Every December my kids fall back in love with anything Grinch green. So we made a batch of Grinch moon sand: soft, crumbly, perfectly green and so fun to squish.
It’s colored with matcha powder instead of food coloring, and a sprinkle of red hearts makes it extra festive.
How to Make Grinch Moon Sand
Christmas Playdough Task Cards
Get the printable2 cups flour
2 to 3 heaping tablespoons matcha powder
View on Amazon1/2 cup vegetable oil
Red heart sprinkles
View on AmazonSensory bin and scoops
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Add flour and matcha
Put the flour in a bowl and sprinkle in the matcha.
Mix
Stir until the green is even.
Add the oil
Drizzle in the oil and work it in with your hands until it’s crumbly and holds together when squeezed.
Add hearts
Pour it into a bin and sprinkle in the red hearts.
Play
Scoop, mold and squish.
Is it taste safe?
A nibble won’t hurt, but it’s for playing, not snacking. Matcha has a little caffeine, and raw flour can carry germs. For kids who mouth everything, heat-treat the flour first: bake it at 350°F for about 5 minutes, then cool.
Grinch Moon Sand Tips
- Too dry? Add a tiny drizzle of oil.
- Too sticky? Add a spoonful of flour.
- Storing it: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Revive it with a splash of oil.
- Toss it if it smells off.
- Keep it on the tray: It travels!
More Christmas sensory play
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Build Christmas trees and more with our Christmas Lego mats.
The Christmas task cards include
- Holiday play dough task cards
- Fine motor building challenges
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- December centers
- Preschool and kindergarten
- OT
- Holiday parties
Grinch Moon Sand FAQ
Mix 2 cups flour with 2 to 3 tablespoons matcha, then work in 1/2 cup oil and add red heart sprinkles.
It’s made from food, so a nibble is fine, but it isn’t a snack.
Yes. Mix green gel coloring into the oil first.
Several days in an airtight container.
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