FAQ’s
Good to know
New to ProjectPlay? Wondering which collection to choose, how to get started or what makes our play materials different? You're in the right place.
We've answered the questions we hear most often, so you can spend less time wondering and more time enjoying play with your little one.
What makes ProjectPlay different?
ProjectPlay is created by an experienced, registered Early Childhood Teacher who believes the best play doesn't need flashing lights, batteries or complicated instructions.
Our collections bring together thoughtfully selected, everyday-inspired objects that encourage babies and toddlers to explore, experiment and make their own discoveries.
Less toys. More meaningful play.
What is open-ended play?
It's play without instructions, a set outcome or one “right” way to do things.
A bowl might be banged, filled, emptied or stacked. A ring might be rolled, spun or posted. The possibilities change as your child grows and discovers new ways to explore.
It's simple, fascinating and full of opportunities for learning.
Do I need to show my baby how to play?
Not at all! And that's part of the beauty of it.
Start by offering a few interesting objects within your baby's reach. Stay close, watch what catches their attention and give them time to explore.
You don't need to demonstrate every object or constantly come up with new activities. Sometimes the best thing you can do is sit back and let their curiosity lead the way.
What age are ProjectPlay collections suitable for?
Our collections are designed with babies and toddlers in mind, with the Treasure Tray generally introduced from around six months, when babies are becoming more active, reaching, rolling and beginning to sit.
Every child develops at their own pace, so follow their interests and abilities alongside the age and safety guidance provided with your collection.
Mandatory adult supervision at all times.
What's the difference between the Treasure Tray and Treasure Bag?
Both collections offer thoughtfully selected sensory play objects, but they're designed for slightly different needs.
The Treasure Tray brings the treasures together in a beautiful basket, ready to offer at home.
The Treasure Bag keeps everything together in a handy drawstring bag, making it easy to pack up and take along wherever the day takes you.
Same philosophy. Two practical ways to bring meaningful play into everyday life.
What's included in each collection?
Each collection includes 12 carefully selected sensory play objects, chosen to offer a variety of textures, sounds, shapes and ways to explore.
Your collection also includes its basket or bag, plus our Play Made Simple digital guide, with practical advice to help you introduce the objects and understand your child's play.
You'll find more information about the contents on each product page.
Is a ProjectPlay collection a good gift?
Absolutely! Our collections make thoughtful gifts for babies, baby showers and little ones who are beginning to explore their world.
Instead of another toy with a short shelf life, you're giving a collection of interesting objects that can offer different play possibilities as a child develops.
And with our digital play guide included, the grown-ups get something useful too!
Are the play pieces safe?
Your child's safety is incredibly important to us.
Safety is considered when selecting our play materials, including their size, construction, materials and intended use.
Because babies and toddlers explore in many different ways, including with their mouths, mandatory adult supervision is required at all times.
Always inspect each object before play and discontinue use if anything becomes damaged or shows signs of wear.
Please read our Product Safety page and follow the safety information supplied with your collection.
How do I clean and care for the pieces?
Different materials need different care.
Wooden and metal pieces: Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Avoid soaking or placing them in the dishwasher.
Fabric pieces: Follow the care instructions supplied with your collection. Spot clean where appropriate and allow pieces to dry completely before use.
Regularly inspect all objects for signs of wear or damage, and always store them somewhere clean and dry.
Who is behind ProjectPlay?
Hi, I'm Angela! A mum of two, fully registered Early Childhood Teacher and the person behind ProjectPlay.
After more than 15 years working with babies, young children and their families, I've seen just how capable little people are when we give them interesting things to explore and the freedom to lead their own play.
ProjectPlay brings together thoughtfully chosen play materials and practical guidance to help parents feel confident about the learning happening right in front of them.
What is the ProjectPlay Little Library?
Our Little Library is a growing collection of practical, teacher-created guides about play and child development.
We take big early childhood ideas and make them easy to understand and useful at home.
No information overload. Just helpful advice you can actually use.
Do you supply early childhood centres or offer wholesale?
Yes! ProjectPlay has supplied early childhood services throughout New Zealand, and we welcome enquiries from educators, home-based services and retailers.
For bulk orders or wholesale enquiries, email projectplaynz@gmail.com and tell us a little about what you're looking for.
Where do you ship?
We're based in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
We dispatch orders within 1–2 business days, using courier services booked through GoSweetSpot.
Shipping options and costs are calculated at checkout, and tracking information is provided once your order is on its way.
What if there's a problem with my order?
We want you to be happy with your ProjectPlay purchase.
If something arrives damaged, faulty or isn't as expected, please get in touch so we can help put things right.
For information about change-of-mind returns, please refer to our Refund Policy. Your rights under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act always apply.
We'd love to help!
If there's something we haven't covered, head to our Contact Us page or email projectplaynz@gmail.com.
We're always happy to hear from you.