There are more than 35 variations of basic homemade slime, and I am gonna provide you with the easy recipes for all of them in the succeeding two discussions. Each slime feels MORE FUN TO PLAY WITH than the other, so kids won’t resist but wanna make each one of them this summer.
Looking for the best way to make basic slime? I have listed the most tested version of basic slime in the beginning. In this part, you can choose from the rainbow, clear, magnetic, butter, chocolate, glow in the dark, foam, clay butter, color-changing, snow, and many more slimes.
As for the most FUN ones, my 100% recommendations are the magnetic slime, which reacts when you bring a magnet nearby, the snow slime for making a winter scene, and the color-changing slime that changes color with touching and temperature change. These slime recipes are perfect for science experimentation, keep kids engaged, and make their summer vacations more memorable!
Inclusion List:
- No borax recipes, too.
Material List:
- White school glue (PVA glue)
- Clear glue
- Liquid starch
- Saline solution/contact lens solution
- Baking soda
- Water
- Food coloring
- Glitter
- Confetti
- Shaving cream
- Air-dry clay
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Glow-in-the-dark gel or paint
- Iron filings/iron oxide powder
- Foam beads
- Artificial snow powder
- Sand
- Thermochromic pigment
- Star sprinkles
- Small add-ins (e.g., beads, LEGO pieces)
Suggestion #1: Basic Slime Recipe (3 Ways)
Basic slime recipe, first! There are REALLY so many ways to make basic slime, but if you are looking for the best, follow this foolproof, easy slime recipe using white glue and liquid starch. It is ACTUALLY the best, as the creator has tested so many recipes over the years and found that the homemade slime recipe works FINEST.
You can then upgrade to three “more” versions: fluffy slime, crunchy floam, or soft clay slime, following the same guide. All these fall in the category of basic slimes and will end up pretty stretchy and PERFECT.
Suggestion #2: Rainbow Slime
After the basic slime, the glittery and colorful rainbow slime is the kids’ favorite! This no-borax recipe uses clear glue, water, and liquid starch to create a stretchy slime that looks even more elegant when twisted. By mixing different food colorings, you can make a 7-color rainbow slime.
To make this rainbow slime, mix clear glue and water in bowls. Stir in food coloring for each rainbow color and glitter for sparkle. Knead each batch until stretchy, then line them up to create your rainbow!
Suggestion #3: Clear Slime
The tutor for “basic slime” in suggestion #1 ranked the clear slime as the best slime recipe! So, learn how to make one with this recipe from One Little Project using clear glue, water, baking soda, and contact lens solution.
It’s the perfect base if you want to add glitter or confetti later on. Just remember to let the slime sit in a sealed container for a few days. This helps the air bubbles settle, so it becomes crystal clear. I hope it will end up stretchy!
Suggestion #4: Saline Solution Slime
The saline solution recipe makes a stretchy, rubbery slime that isn’t nearly as messy as other methods. You only need a washable PVA glue, baking soda, and saline solution. It’s also a safer alternative for kids since it skips the heavy chemicals found in industrial slime.
Be sure to check your saline bottle for boric acid and sodium borate so the slime sets properly. The secret reason is in the contact lens solution, which contains boric acid. This works as the activator to turn liquid glue into a stretchy slime.
Suggestion #5: Butter Slime
Butter slime is probably the most popular slime recipe because it has a spreadable texture that feels just like soft butter. Unlike sticky traditional slimes, this version is smooth and holds its shape beautifully. There is actually no butter involved; the only reason is the texture!
The secret ingredient is lightweight air-dry clay. By folding clay into a basic slime base made of PVA glue and activator, make this slime. It’s a better choice for kids because it’s much less messy on hands and furniture. The clay adds a thick density that makes it fun to pull and squish.
Suggestion #6: Chocolate Stretchy Slime
This chocolate slime is a total sensory win because it looks and smells just like melted cocoa. I have not seen or made one before, and I am kinda planning to make one this year! While most slimes use glue, this recipe requires unsweetened cocoa powder, which surprisingly makes it even stretchier than the original version.
With clear washable glue, the color stays deep and rich. Liquid starch will work as an activator here. It is perfect for kids who love “mud” play but want something cleaner.
Suggestion #7: Magnetic Slime
While standard slime is DEFINITELY fun, adding iron filings (spoiler is iron oxide) will make it like the kids have a super-power material. It stretches and oozes just like the slime, but it reacts when you bring a strong neodymium magnet nearby.
The secret is the liquid starch and iron powder mixture. Unlike some recipes that use messy powders, this method has a smooth texture that isn’t too sticky. It’s better because it’s durable!
Suggestion #8: Glow in the Dark Slime
Maybe your kids have a free afternoon, so why not make a glow-in-the-dark slime with this recipe? This recipe skips the borax, using liquid starch and glue instead. You should prefer this method since liquid starch is much easier to work with and prevents the slime from becoming too hard or rubbery.
The secret to that green light is glow-in-the-dark gel, which has better luminescence than standard paints. You’ll mix about 8 ounces of glue with neon food coloring for extra glow!
Suggestion #9: Fluffy Slime
Learn how to make the fluffiest slime with this slime recipe. Unlike most of the slime recipes, this version is light and airy because it uses foaming shaving cream as a base. The air bubbles in the cream make a marshmallow texture that is way more satisfying to squish.
To make fluffy slime, mix Elmer’s glue and shaving cream in a bowl. Add food coloring for bright colors. Slowly stir in liquid starch until it thickens. Knead the mixture with your hands until it is no longer sticky. Use vinegar for easy cleanup of any messes!
Suggestion #10: Cosmic Star Slime
The cosmic star slime from Momdot is simple and glittery space slime. It uses white school glue as a base because it makes a stretchy, durable texture that holds its shape well. To get that signature galaxy look, you mix in food coloring and star sprinkles.
This recipe is better than standard versions because it uses liquid starch instead of borax powder. Starch acts as an easy-to-use activator that prevents the slime from becoming a hard rock.
Suggestion #11: Clay Butter Slime
Suggestion #12: No Borax Butter Slime
Suggestion #13: Snow Cone Slime
