I bought the ELC soft stuff (it's thier own play dough brand) for my daughter 18 months ago. It has just been replaced, with good care it can last for ages.

This soft stuff comes in a variety of colours most of which are BRIGHT! You can either get it in individual cartons in a set of 3 or in a big bucket which gives you quite a few different tubes of the stuff. I have opted to buy it in the cartons as these are definetly airtight and really do store it well.

The ELC also do arrange of cutters eg family's, cars and farmyaard animals. You could always use your own pastry cutters if they were not too sharp. They also do a really great machine which produces a long sausage shape.

My daughter has had hours of fun with her soft stuff, which has also lasted for 18 months, which is not bad for something costing a £5 for 3 tubs. Its great for kids as it can get them to learn about colours ,texture, cutting out skills, co ordination and of course it can lead to some very imaginative dinners being made- well it did in my case.