Play with Pieces was once a favourite brand among parents looking for stylish, non-toxic kids’ play mats. Known for designs like the Moroccan Print Rug, Polka Dot Rug, and Geo Play Mat, the company combined aesthetics with safety. Their mats fit seamlessly into modern homes while providing a soft, cushioned surface for playtime.
However, the store has closed, leaving many parents searching for alternatives. As consumer preferences shift toward high-quality, sustainable products, finding a reliable foam play mat with similar features has become a priority. If you’re looking for great options in 2025, several brands now offer durable and stylish play mats. Below, we’ll explore some of the best Play with Pieces alternatives, including stores that provide safe, well-designed mats. While parents focus on safe, stylish products for their children, many also look for responsible ways to enjoy their own leisure time – including online entertainment like casino games.
Beyond Play Mats: Online Casinos and Other Products for the Modern Parent
Modern parents carefully weigh every decision, from choosing chemical-free play mats to enjoying digital entertainment responsibly. Just as parents verify safety certifications before purchasing baby products, seeking thoroughly vetted options is key – especially when engaging with the best online casinos. This source also provides valuable insights on selecting legitimate online casinos in Canada, guiding players through the registration process, game options, bonuses, payment methods, regulations, and safe gambling practices. Whether it’s a non-slip playmat or a secure gaming environment, smart choices lead to better experiences.
Here’s how safety parallels these two worlds:
| Priority | Parenting Essentials | Trusted Digital Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Assurance | Phthalate-free materials | Licensed operators |
| User Protections | Rounded corners | Deposit limits, self-exclusion |
| Verified Quality | OEKO-TEX certified fabrics | Independent game fairness audits |
This mindful approach – whether in childproofing a nursery or selecting entertainment – reflects how we now prioritize safety in all aspects of life. As we look back at what made Play with Pieces special, it’s also worth considering how responsible choices shape every part of our daily lives.
Play with Pieces: The Story Behind
The Pieces was founded by Kate Gertner while she was on maternity leave. Like many new parents, Kate discovered firsthand that creating children’s play spaces without compromising on style was seemingly impossible. This personal frustration inspired her to create Play with Pieces, a brand dedicated to designing mat play products that were both functional and design-forward. The company quickly gained popularity for their approach of “designed by moms, for moms,” keeping homes beautiful while providing safe spaces for babies to grow and develop.
What Made It Special for Consumers?
Blend of Style & Function
Play with Pieces revolutionized the play mat Canada market by creating products that resembled beautiful rugs while providing a safe play surface for children. Parents no longer had to choose between aesthetics and functionality – these mats offered both.
Safe & Easy to Clean
One of the standout features of Play with Pieces mats was their construction from XPE foam, a newer and safer alternative to traditional EVA foam. These mats were:
- Non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial
- Waterproof for easy cleaning
- Odorless, unlike many competing products
Popular Designs
The brand became known for several signature designs that parents loved:
- Moroccan Rug Play Mat – Inspired by traditional Berber-style patterns, adding charm to any room.
- Polka Dot Play Mat – A modern and playful design that fit effortlessly into different room styles.
- Geo Play Mat – A sleek, geometric pattern perfect for contemporary spaces.
Why Parents Miss Them
The combination of high safety standards, beautiful patterns, and practical reversible designs made Play with Pieces a favorite among parents. Each mat was 1.78m x 1.50m x 1.5cm, providing ample play space while being thick enough to cushion falls. The innovative reversible design gave parents two chic prints in one product – a smart solution for changing decor or preferences.
Best Play Mat Stores for 2025
With The Pieces no longer available, parents need new options for safe, stylish play mats. Our consumer handbook highlights four great alternatives that offer similar quality and design sensibility.
Little Bot
- Website: littlebot.ca (Canada) or littlebotbaby.com (US)
- Product Range: Ofie Mats, collections with Miffy and The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Price Range: $189-$209
- Best Sellers: Zen Line + Triangle, Country Road + Triangle, Miffy Collections
Little Bot has become a hit with parents who want play mats that don’t look childish. Their Ofie Mats have simple, clean designs that look more like something from a crate and barrel nursery catalog than a baby store. What makes Little Bot special is their material choice – they use non-toxic TPU foam that’s soft but still firm enough for babies during tummy time. Parents appreciate the consumer-focused design, as these mats don’t smell bad (unlike many others) and stay looking nice even after months of use. The mats are reversible, giving you two designs in one, so you can change your look without buying something new.
Dwinguler Canada
- Website: dwinguler.ca
- Product Range: Play mats, kids sofas, playpens
- Price Range: $90-$309.99 (many on sale)
- Best Sellers: Baby Care Playmat – Birds in the Trees, Dwinguler Lovely Animal Play Mat
Dwinguler focuses on making play mats that are extra cushioned and long-lasting. Their mats have multiple layers that create what parents call a “cloudy feel” under your feet – something you’ll appreciate if you spend a lot of time playing on the floor. Their must love furniture approach to design ensures both kids and parents enjoy their products. We were really impressed by the edges – while many play mats have rough, sharp edges, Dwinguler mats have smooth, finished edges that won’t snag clothes or scratch skin. They also offer playpens and kids’ sofas.
House of Noa
- Website: thehouseofnoa.com
- Product Range: Play mats, standing mats, tumbling mats, bath mats
- Price Range: $110-$249
- Best Sellers: Little Nomad Play Mat – Aspen Toast, Emile Latte Play Mat, Luna Sandstone Play Mat
House of Noa (formerly Little Nomad) became famous after being on Shark Tank with their dot patio and home play mats that look just like stylish area rugs. Their puzzle-piece system lets you create any size or shape to fit your room. These mats are super practical because you can just wipe them clean when spills happen. If you’ve used a bath kneeler before, you’ll appreciate the cushioning that protects both your knees and your child’s during playtime.
Wunderkids
- Website: wunderkids.com
- Product Range: Play mats, playpens, baby sofas, foam blocks
- Price Range: $149-$927 (bundles)
- Best Sellers: Deluxe Folder Play Mat, Prima Playpen + Playmat Bundle, Baby Sofa
Wunderkids brings high-quality, folding play mats from South Korea to North America. What makes them stand out is how easily you can fold and store them when not in use – perfect for small homes or parents who don’t want a play rug out all the time. These mats have fun patterns on one side and grown-up designs on the other. Eco-conscious parents love that the company plants three trees for every mat sold. Their Deluxe Folder play mat is especially popular because it’s both practical and stylish. Their playpens also fit well with popular west coast kids dolls and other nursery toys.
Play with Pieces may be gone, but plenty of high-quality alternatives are available. Whether you’re looking for neutral, modern designs like Little Bot and House of Noa or extra-thick, cushioned options like Dwinguler and Wunderkids, these brands have you covered. Parents searching for safe, stylish baby mat options will find these alternatives offer the same great balance of aesthetics and functionality.
As today’s parent magazine continues to highlight responsible consumer choices, it’s important to consider both safety and style when shopping for play on products. Whether it’s choosing a new play mat or exploring responsible online entertainment, modern parents have plenty of options to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions.