Yes! We designed our own molds in 2024 and have full control over production. That means our trays are completely unique and built specifically for children — not repurposed or rebranded products. Each tray includes our Learning Through PLAYtrays® logo on the side for authenticity.
Each PLAYtray features a sensory textured surface and is made from the highest quality materials for durability, safety, and long-lasting play.
What about OTHER trays on the market?
Many “other” trays being sold are actually cement mixing trays that have been rebranded as “kids’ tuff trays.” These products are typically flimsy, untested for early education use, and sold by companies that do not own their own molds or designs.
At Learning Through PLAYtrays®, we take pride in creating trays that are purpose-built for sensory play, safe for children, and made to last.
We’re Kamilla and Daniel, a husband-and-wife team. Learning Through PLAYtrays® began with an early years teacher’s wish for a better Tuff Tray option in North America — one that was safer, stronger, and designed specifically for children’s play.
With Kamilla’s 15+ years in Early Childhood Education and Daniel’s 20+ years in manufacturing, we turned that wish into reality.
Learning Through PLAYtrays® officially launched on February 14, 2024, marking our very first sale ever!
We did. Learning Through PLAYtrays® is the only brand in North America with a Tuff Tray designed by an educator and built with a sensory-textured surface. Daniel engineered our original design, and we control the entire production line.
UK Tuff Trays aren’t actually made for play — they’re cement motor mixing trays with smooth, slippery surfaces, simply rebranded for classrooms.
Other trays on the market are often flimsy cement mixing trays that have been rebranded as “kids’ tuff trays.” These companies do not own their molds or design specifically for children’s learning.
Ours are brand new in 2024, purpose-built for sensory play, and made just for kids.
Know the Difference
- UK “Tuff Trays” – Originally designed as cement mixing trays, not toys.
- Tuff Trays in the US & Canada – All imported cement mixing trays from the UK, then rebranded for children’s play.
- Learning Through PLAYtrays — redesigned 2024 premium Tuff Trays made for real PLAY.
As an educator, I was so disappointed by how flimsy and easily cracked those trays were. That’s why we created the PLAYtray — a redesigned, purpose-built tray made for kids, crafted from high-quality, classroom-grade materials and designed to last through years of play and learning.
A Tuff Tray, also known as a PLAYtray, is a large, shallow tray with raised edges (about 3 inches high) designed to hold toys, crafts, and sensory materials. It’s the perfect surface for creative, hands-on, and messy play, keeping everything tidy and contained in one place.
All orders are packed and shipped from our Amazon MCF warehouses within the USA to ensure fast and reliable delivery.
Orders typically arrive within 5–8 business days once shipped. You’ll receive a tracking email as soon as your order is on the way.
You can return your order within 30 days of delivery.
We’ll email you a prepaid return label — just print it, attach it to your package, and drop it off at the listed carrier (USPS, UPS, or FedEx). Once your return arrives at the warehouse, we’ll process your refund within 5–8 business days.
Yes — in limited quantities or wholesale requests. Please contact daniel@playtraylearning.com to request a delivery quote. We currently have availability for select locations in Southeast Asia, and we’re happy to check shipping options for your area.
Learning Through PLAYtrays® was founded by Kamilla and her husband, an Early Years Educator from Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years of experience working in kindergarten classrooms with the school board (DECE).
She later opened her own home daycare and became involved in international training and academic curriculum development, focusing on play-based learning for early childhood education. Kamilla’s classroom experience and passion for sensory play inspired the creation of Learning Through PLAYtrays.
Our trays are designed for toddlers through school-age children, but they’re versatile enough for sensory activities, STEM projects, and creative play for all ages. Even occupational therapists and adult programs use them for sensory and motor skill development.
At Learning Through PLAYtrays®️, safety comes first. Our tuff trays feature a tactile surface for an extra grip during play, reducing slip risks. We personally visit and ensure all products are manufactured with quality control by us. Our trays are CPSC U.S certified, reflecting our dedication to safety.
To learn more, visit our SAFETY policy page.
Our Play Mat Inserts are double-sided for double the fun! One side is vinyl—smooth and shiny, while the other is felt—fuzzy and soft. They were specially designed by our friend Max, and the park mat was inspired by Kamilla’s favorite children's book about a bear going on a hunt. This makes them not only functional but also a source of creative play.
Our stands are exclusively for our Tuff Trays only, ensuring a perfect fit.
A Tuff Tray does not require a stand but is a great accessory. They come in bold black and feature a unique magnetic element that allows children to attach magnet tile toys and build creatively around the stand. This transforms our stands into actual PLAY stands!
- Stand adjusts to three heights (17.7", 21.6", and 25.1") to fit different ages and activities. This includes the standard setting, plus 2 clips to adjust.
- Save time with minimal assembly required—90% of the work is already done for you!
- Tuff Trays: To clean, simply wipe down with a disinfectant wipe or wash with soap and water.
- Insert Play Mats: Wash gently with a towel, soap, and water, or vacuum.
- Stands: Wipe down with a disinfectant wipe.
- Covers: Hand wash gently and let air dry.
If your Tuff Tray warps due to temperature changes, lay it flat inside for a day to reshape. Always store the tray flat, especially not against a wall in the sun, to prevent warping.
Yes! We operate under EDU-NATION LLC in the United States, and all orders ship from Amazon warehouses within the USA. Our products are designed by us, and each one is personally sourced and inspected in person to ensure the highest quality.
We’re a Canadian family and we are currently temporarily based in Southeast Asia for product development, where we work closely with our manufacturing partners. You can reach us anytime by email or phone, and we’re happy to offer video calls by appointment every day.
Yes, we do accept purchase orders! Please email Daniel at Daniel@playtraylearning.com to get started with your order.
We are a small business deeply rooted in real teaching experience. Our products are developed with a genuine understanding of educational needs, making them not just toys, but tools for learning and development.