the world of hand-moulding materials: a reference guide

Putty World

An independent reference guide to hand-moulding materials. It is not a shop, sells nothing and has no connection with the former website on this domain; before buying for a child, check the age shown on the pack.

Collections

Reading collections

A collection gathers pages of the guide into a single sequence for a particular situation. There's no need to browse the sections: pick the one closest to you and read from top to bottom. Short pages with the basics come first, followed by material for those who want to look into the details.

A good moulding putty for a child starts not with colour or sparkle but with the number on the pack. The age, the lid and the absence of magnets matter more than any special effect.

— Editor's note

Collections include only pages that have already been published. The order is chosen so that each page continues the previous one rather than repeating it.

A child's first putty

For parents and grandparents choosing a moulding material for the first time who want to know in advance what to keep in mind.

  • Children and safetyGetting started

    The age on the pack, the "not in the mouth" rule and why magnetic putty is not for children.

  • What is thinking puttyGetting started

    How the material behaves, what varieties exist and how to choose putty by age.

  • Labels on the packIn more depth

    What the age marking, the conformity mark and the warning texts mean.

For your desk

For adults who like squeezing something in their hands during calls and while thinking, with no promises of miracle effects.

  • Storage and cleaningGetting started

    How to keep putty at the office so it doesn't gather dust, melt by the window or mark your papers.

  • A stain on your trousersGetting started

    Five steps on the home page in case a lump does end up on your clothes.

  • Colour and fading (in Russian)In more depth

    Why putty on a bright desk dulls over time and how to prevent it.

A family evening activity

For anyone who wants to spend an evening modelling and playing games with children of different ages without needing a big clean-up afterwards.

  • Activity ideas (in Russian)Getting started

    Modelling, simple games and sensory boxes for children and adults, calmly and without medical promises.

  • Activity topicsGetting started

    An overview of the guide's topics, where games and gifts have a group of their own.

  • Glossary of propertiesIn more depth

    To help explain to a child why one material flows while another holds its shape.

  • Topics

    Four groups of topics: materials, care and storage, safety, activities and gifts.

  • Practical

    How to store and clean thinking putty so it lasts, plus a catalogue of practical articles.

  • Blog post (archive) (in Russian)

    Things for children and adults to do with moulding materials: modelling, games, sensory boxes.

Sources and basis of this text

  • TR CU 008/2011 «On the safety of toys» (Eurasian Customs Union regulation, in force in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan; other countries have their own toy-safety rules)
  • Materials on the safety of children's toys (general principles)

Ingredients, labelling and manufacturers' recommendations change over time, so the instructions and markings on the pack of the specific product are always your main guide. This reference explains general principles and does not replace a doctor's advice if something goes wrong.