What is Thinking Putty? Where did it come from?
Thinking Putty and many other silicone rubber products were developed during World War II as American industries searched for rubber substitutes that could be used in place of natural rubber tires, gaskets, and seals. During World War II, America's supplies of natural rubber was scarce. The Japanese had occupied many areas in the South Pacific where rubber trees are found.
In 1936, at the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, Dr. Earl Warrick began experimenting with "organosilicon" chemistry - combining silicon (think: sand, glass, computer chips) with carbon (think: you and me, charcoal, and fossil fuels).
In 1943, he left the institute to join the newly formed Dow Corning Corporation. His research was refocused to help the war effort by developing a synthetic rubber substitute. Although he failed to produce a suitable rubber before the end of the war, one result of his experiments was a Silicone Bouncing Putty (the primary ingredient in Thinking Putty).
Although it had no industrial use, he kept some around - it made a nifty toy!
Is Thinking Putty like Gak? Floam? Noise Putty? Slime? Mars Mud? or Goo?
Absolutely not! Thinking Putty is in a class of its own - with its own unique physical properties. Thinking Putty is more similar to Silly Putty? than other "putty" products. Thinking Putty does not leave a sticky residue on your hands. You won't feel like you need to "wash up" after playing with it. Thinking Putty stretches like rubber, bounces like a ball, tears like paper, and can shatter like ceramic. Thinking Putty can also shift color. Unlike all other products, Thinking Putty comes in adult-sized handfuls and a rainbow of really awesome colors.
Is Thinking Putty non-toxic?
Thinking Putty is inert, non-toxic, and safe. Thinking Putty contains no latex or wheat compounds. It is safe for use by people with sensitivity to wheat or latex and will not promote the development of latex allergies. They even use Nitrile latex-free gloves during manufacture. Thinking Putty is a Made in the USA product. It is manufactured entirely in the USA from top shelf materials sourced from industry leading vendors. They take product purity and regulatory compliance very seriously. They are certified compliant with EU standards EN 71 Parts 1, 2 & 3 which cover tests for toy safety. Additional information is happily provided upon request. Although Thinking Putty is completely inert, non-toxic, and safe, it may present a choking hazard to children if placed in the mouth or if a child attempts to swallow the product, so please exercise extra caution around small children, especially children under three years of age.
Does Thinking Putty dry out?
No way! Thinking Putty is silicone based, not clay or earth based like other modeling compounds. Thinking Putty will never dry out or crumble. The only reason to keep it in a closed container is to offer protection from dirt, dust, and hair that may otherwise accumulate.
Should I take my Thinking Putty to the office?
Absolutely! Bring your Thinking Putty to work with you and leave it on your desk. You'll find yourself tearing off a handful and using it to relieve stress when you deal with difficult personnel or vendors. If yours is a creative job Thinking Putty will give your hands something to do while your brain ponders infinite innovative possibilities.
Can I bring Thinking Putty through airport security or onto an airplane?
Yes. Thinking Putty may appear superficially like the plastic explosives you see on TV but the similarities end there. Thinking Putty will not appear as an explosive to either color X-ray or sniffer machines. It is neither a liquid nor a gel and is not subject to the criteria governing those objects. That said, security screeners have absolute personal discretion in exercising their jobs. They can confiscate anything they like regardless of the posted rules.
*Note About Clean Up*
Like its cousin Silly Putty, Thinking Putty does stick to fabric, hair, and carpet, so keep an eye on where your little guy puts it! For a tidier option for your wiggler and fidgeter, check out Mad Mattr, which is part of our Preschool through 2nd Grade Kits. However, if you do find yourself in a predicament and need to remove stray Thinking Putty, try these tips from the manufacturer: There is Thinking Putty stuck in my hair/on my skin/on the fabric of my shirt/pants/sofa/rug/sheets. How can I remove it?
Manufactured with the help of exceptional individuals challenged with disabilities.
Never dries out!
Manufacturer's Information
Manufacturer: Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld
Age Recommendation: 3+
Grade Recommendation: Preschool+
Faith-Based: No
Consumable: No
Size: 3.2 oz.
Materials: Non-toxic silicone
Made in: USA
Awards and Endorsements from:
Learning Express Best Product Innovation
Learning Express Best Toy Award in Science
Astra Manufacturer of the Year
Learning Express Best Toy Award in Product Innovation
Tillywig Toy Awards Top Fun seal Award for exceptional design, construction, and play
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval for child-rearing and development
CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Awards and Endorsements from:
CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
