How to Set Up a Small World Play Tray at Home | Rosa & Bo

There’s something truly magical about watching little ones bring their imagination to life through small world play. From woodland adventures to make-believe tea parties, these tiny scenes give children the freedom to explore, create stories, and make sense of the world around them.

Our new Rosa & Bo x Jellystone Designs Tray Play Small World Set is designed to make setting up those moments easy, beautiful, and meaningful - providing a calm, contained space where creativity can thrive.

Here’s how to create your own small world play tray at home.

1. Start with the Right Base

A good base sets the tone for play. The Jellystone Designs Tray Play is ideal because its divided sections help define spaces - a forest here, a river there - while keeping everything beautifully contained. You can also use shallow baskets, baking trays, or wooden trays at home; the key is to provide a surface where your child can focus, explore, and tidy up easily when playtime ends.

2. Add Characters and a Story Spark

Characters are the heart of any small world scene. Our Woodlies friends to invite into play. Pop them into the tray and see where your child’s imagination takes them.

You can add other Rosa & Bo characters, small animal figures, or simple household items to spark new storylines.

3. Introduce Loose Parts (Safely!)

Loose parts are the treasures that bring small world play to life - think pinecones, pebbles, leaves, fabric scraps, or wooden blocks. These open-ended materials encourage children to experiment, sort, and create.

But safety always comes first. Always choose loose parts appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development:

• For babies and toddlers (under 3 years), stick to larger, non-detachable pieces that can’t be swallowed. Avoid anything smaller than 4cm in diameter.

• For preschoolers and older, you can introduce smaller items under supervision.

• Check natural materials regularly for splinters or breakages, and never use items that could pose a choking or hygiene risk.

By choosing safe, sturdy materials, you can relax and let your little one explore freely.

4. Add a Sensory Element (Optional but Wonderful)

Small world play can become even more immersive with a sensory twist - try dry rice, pasta, or coloured chickpeas for older toddlers, or soft fabric and felt for little ones.

If you’re playing outside, sand, grass, or water can open up endless possibilities. Just remember: sensory play should always be supervised, especially if you’re using small or edible materials.

5. Step Back and Watch the Magic

Once your tray is ready, step back and let your child lead. Small world play isn’t about perfection - it’s about freedom. You might see characters swap homes, props turn into food, or the fox suddenly become a pilot. That’s imagination in motion, and it’s exactly what play is meant to be.

6. Keep It Simple

You don’t need a lot to make it special. A few well-chosen toys, some natural textures, and space to explore are all it takes to turn an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

Our Tray Play Small World Set was created with this in mind - calming colours, safe materials, and endless possibilities for storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Small world play helps children develop language, fine motor skills, and emotional understanding - but above all, it gives them ownership of their play. When everything has its own little space, cleanup becomes easier and playtime feels calm, contained, and joyful.

So gather your tray, your characters, and a few simple treasures - and see what tiny worlds your child creates today.