TINY TOADSTOOL FAQ's
What age are Tiny Toadstool products suitable for?
Our kits are best suited for children aged 4 years+ due to small parts and potential choking hazards. Designed to naturally spark curiosity and imagination, our kits engage young minds in meaningful, joyful play. With supportive adult guidance, children can explore safely and confidently, creating magical moments to enjoy.
Are the ingredients safe?
The Tiny Toadstool products are made using non-toxic, biodegradable, nature derived ingredients that are commonly used in sensory play. While ingredients are safe, they are not intended for consumption. Some ingredients may cause mild irritation if they come into contact with small cuts or broken skin. If this happens, simply wash the area with water. We encourage children to use their mixing tools (spoons, sticks, or whisks) when creating their potions, which helps keep little hands comfortable and happy. As our ingredients are naturally inspired and thoughtfully chosen, most children will have no issues at all. Ingredients may include: water, bicarb soda, cornflour, citric acid, salt, rock salt, bio glitter, cosmetic grade mica, chickpeas, white beans, borlotti beans, tapioca, dried roses, calendula, cornflowers, dehydrated orange and star anise. Please consider this if allergies are a concern.
Where is the best place to use the kits?
Our kits are designed for outdoor play, such as in a garden, mud kitchen, or outdoor table. We recognise the importance of connecting with nature, so don’t be afraid to go barefoot and get messy outdoors, immersing yourself in moments of pure, natural serenity. We simply want you to have fun, follow your own ideas and enjoy dreaming, creating and letting your imagination wander freely. Please be mindful that the salt in the ingredients may damage grass and plants so plan accordingly.
What skills does potion play support?
Potion play supports creativity, curiosity, fine motor skills, problem solving, language development and social connection. It also encourages calm, mindful engagement and a growing connection to nature. In our busy day to day lives, it’s more important than ever to pause, slow down and embrace purposeful play, giving little bodies and minds the space to regulate, grow and thrive.
What is included in each kit?
Each product listing on our website includes a detailed description of what’s inside, as this can differ between kits. . Our kits vary from simple starter sets to full party experiences, all curated to support open ended play. We blend fizzing and non-fizzing ingredients with beautiful sensory elements to spark curiosity and wonder in every kit. We use naturally derived, non toxic, biodegradable ingredients carefully combined to create a delightful immersive experience. Our packaging has been intentionally selected and we encourage children to reuse bottles, test tubes and pouches, extending the fun and taking care of our natural environment.
Why does my fizzing ingredient clump and how do I fix it?
Natural fizzing ingredients can sometimes react to moisture in the air, causing little clumps or hardening to occur over time. This is all part of working with real, raw materials and doesn’t affect the magic of the mixture at all.
A gentle crumble between your fingers, a pestle and mortar, or a light press with a spoon will bring it back to a lovely, usable texture.
Take your time, explore the textures, and enjoy every moment of the magic.
Do you offer refunds or exchanges?
Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to accept returns unless an item arrives faulty or damaged. If this happens, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order.
FAQ for Educators
Are The Tiny Toadstool products suitable for Early Learning settings?
Yes. Our kits are wonderful for use in Early Learning environments, including Family Day Care, Early Childhood Centres, playgroups and home based programs too. Keep in mind, kits are designed for children aged 4+ and require active supervision. I have been an educator for over 20 years and not a day goes past where one of my little friends requests some form of potion play!
What learning areas does potion play support?
Potion play supports multiple areas of Early Learning, including:
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Fine motor development
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Language and communication
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Problem solving and early STEM thinking
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Social collaboration
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Self-regulation and mindfulness
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Connection to the natural environment
This style of play aligns with play based learning principles and open ended exploration.
Do the kits align with Early Learning Frameworks?
Yes. Our resources support outcomes within frameworks such as the EYLF, particularly those relating to wellbeing, learning through play, creativity and children’s connection with nature. With a strong understanding of the Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), this style of open ended play is intentionally designed to compliment and enrich your program. It supports children’s agency, imagination and problem solving, while creating meaningful opportunities for deep, authentic learning for every child. Please check our resource section to download forms that align with the Early Childhood sector, helping you 'tick all the boxes' for your daily programming requirements.
Are the ingredients safe for group settings?
All ingredients are non-toxic, biodegradable and carefully selected for sensory play. As with all Early Learning experiences, risk assessments and active supervision are required when using the kits.. Full ingredient lists are provided in each product description on our website and accompanying documentation. Educators are encouraged to review these carefully and consider any allergies, sensitivities, or individual needs before use, ensuring safe and inclusive participation for children.
Can the kits be adapted for different age groups?
Yes. The open ended nature of potion play allows educators to scale the experience for different ages and abilities by adjusting tools, quantities and levels of scaffolding. Suitable for children aged 4+ with active supervision.
How can educators extend the learning?
Educators can extend potion play by:
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Introducing measuring tools and vocabulary
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Encouraging prediction and reflection
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Adding natural loose parts from the environment
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Linking play to stories, seasonal changes, or science concepts
Can potion play support children’s regulation and wellbeing?
Absolutely. Many educators use potion play as a calming, grounding experience, supporting self regulation, focus and mindful engagement, particularly during transitions or group play. We have personally facilitated potion play in our service for over 20 years. While the experience varies depending on the children, their ages and their ideas, the fundamental benefits of this type of play are consistently valuable. We recommend providing access to loose parts and engaging materials to extend meaningful play for young children.
Do you offer educator or bulk purchasing options?
Yes. We have the "Woodland Wonder" kit, which is ideal for larger groups of children and plenty of refill items in our Tiny Toadstool Pantry.. Please refer to the product description on our website for more details.
Can these kits be used for documentation and planning?
Yes. Potion play provides rich opportunities for observations, learning stories and reflections, supporting meaningful documentation and curriculum planning, highlighting children's development across multiple EYLF learning outcomes. We have a collection of useful forms in our resource section to assist with programming.