About
Hippo Mat™ started with a nostalgic conversation and a simple question: why was there not a play mat themed to where we live?
Our Story
Hippo Mat™ began with a simple conversation in 2020.
During a driving lesson, we found ourselves talking about the classic car play mats so many of us remember from childhood. The kind that seemed to be everywhere. We both agreed: almost everyone had one.
Then came the question that changed everything.
Why was there not a play mat themed to where we live?
That idea stayed with us. It felt exciting, original, and surprisingly obvious all at once. We could picture a play mat that captured the character of a real place, while also giving children something meaningful to explore through play.
A few months later, the first design was born: Brighton Hippo Mat™.
At the time, it was simply called the Brighton Car Play Mat, but the idea behind it was already clear. We wanted to create something that felt joyful and imaginative, while also encouraging children to learn about roads, places, landmarks, and the world around them. It was inspired by the play mats we loved growing up, but designed to feel more relevant, more local, and more thoughtful.
The response was incredible. Families in the local area connected with the idea straight away, and a couple of hundred pre-orders were placed.
That early support showed us that Hippo Mat™ could become something bigger.
What started in Brighton had the potential to grow into a brand that celebrated many towns and cities, helping children explore real places through imaginative, screen-free play.
Why We Created Hippo Mat™
We believe play can do more than entertain.
A great play mat can spark stories, build confidence, encourage curiosity, and help children feel connected to the places around them. That is what Hippo Mat™ is designed to do.
Each mat is created to bring together imagination, learning, and local pride in a way that feels natural and fun. We want children to invent their own adventures, while parents can feel good about giving them something thoughtful, well-made, and rooted in the real world.
Meet Reg
As Hippo Mat™ began to grow, we knew the brand needed a friendly guide. Someone who could represent its spirit in a warm, consistent, and memorable way.
That is where Reg came in.
Reg is the heart of Hippo Mat™. He is curious, kind, adventurous, and always ready to help children discover more about the places they live. He represents creativity, originality, and the joy of exploring the world with fresh eyes.
You will find Reg across the Hippo Mat™ world, helping guide families, celebrate local areas, and bring a little more character to every journey.
Reg's Pledge
Hippo Mat™ is about more than products.
Through Reg’s Pledge, we aim to help bring play and learning to organisations and spaces that may need extra support. This can include schools, nurseries, pre-schools, hospitals, family spaces, and other community settings doing important work with limited resources.
It is one small way for Hippo Mat™ to give something back.
Because every child deserves the chance to play, imagine, and learn.
Our Values
- Learning through play
- Thoughtful quality
- Local pride
- Imagination with purpose
- Inclusive by design
- Community-minded
- Honest craftsmanship
