REVEALED: HEYDOODLE ... THE ULTIMATE XMAS GIFT FOR OODLES OF FUN!
Bindi Irwin is a fan, as are a surging number of Aussie families praising HeyDoodle: a multi-award-winning range of reusable, mess-free, versatile, and sustainable playmats that are reinvigorating the ‘old school’ fun and many benefits of creative play.
“Thanks to your lovely activity mats, we have actually been able to ENJOY dinners out with our happy toddler," Bindi said.
Made to inspire imaginative young minds, enhance fine motor skills, and offer a sustainable solution for parents and caregivers looking to reduce waste while keeping kids entertained, HeyDoodle playmats are made from FDA-approved food-grade silicone, making them easy to erase and reuse over and over.
The playmats come with certified non-toxic markers to provide oodles of educational play through drawing, colouring, tracing and problem-solving activities.
From festive season designs to alphabets, animals, natural wonders, and even sensory and speech therapy-focussed activities endorsed by allied health professionals, the HeyDoodle range of more than 30 washable and reusable themed playmats is based on expert-backed developmental milestones for toddlers, children aged five to seven, and kids aged seven and older.
According to ABS-released data, children’s participation in creative activities is on the decline, with only 39 per cent of Aussie children engaging in arts and crafts regularly.
Nationally, concerns are growing about the balance between screen time and creative play to support emotional, cognitive, and social development. HeyDoodle is helping to tackle such issues of today’s digital age by making creative play more accessible and appealing for young children.
The brainchild of Beatrice Toh, a qualified architect and Melbourne-based mother of three children who actively contributed to the development of the range, HeyDoodle launched online in 2019.
“HeyDoodle was basically born from a need to keep my children engaged, especially when we were out and about,” explains Beatrice Toh, Founder and Director of HeyDoodle.
“As a parent looking for a convenient, affordable and mess-free solution for busting boredom that isn’t screen-based, I recognised a gap in the market for a product that combines education, fun and sustainability.
“Effectively, my side hustle turned full-time family-owned small business, HeyDoodle, has grown from my personal solution to a product range that I am so proud to share with families this festive season,” Beatrice said.
HeyDoodle is stocked in more than 800 Australian stores and can be purchased online at HeyDoodle.com.au, with nationwide (and international) shipping available.
The HeyDoodle product collection includes (but is not limited to):
Classic Doodle Mats: original range of A3 mats, with nine non-toxic markers and a handy carry case. It features more than 15 themes, including ‘Jingle Bells’ (numbers) and ‘Deck the Halls’ (A-Z). RRP: $31.95.
MiniMats: all the fun of Classic Doodle Mats in a smaller size and packaged in a travel-friendly gift tube, with three non-toxic markers. A great alternative to party favours. RRP: $19.80.
Sensory Mats: These mats include debossed elements for refining fine motor skills with guided tracing. Designed for multiple modes of play, they can be filled with all kinds of play material, like dough or water. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth to reset the versatile canvas. RRP: $35.95.
Speechie Mats: used by professional speech therapists to strengthen speech and fine motor skills. RRP: $31.95, with NDIS Plan Managed Payment options.
Tales: a silicone book with flip pages that can stretch out and fold down to store away in a keepsake box. Includes a story, traceable elements, various activities and are great for shared colouring. RRP $39.50.
StoryStacks: the traditional playhouse reimagined via modular tile mats that represent rooms of a house. This collection especially encourages spatial awareness and role playing, with rooms to design and eight emotional people tokens too. Can be easily packed-up for on-the-go fun. RRP: $42.95
Sketchbands: Design your own accessory, then erase and do it all again. Simply slap it on and rock your own artwork. Ideal stocking filler or party favour. RRP: $9.90.