The Play To Learn Story
Hello and welcome to Play To Learn! I'm so happy you're here.
I'm Lisa, the founder of Play To Learn. With 28 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I have dedicated my life to creating meaningful and inspiring spaces for children. Eighteen years ago, I started Play To Learn after recognizing a significant gap in the availability of high-quality, natural, and open-ended play resources. My journey as a small business owner began with a simple yet powerful mission—to provide children with environments that nurture their creativity, imagination, and sense of wonder.
Our Commitment to Fair Trade
From the very beginning, I was passionate about sourcing the finest natural products while upholding ethical and sustainable practices. While I prioritise supporting locally made Australian products, I also collaborate with international artisans through fair trade partnerships. Fair trade ensures that handmade items are produced ethically, without exploiting workers, and supports disadvantaged communities by providing fair wages and safe working conditions. Most importantly, it guarantees that no child labor is involved, aligning with Play To Learn’s values of integrity and responsibility.
A Personal Journey of Growth and Discovery
Along the way, my ex-husband Anthony and I embarked on our own journey to start a family—a journey that spanned seven years and was filled with both heartache and hope. Through struggles with fertility, health challenges, and ultimately a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s, we made the life-changing decision to pursue international surrogacy. In 2016, our beautiful daughter, Milla, was born, and words cannot express the immense gratitude I feel for the incredible team who helped bring her into our lives.
Even though our dream of becoming parents came true, life continued to present challenges, leading Anthony and myself to part ways. Despite this, we remain committed co-parents, working together to ensure Milla receives all the love and support she needs.
A Deeper Awareness of Health and Sustainability
During this journey, my awareness of environmental toxins and harmful chemicals in everyday products deepened. I began researching the impact of food, skincare, and household products on our health—and what I discovered was shocking. It became my mission to source and promote truly low tox, eco-friendly, and sustainable products, ensuring that the items I offer at Play To Learn are safe for both children and the planet.
Why Low Tox Matters
Did you know that most plastic toys are manufactured with harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC? These chemicals have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental delays, and reproductive harm. As parents and caregivers, we have the power to make better choices—choosing fewer but higher-quality toys that are safe, sustainable, and designed to last.
Rediscovering the Magic of Childhood
Do you remember what it felt like to be a child? The endless curiosity, the sense of wonder, the pure joy of play?
At Play To Learn, I strive to capture the essence of childhood by offering resources that foster imagination, creativity, and development. Play is one of the most fundamental needs of a child, and I am passionate about providing the tools to support meaningful and enriching play experiences.
Thank You for Being Here
I invite you to explore my collection of carefully curated products and find something special for your little ones. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, I also welcome you to visit my studio—just reach out to arrange a time.
Join our thriving Play To Learn community on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new products and special offers.
If you’re a Kindergarten Teacher or Early Childhood Educator, be sure to check out the ‘Early Childhood Educators’ tab for tailored resources and information.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting Play To Learn—my passion, my dream, and my Australian business. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Warmest regards, Lisa
