemade slime is usually more likely to stain, but any brand can potentially be a problem. Different slime brands make different stains.

Prevention is the easiest course of action. Kids should wear older clothes when playing with slime. Also, keep play limited to the kitchen, backyard or another area away from carpet.

However, accidents will happen. That’s okay. Slime stains are rarely permanent. Treatment varies based on what’s been stained.

Carpet

Warm water and vinegar should remove most slime for most types of carpet. After applying, gently scrub with a soft brush to loosen the slime as much as possible. Then blot clean with a dry towel. Repeat the process a few times if necessary, then vacuum once the stain’s removed.

Clothing

When playing with slime, kids will almost certainly get it on their clothes. That’s why it’s so useful to designate a few clothing items as suitable for slime time. However, if slime does get on nicer articles of clothing, all hope is not lost. Removing slime stains from clothes is charmingly low-tech.

Hold an ice cube against the stain. It might take a few cubes, but the slime will freeze eventually. Once frozen, it’s usually fairly easy to scrape off with a knife or other utensil. Remove as much of the stain as possible.

Next, you’re ready to pre-treat the stain with liquid detergent. Gently massage a small amount of detergent into the fabric. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Now you want to rise the detergent away with hot tap water. Let the article of clothing soak in the water for half an hour. Then you can put it in the washing machine. Air dry the clothing, and it should be as good as new!

Furniture

Removing stains from furniture isn’t quite as easy as treating carpet or clothing stains. Prevention plays a major role here, so choose the slime play area carefully. However, furniture stains are still treatable, but the results are less certain.

Act fast. Blot the stain with a damp cloth. Avoid pressing down as that can cause the stain to settle deep into the fabric. Instead, use the cloth to lift up and away. Certain materials, such as polyester, have a natural barrier against solids and liquids.

Whenever possible, use distilled water. Tap water can leave behind mineral deposits which can create additional stains. However, time is the most important factor. Use tap water if it allows you to start blotting the stain right away (for example, don’t run to the store to get distilled water).

Final Thoughts

Making slime is fun but you need to make it correctly! Far from a gross-out gag gift, slime kits for kids help them develop fine motor control and can play a key role in sensory development. Plus, many slime games help kids learn to read and write!

While homemade slime can be fun, usually the best slime kits have fun features you can’t make yourself. Any of the foam slime kits listed above are sure to make a great impression.