Play Mats Themed to Where You Live
We're bringing familiar places to life through original illustrations created by talented human artists. Discover the locations we're exploring and follow the journey towards our 2027 collection.
We're looking for 50 illustrators.
Artists from across our featured locations are helping shape the next Hippo Mat™ collection. We're looking for creative people who love bringing places, landmarks and imaginative worlds to life.
Locally Themed
Human Illustrated
Trusted by Thousands
Discover Your Hometown on a Play Mat
Discover Your Hometown
on a Play Mat
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Play & Learn
Imagine & Explore!
Not sure where to start?
Whether you’re choosing a play mat, exploring locations, or hoping to request somewhere special, these are the best places to begin.
Meet the Illustrators
Explore Hippo Mat™ Locations
How to Choose the Best Play Mat
Request a Hippo Mat™
Discover the Natural World
Hippo News

Why Early Memory Development Is So Important (And How An Educational Toy Can Help)
Written for Hippo Mat™ by Dr Robert Hurford, a neuroscientist with a PhD in Neurology from the University of Oxford, this article explores why early memory development matters, how children begin to form and strengthen memories, and how simple, sensory play with educational toys can support learning in the early years.

How Map Play Helps Children Explore Memory, Routes and Places
How Map Play Helps Children Explore Memory, Routes and Places Children often love maps before they can properly read them. They point at roads. They follow lines with their fingers. They move cars from one place to another. They remember where the park is, where the bridge goes, where the

How to Choose the Best Play Mat for Your Child
Choosing the best play mat for toddlers is not just about finding something soft for the floor. The right play mat should feel safe, practical, easy to clean, comfortable in your home, and genuinely useful for everyday imaginative play. This guide explains what parents and gift buyers should look for before choosing a children’s play mat.

Why Early Memory Development Is So Important (And How An Educational Toy Can Help)
Written for Hippo Mat™ by Dr Robert Hurford, a neuroscientist with a PhD in Neurology from the University of Oxford, this article explores why early memory development matters, how children begin to form and strengthen memories, and how simple, sensory play with educational toys can support learning in the early years.
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