Treating the kids to some soft play equipment to use at home? With soft play centres all across the country being shut for the majority of 2020, it has been hard trying to entertain little ones at home. So investing in something to keep them happy for hours (that doesn't involve you playing with them) is definitely worth your money. Especially now the weather is miserable and garden play is a no-no. We can help you find something to suit your budget and the size of your space. From slides to ball pits, playmats and rockers, it's all here.
Interested in buying one of the best climbing frames for outdoors, ready for spring and summer 2021? See our dedicated guide for top picks.
8 best soft play equipment buys
1. A stylish grey ball pit that's fit for your living room
whatkidslovethemost BALL PIT + balls | From £89.89 at Etsy
One of the biggest issues we have with soft play equipment is that the majority of it is brightly coloured – we'd rather not have it on display all of the time in our living rooms. With this lovely grey ball pit, you needn't hide it away when you have guests over. It comes a range of sizes and shapes – even square! – while it comes in so many colours. And, buying it means you are supporting a small business – win win!View Deal
2. Get them this sweet elephant slide from eBay – it's under £80!
motherandbaby Large Kids Slide Playground Children Toys for Outdoor or Indoor | £79.99 at eBay
This lovely slide comes in different colours, and it's fit for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from high-quality PE, it's eco-friendly and non-toxic, as well as easy to clean and assemble. It has anti-skid steps and large grip handles, too.View Deal
3. Hard floors? Buy this playmat to soften it during playtime
Totter + Tumble Scout and Wanderer Compact Reversible Playmat |£125 at John Lewis & Partners
If you have hard flooring, then investing in a playmat will definitely be worthwhile, especially if your little one is just learning to walk. This reversible one looks lovely, and it's compact, too. It'll soften the blow should they have a tumble, while it's comfortable enough for them to lay on (and you!).View Deal
4. These sweet building blocks will provide hours of fun
Wee Gallery Nesting Blocks | £24.95 at Coggles
These lovely stacking blocks are different sizes with animals, plants and numbers on the sides. A great gift idea, they can provide hours of fun. Simply stack them inside each other when they are done playing and store them away with ease, too.View Deal
5. Go all out with this foam playset – complete with a ballpit
SweetKidsPl Foam Playset with ball pit | £132.48 at Etsy
Woah! If you have the space in your living room or nursery for this, it's definitely worth it! It comes in grey or pink, while it also comes with the balls included – in your colour choice, too. Whether you have one child or four, this will definitely entertain them while you can't.View Deal
6. Buy this grey kids tunnel to simulate the tunnels in your local soft play centre
Kids Concept Grey Cotton Canvas Playtunnel | £48.95 at Cuckooland
If your little one loves crawling through those (small and quite dark) tunnels in your local soft play centre, then we suggest buying them a tunnel. Specifically, this lovely one from Cuckooland. It measures 180cm long, it's made from 100 per cent cotton and it collapses for easy storing. View Deal
7.
qqpp Mat,Soft EVA Foam Baby Play Mats For Floor | £27.99 £22.39 (save £5.60) on Amazon
These clever play mats click together like a puzzle, and they are an easy (and cheap) way to make your hard flooring child-friendly. Choose from lots of colours, and you'll get 18 tiles per pack.View Deal
8. Rocking horses are soooo 2019 – buy a rocking llama for them this year
Little Bird Told Me Rio Llama Rocker | £99.95 £84.95 (save £15) at Cuckooland
How cute is this llama? Soft, fluffy and it rocks, pop your little one on top, get them to hold onto the handles and let them rock away. He has a scrunchy mane and jingly tail provide more fun, while they can use this from nine months old...View Deal
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