Why Tuff Trays Are at the Heart of Panda’s Play

If you’ve ever come along to Panda’s Play, you’ll probably have noticed that tuff trays are a big part of our sessions. They often catch little eyes straight away, filled with exciting materials, inviting hands-on exploration and, most importantly, purposeful play.

Tuff trays may look simple, but they are one of the most valuable resources we use to support your child’s play, learning, and development.

What is a tuff tray?

A tuff tray is a large, sturdy, shallow tray that holds a variety of materials for children to explore. At Panda’s Play, you’ll see them used in lots of different ways, sometimes sensory, sometimes imaginative, sometimes messy, and always carefully thought through.

Each tray offers a clear, defined play space where little ones can explore freely, independently, or alongside others.

Why I use tuff trays so often at Panda’s Play

At Panda’s Play, sessions are built around purposeful play. Play that supports development while still feeling fun, relaxed, and child-led. Tuff trays fit this approach perfectly.

They allow me to create inviting set-ups that spark curiosity, support a wide range of ages and stages at the same time, and adapt easily to children’s interests. A tuff tray can be revisited again and again, offering something new each time while still supporting consistent learning.

How tuff trays support your child’s learning and development

When children play at a tuff tray, they are encouraged to explore using all their senses. Pouring, scooping, mixing, touching and investigating materials helps children build curiosity and confidence in their own ideas. There is often no expectation or end result, just time and space to explore.

Using tools such as spoons, scoops, cups, brushes and small containers helps to strengthen little hands and develop coordination. These movements are important foundations for later skills such as writing, drawing and everyday self-care.

Tuff trays also provide rich opportunities for communication and language. Children naturally talk about what they are doing, name objects, and describe their actions. During Panda’s Play sessions, I gently model language through conversation, introducing new words without interrupting play.

Many tuff trays encourage imaginative and small-world play. A simple tray can quickly become a farm, a construction site, a woodland scene or a magical world. Through this kind of play, children develop creativity, early storytelling skills and an understanding of the world around them.

When children play alongside others at a tuff tray, they practise important social skills such as sharing, taking turns and working together. These moments support emotional development and help children build positive relationships with others.

What to look for during tuff tray play

As a parent, it can be reassuring to know what learning might look like during play. While your child is exploring, you might notice them deeply focused, repeating actions, trying new ways of doing things or talking through what they’re doing.

You may see problem-solving as they work out how to move materials, which tools work best, or how to make something happen. You might hear new words being used or see them copying language they’ve heard before. If playing with others, you may notice sharing, negotiation or moments of cooperation.

All of these are signs that meaningful learning is taking place.

Simple tuff tray set-ups to try at home

You don’t need lots of equipment to offer this kind of play at home, many set-ups use everyday items.

A rainbow rice tray can be created using coloured rice, small cups, scoops and funnels. Children enjoy pouring, scooping and filling containers, while developing hand strength and early ideas about quantity and size. Here at Panda’s Play I produce small sensory play packs that are perfect for this kind of activity. They include rice, chickpeas and pasta and are £5 each. They will fill a small tray, such as a baking tray, or can be spread out in a larger tray. You could even combine with other packs to fill it up.

A water play tray with toy boats, cups, droppers and sponges offers opportunities to explore floating, sinking, wet and dry. A towel nearby makes it easy to manage spills and keep play relaxed.

A natural loose parts tray can be made using leaves, stones, sticks and pinecones collected on a walk. Adding small figures or animals encourages storytelling and imaginative play.

If you have outdoor space, a mud tray with old pots, pans and wooden spoons allows children to mix, stir and create freely. Messy play like this supports sensory exploration and creativity.

Buying a tuff tray for home

If you’d like to introduce tuff tray play at home, there are lots of options available. Basic tuff trays usually cost around £15–£20 and are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Larger trays with stands tend to cost £40–£60 and are great for group play.

If you’re not ready to buy one, shallow storage boxes or large trays you already have at home can work just as well. Even a plastic serving tray or baking tray can work well for play.

At Panda’s Play, tuff trays aren’t just there to look inviting, they’re carefully planned to support learning through purposeful play in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for your child.

By offering open-ended experiences and allowing children the time to explore, we’re helping them build confidence, curiosity and strong foundations for future learning…all through play.