Toy storage & play mats...

Little O has this great toy from the UK's Early Learning Centre - which is available in Australia too, it just happens to be British.  It's called "Happyland" I've pictured the next piece I desire - the fun fair (right)!  Though honestly, we probably have enough of the set now.  Any more and I'll have to buy more storage!

I should credit our British friends here for this find. It was only after watching their lovely little girl play with Happyland that we desperately wanted to buy it!
One of the best things about it is that you can buy (yes, a nice upsell really) a play mat, that zips up into a box.  So the whole thing packs up into itself.  It is fantastic.

The other great thing about Happyland is that you can buy as much or as little of it as you like.  It's not the cheapest toy-land on the market but it's well built, the sound effects aren't overly annoying and it's not massive. It's perfect for little hands say 18 months to 4 years! It's an investment I'm happy we made. 

I'm happy to report that Australia's Early Learning Centre is having a sale until July 4.  And some pieces for Happyland are on sale! Hooray!



I digress though; my point for this post, was that I've found another fold up play mat storage item!  I found it on the Alex Toys website. And it's cool - it becomes a storage box/bag with an open top. I like. I may buy one. We'll see. Pictured right.

Of course there are more... Such as the range from ZipBin®. There's the Lego City Bag ($17.95) (left)... and there's a neat castle box too...  I must admit, I don't think the maps are as cool as the Alex Toy one above. But it has a lid, so I guess it just depends on your needs.  They're available for sale at Glamma Toys, and are really reasonably priced.  Member pricing is slightly better also.

I also love this idea, but I think it's one of those things I'd have to see before I buy.  A ZipBin® Backpack! The one left is the doll house pack ($19.95).

I do quite like this one - the ZipBin Lego head toy box, right.  Little O has just discovered Lego and I fear it's going to get out of control in no time... Daddy likes Lego too!

Toys R Us have an Animal Planet Toy Mat/Storage bag at $15 it's priced about right, but honestly doesn't make me want it like the others I've found.

If you're into a DIY project I found a tutorial for a (limited) storage mat here on craft gossip.com

Whilst cruising around the Alex Toys site I found the Learn to dress Monkey (left) and the learn to dress kitty.  The Hopscotch Rug - great for those days like today where going outside is not an option!

So Alex Toys, I think you might be my new favourite!

Happy Shopping

xo S


Images from: Alextoys.com, zipbin.com and Kidscentral.com.au