our story
For over 20 years, I've worked as a Family Day Care Educator, creating engaging nature play,
sensory play and outdoor learning experiences that encourage children to explore, imagine and learn through play. My husband, Kain, has always been my biggest supporter, happily building mud kitchens, backyard forts and bringing my wild ideas to life. So, when I suggested we create a business centred around sensory play kits and nature inspired play, he wasn't surprised at all.
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Over the years, we've watched childhood change. Parents have access to more information than ever before, yet many feel overwhelmed trying to provide the "perfect" childhood. One thing, however, has remained beautifully consistent; children's love of potion play, messy play and open ended sensory experiences. Give them a handful of natural treasures, water and a wooden spoon, and they'll spend hours creating, experimenting and discovering.
As a child, I spent countless afternoons making tiny worlds for my Troll dolls using flowers, leaves and treasures collected from the garden. Those simple moments sparked a lifelong love of imaginative outdoor play, and today they continue to inspire everything we create at The Tiny Toadstool.​
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With over two decades of experience in Early Childhood education, I've seen firsthand that children thrive when they're given the freedom to lead their own play. Nature play and sensory activities encourage creativity, confidence, problem solving and curiosity while supporting children's development in a calm, meaningful way. The best part? Play doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive to be magical.
The idea for The Tiny Toadstool was born during an ordinary day of potion play.
Watching children completely immersed in mixing, pouring and experimenting, we found ourselves asking, "What if we could bring this kind of magical play experience to families everywhere?"
From that simple question, The Tiny Toadstool grew into a collection of designed sensory play kits, nature play resources and screen free activity ideas that help families reconnect through play.
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We can’t wait to bring a little fun, imagination and exploration to your backyard, creating experiences that are simple, playful, grounded in nature and filled with magic for children and parents alike.
Our Philosophy of childhood
At The Tiny Toadstool, we believe in the magic of imagination, curiosity and play.
Childhood is a time for exploration, creativity and connection; with friends, with nature and with the world around us. Our kits are designed to inspire wonder, encourage slow play and bring meaningful experiences, encouraging children to follow their own ideas, experiment and discover.
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We celebrate the beauty of natural materials and sensory experiences, believing that little hands learn and grow through touch, smell, sight and sound. Every kit is thoughtfully created to spark curiosity, nurture creativity and invite children to connect with nature and each other.
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We also know that play is more joyful when shared, with peers, family, or educators... so our kits are made to support collaboration, storytelling and imaginative adventures. With a little guidance from caring adults, children can explore safely, express themselves freely and create magical moments that stay with them long after the play ends.
At The Tiny Toadstool, our philosophy is simple: encourage curiosity, celebrate creativity and create joy, one little potion, sprinkle and adventure at a time.
our wish for children
Our vision is to inspire children to explore, create and connect through playful, natural experiences, while nurturing opportunities for families to join in, learn together, share ideas and create magical moments that strengthen bonds and spark joy for everyone.