Why We Chose Wooden Over Plastic: A Closer Look at Our Sensory Tray vs Kmart’s
When it comes to playtime, sensory play is one of the most valuable experiences we can offer our little ones. It supports cognitive development, encourages creativity, and fosters independent learning. But as with any activity, the tools we use matter, especially when they’re being used daily by curious little hands.
If you’ve been comparing sensory play trays, you might have come across the plastic version from Kmart. It’s cheap, cheerful, and easy to grab during your weekly shop. But we created our wooden sensory tray to be so much more than just a once off impulse buy and here’s why.
Material Matters
Let’s start with the obvious: ours is made from high-quality wood, while Kmart’s is moulded plastic. We chose wood for its natural feel, durability, and timeless look. It’s strong, sustainable, and designed to last through years of messy, creative play. Hand on to a friend or sibling!
Plastic trays, while lighter and less expensive, often don't stand the test of time, they scratch, bend, crack, and, all too often, end up broken and in landfill.
Size and Strength
Our tray has a generous 40cm diameter, compared to Kmart’s 33cm, more room for play, more compartments for sorting, scooping, and exploring, and more flexibility for themed set-ups.
It also weighs a solid 4.6kg, making it super sturdy and virtually tip-proof, ideal for toddlers who are still developing coordination. In contrast, Kmart’s tray weighs just 960g, which means it can slide or tip easily during play (and let’s be honest, we’ve all cleaned up one too many chickpea spills!).
The Lid: A Game-Changer
Our tray comes with a fitted wooden lid, turning your sensory setup into a tidy little treasure chest when not in use. It means you can prep play ahead of time, store materials safely, or even pop it on display. Kmart’s tray? No lid, no storage, just more stuff to find a home for at the end of the day.
Price and Value
Yes, our tray is more expensive. But it’s not just about cost, it’s about value. You’re investing in a long-lasting, eco-friendly product that can be passed down or repurposed as your child grows. Kmart’s tray might save you dollars upfront, but when it inevitably cracks or is outgrown quickly, the savings vanish, and the plastic ends up in the bin.
Final Thoughts
Both trays offer an entry point to sensory play and that’s a wonderful thing. But if you’re looking for something that’s beautiful, durable, environmentally responsible, and designed with real-life parenting in mind, our wooden sensory tray is the better choice.
Playtime should be joyful, not wasteful. Let’s choose toys that last.