No, I’m in Ukraine
continueWonderwall® developmental mats come in three different configurations:
- Wonderwall® “Standard”: Includes a play mat and themed VELCRO® elements. Packaged in a single box containing the mat and a tube with the VELCRO® toys.
- Wonderwall® “Premium”: Includes a play mat, a soft storage book for the toys, and themed VELCRO® elements. Packaged in two boxes—one for the mat, and another for the book and toys.
- Individual VELCRO® toys (without a mat): These are delivered in polyethylene, cardboard, or standard courier packaging (box or envelope).
Each set with a mat is ready for play. However, before starting, it’s important to prepare the main part of the set—the wall mat. The mat arrives rolled up, so it must be carefully flattened before attaching it to the wall.
☝️ This is a crucial step. A properly flattened mat not only looks better on the wall but also provides a smoother play experience. If the mat isn’t fully straightened, it may pull away from the wall or wrinkle.
🗺 Flattening the Mat:
- Gently remove the mat from the box by unrolling it carefully.
- You may also pull out the tube containing the toys, which is packed alongside the mat.
- To flatten the mat, lay it flat on the floor in a warm room and let it rest for 15-30 minutes. To speed up the process, you can gently roll the mat from different sides. Take your time—roll slowly and carefully to avoid creases.
⚠️ Do not walk on the mat—it will not help flatten it and may damage the surface, leaving marks and pressing down the fibers that hold the VELCRO® toys.
⚠️ IMPORTANT! If you’re having trouble flattening the mat, you can use an iron. However, follow these steps carefully to avoid damage:
- Surface: Iron the mat only on a flat surface (such as the floor). Avoid using an ironing board, as it may cause creases.
- Temperature: Set the iron to a medium heat setting (appropriate for synthetics, wool, or silk).
- Cloth: Always place a damp, thin cloth over the mat before ironing. Ironing directly on the mat could damage it—the fibers that hold the VELCRO® toys may get compressed or melted, making the mat unusable.
- Ironing: Do not apply heavy pressure with the iron. Pressing too hard can flatten the fibers, making the mat unsuitable for play.
- Edges: Be extra careful when ironing near the edges where the trim is attached with heat adhesive. Excessive heat or pressure could cause the trim to peel off. If this happens, press the trim back onto the mat and let it cool for a few minutes on a flat surface. The adhesive will re-harden as it cools.
- Cooling: After ironing, allow the mat to cool for a few minutes to ensure it flattens completely.
Once you’re confident the mat is fully flat, it’s ready to be attached to the wall.
🧸 Flattening the Toys:
The toys are packed in a tube and may be slightly bent, which is normal and does not affect their functionality. Since they are made of soft felt, they can be easily reshaped by hand.
⚠️ In some cases, you can use an iron to flatten the toys. Follow the same rules as for the mat:
- Temperature: Use a medium heat setting (for synthetics, wool, or silk).
- Cloth: Always cover the toys with a damp, thin cloth before ironing.
- Ironing: Do not press down hard on the toys. The parts are glued together with heat adhesive, and too much heat or pressure could cause them to separate. If you accidentally use too much heat, let the toy cool on a flat surface for a few minutes. The adhesive will re-harden.
Wonderwall® developmental mats are designed to be mounted on the wall, providing a large play area that stimulates a child’s imagination. Hanging the mat turns it into a true Wonderwall®! Since the toys attach with VELCRO®, the mat must be secured to the wall for the intended play experience.
👍 The simplest and most reliable way to attach the mat to the wall is with regular push pins. Push pins are easy to use and leave minimal traces if you decide to remove the mat later. To attach, carefully fold back the decorative trim on the mat and secure it to the wall with push pins along the edges. Push pins work well on most household walls, whether painted or wallpapered. Other methods, like double-sided tape, often aren’t as effective, especially on painted or wallpapered surfaces.
☝️ Alternative options for mounting include:
- a stapler
- Command® adhesive strips
- liquid nails
- nails
⚠️ IMPORTANT! The trim around the mat is not just for decoration. It conceals the push pins, keeping them out of a child’s reach and preventing them from falling out if they loosen or break. Even if a pin comes out of the wall, it will stay hidden under the trim and remain in the mat.
⚠️ WARNING! If you’re using push pins to mount the mat, it’s important to regularly check that all pins remain secure:
- Keep an eye on the pins to ensure children don’t remove them. Kids are naturally curious and might become interested in the hidden pins. Additionally, some children may try to pull the mat off the wall, which could dislodge the pins.
- Periodically inspect for broken or missing pins.
⚠️ IMPORTANT! Using push pins is a recommended method, but you are free to use any other method you prefer. Some customers create custom frames for the mat using laminated MDF. This is a great solution if push pins won’t work (for example, if the plaster layer on the wall is too thin). Push pins hold well on the frame, and the frame can double as an easel. You can remove the mat, hang paper on the frame for your child to draw on, and then reattach the mat afterward.
🧐 Will the mat damage the wall?
Yes, any method of attaching the mat to the wall may leave small marks or minor damage, such as tiny holes from push pins, staples, nails, or adhesive residue from tape or liquid nails.
To ease any concerns, consider the following:
- The Wonderwall® mat is a long-term toy, designed to stay mounted for several years. It’s not meant to be removed and reattached frequently. On average, the mat remains up for 3-5 years.
- The mat is not only a fantastic developmental tool but also a vibrant decorative piece for your child’s room. Think of it as an interior element that adds charm for several years.
- The developmental and educational benefits, as well as the sheer enjoyment your child will get from the mat, far outweigh any small marks left on the wall.
Wonderwall® mats generally stay clean for an extended period while mounted on the wall. However, kids might occasionally get them dirty with food or after outdoor play—because kids will be kids! 🙂
- General care: It’s recommended to keep the mat clean without washing whenever possible.
- For regular cleaning: Use a vacuum.
- For small stains: Gently wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.
If a full wash is necessary, follow these steps to ensure the mat is not damaged. Washing should be done in a bathtub or outdoors to prevent creasing:
- Place the mat in the bathtub and soak it with water.
- Add a mild laundry detergent.
- Let the mat soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Hang the mat to air dry outside, using clothespins to secure the edges.
⚠️ IMPORTANT!
- Do not machine wash the mat.
- Do not wring or twist the mat after washing.
- Be careful when lifting the mat from the bathtub to avoid creasing.
Yes, the toys can be washed, and they’ve been tested in “real-world” conditions. Our toys have been through it all—sand, sea, mud, puddles, and snow. It’s perfectly normal for children to take them outdoors, and nothing bad will happen to them. Over time, you may naturally want to wash them.
👍 Handwashing is recommended:
- Place the toys in warm water (30°C).
- Add a laundry or cleaning detergent.
- Let the toys soak for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Lay the toys flat on a smooth surface and allow them to air dry.
It’s not recommended to scrub the toys with a brush, as they are made from felt and fleece. Scrubbing can cause pilling.
⚠️ Machine washing the toys is not recommended. The high temperature and water in the washing machine may cause:
- Pilling on the felt and fleece.
- The VELCRO® to stick together.
- Parts of the toys to come unglued.
⚠️ If you still decide to machine wash the toys, it’s recommended to place them in a laundry bag and wash them on a gentle cycle at no higher than 30°C.
Is my child too young for this mat? Or perhaps they’re already too old for VELCRO® toys? These are common concerns for parents, whether their child is 1-2 years old or already in school.
Rest assured, the Wonderwall® mat is engaging and beneficial for a wide range of ages. Younger children are captivated by the simple fun of attaching and detaching VELCRO® toys, while older kids enjoy creating scenes and coming up with stories. There are no strict age limits for these mats—they are designed to support early development and learning.
The toys are ideal for toddlers (ages 2-3) as well as early primary school children (ages 6-8). This is backed by positive feedback not only from parents but also from educators, teachers, and caregivers who use the mats in kindergartens, primary schools, and other learning environments. These sets have earned a reputation as effective and versatile educational tools, both in Ukraine and internationally, including in Europe, America, and Asia.
The core idea behind the mats is to foster creativity, imagination, and spatial thinking through fine motor skill development, making them particularly valuable for younger children. Once your child starts taking their first steps, you can hang the mat on the wall. The vibrant colors and VELCRO® toys will naturally draw them in. At this stage, kids love to stick, pull, and explore—it’s their first instinctive way of interacting with the world. For this reason, the mat is well-suited for children starting from 2-3 years old.
However, we don’t recommend the toys for very young children, around 1-1.5 years old, as they tend to chew or bite the toys, which is natural for this age. If your child is this young, it’s best to wait a little longer before introducing the set. That said, you can still use the toys with close supervision to prevent any risk of choking or swallowing small parts.
As children grow, the mat continues to hold their interest. While the mats initially focus on fine motor skills and sensory play, their value for older kids lies in developing imagination, abstract thinking, spatial awareness, and storytelling. These skills are especially important for children aged 3-8. Additionally, the sets are thematically designed to target specific abilities at various stages, including puzzles and learning materials to teach counting, addition, subtraction, and comparison.
These are the toys that have proven to be the most effective didactic materials for the development and education of children with special needs. Educators, teachers, caregivers, and parents around the world note not only the special interest of children but also the convenience of using VELCRO® toys with Wonderwall® mats.
Wonderwall® mats are designed to be inclusive and supportive for children of all abilities, including those with special needs. Here are some ways in which these mats can benefit children with diverse developmental challenges:
1. Sensory Exploration
The textures and colors of the Wonderwall® mats and VELCRO® toys provide rich sensory experiences. Children can explore different tactile sensations, which can be particularly beneficial for those with sensory processing disorders.
2. Fine Motor Skills Development
Manipulating the VELCRO® toys helps enhance fine motor skills. Children can practice grasping, pulling, and attaching toys, which supports hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
3. Cognitive Growth
The open-ended nature of the mats encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. Children can engage in imaginative play, allowing them to develop critical thinking skills and abstract reasoning.
4. Communication and Language Skills
Wonderwall® mats can be used to facilitate communication and language development. Parents and caregivers can engage children in storytelling, vocabulary building, and discussions about the scenes they create.
5. Social Interaction
Using the mats in group settings can promote social interaction. Children can play together, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, helping to develop social skills and teamwork.
6. Flexibility in Use
The mats can be adapted for various activities, making them versatile tools in therapeutic settings. They can be used for structured activities led by therapists or free play that encourages independence.
7. Visual and Spatial Awareness
The large, colorful mats help children improve their visual-spatial awareness as they learn to navigate and arrange their play environment.
8. Customizable Learning Experiences
The mats can be tailored to meet specific learning goals, making them useful for individualized education plans (IEPs). Different themes can be introduced to target specific skills, such as numbers, letters, or social concepts.
Wonderwall® mats provide an engaging and adaptive play environment that can cater to the needs of children with special needs. They promote development across multiple domains, offering a fun and effective way to learn and grow. By fostering creativity, communication, and motor skills, Wonderwall® can be a valuable addition to any inclusive play setting.
We have taken extensive measures to minimize small parts in our sets. However, it’s crucial to remember that young children may put toys or their parts in their mouths, noses, or chew on them, and there’s even a risk of swallowing. This behavior is typical for children. If you have a child under 3 years old, please be vigilant about how they play. Adult supervision is strongly recommended during playtime.
In our Premium series sets, all animal toys feature plastic eyes. We have designed these eyes to prioritize safety. Each eye is securely attached to a leg that is sealed and glued from the inside of the toy, ensuring maximum durability. It would require significant effort to detach or break off the eyes. Nevertheless, if you have a small child, please monitor their play closely. Children can sometimes be curious about removing the eyes instead of simply playing with the toys! If any eyes become detached, please ensure you find the broken piece to prevent the child from swallowing it.
The Carpetino® toys are crafted from non-woven, needle-punched fabrics, including felt, wool, and specific types of carpet materials. These fabrics provide a soft and pleasant texture while ensuring durability. Each toy consists of multiple layers that are glued together, creating depth and texture that are especially important for toys designed to develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
In some toys, such as animals and vehicles, the number of layers can exceed ten. This construction allows each element in the set, from the intricately designed hedgehog to simple flowers and bushes, to transform into a fully-fledged soft toy. Unlike flat images commonly found in modern toys, our products are three-dimensional, multifaceted, and multi-layered models. Children can feel the contours of each individual piece, enhancing their tactile experience.
Additionally, some elements and toys in the Carpetino® sets are made from the same material used for the wall mats, facilitating the attachment of additional VELCRO® toys. For example, the crowns of trees or bushes are crafted from the same fabric as the mat itself, enabling fruits like apples, pears, and cherries to be securely attached to the trees.
We source our raw materials and components exclusively from EU countries (France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany). The felt, wool, and fabric for the mats come from reputable European manufacturers that produce durable materials, resistant to pilling and compliant with all European quality certifications. Under no circumstances do we use materials sourced from China!
Each Carpetino® toy is meticulously assembled by hand, ensuring the highest quality! Before assembly, a detailed layout of each component is crafted, considering various tolerances and deviations. This careful planning guarantees perfectly even shapes and edges for every element. The pieces are then cut using high-precision machines, allowing for assembly with an accuracy of up to 0.001 mm. As a result, Carpetino® toys not only feature an aesthetically pleasing design but also exceptional durability.
Our toys have withstood a variety of conditions—dirt, sand, seawater, puddles, and even snow. It’s no surprise that children love to take their toys outdoors! We’ve even rescued toys from the washing machine after they’ve endured hot water and detergent, and they still emerge unscathed! The durability of our toys comes from the quality of the fabric used. We avoid decorative felt and wool from China, as these materials tend to pill quickly and lose their appearance. Instead, we source felt exclusively from reputable European manufacturers.
In general, it takes considerable effort to “break” or damage these toys. Therefore, you can be confident that Carpetino® toys are built to last throughout your child’s early years!
Unfortunately, a common issue with similar products, especially those from China, is that the VELCRO® strips often detach on the very first day of use.
We guarantee that this will not happen with our toys. VELCRO® is a critical component, and we take special care to ensure it is securely attached to prevent it from coming loose.
The lifespan of the VELCRO® strips and the mat is essentially unlimited. You can attach and detach the toys as many times as you like without losing their effectiveness.
- All toys have undergone laboratory testing and comply with all Ukrainian and European safety standards and regulations for toys!
- All toys have been verified by Sanitary and Epidemiological Authorities.
- Finally, all toys have been tested through personal experience! Carpetino® is a small family-run business. We have children, which means all our toys have been tested and approved by our kids. The company and the toys have evolved and improved thanks to our children. Each evening, we would return home from our workshop with new toys for our kids to play with. Therefore, we can confidently state that our products have been tested through personal experience.
- We have been producing developmental mats for nearly six years. During this time, our toys have been ordered not only by parents for home use but also by kindergartens, educational centers, and other preschool institutions. Hundreds and thousands of children have played with, developed, and learned from Carpetino® toys.
The Wonderwall® developmental mats with VELCRO® are specifically designed to be hung on the wall. After all, if you’re using the mat on the floor, what’s the purpose of having VELCRO® at all?
Hanging the mat allows for a large surface area where children can play freely and fully unleash their imagination. It truly transforms into a magical wall! With all the toys sticking to the mat, the essence of play revolves around this vibrant display. Imagine having a colorful, dynamic piece of artwork in your home that you can easily change and adapt!
Moreover, it’s incredibly convenient. All the toys are kept in one place, preventing clutter and keeping your space tidy. There’s no need for a designated storage area; they simply hang on the wall.
That said, there are no strict limitations. You can certainly place the mat on the floor, and your child can enjoy playing there. However, the full effect and essence of the experience may be diminished.
Yes, if you have a small child (under 3 years old), it is very likely that they will not only play with the toys but also suck on and chew them. This behavior is natural for young children as they explore the world through taste.
👍 From a safety and toxicity standpoint, our toys have undergone laboratory testing and have a Declaration of Conformity in accordance with harmonized safety standards for toys in Europe.
⚠️ However, we still recommend supervising your child to ensure they do not suck on the toys excessively. The toys are made from felt, wool, and other fabrics that may have fibers. Additionally, if a child puts a toy in their mouth, there is a risk of swallowing it and choking. Therefore, for children under 3 years old, the use of these toys should be monitored by an adult.
The Wonderwall® play sets come with two types of mats that differ in size:
- Standard (or Large) — 145×100 cm
- Mini (Reduced) — 100×70 cm
We always recommend the larger mat. A bigger mat provides more play space, allowing for greater development of imagination, spatial awareness, abstract thinking, and the creation of more engaging stories and narratives for language development. A larger mat can accommodate more elements.
Experience shows that parents often order the smaller mat only to later return to purchase a larger one.
The smaller mat is a good alternative for those who may not have enough wall space in their homes. The mini mat is also versatile, as it can be hung both horizontally and vertically due to its reduced dimensions.
Sometimes, parents opt to buy two mini mats instead of one large one. This is a great solution for creating multiple play areas within the home. Your child can play in the bedroom, living room, kitchen—wherever possible. Additionally, two mini mats are often used in families with multiple children, ensuring each child has their own designated play area.
There are no strict rules or limitations! All you need to do is hang the mat on the wall, and the rest will take care of itself. That’s our philosophy regarding rules and instructions.
The Wonderwall® mats are designed as a creative canvas where children can develop their imagination, creativity, spatial awareness, abstract thinking, and language skills through play. This is why the mats don’t come with specific instructions.
The concept behind the VELCRO® toys is that they can be rearranged anywhere on the mat, allowing for endless combinations and creative compositions. Rest assured, your child will generate their own ideas for games and storylines. You’ll be amazed at how much they can create with the VELCRO® toys.
Of course, the mats can also be used in a more structured manner by introducing various tasks and exercises for children. Different themes will help you and your child explore the world while engaging in exercises for logic, creativity, memory development, and language skills. Play together and brainstorm ideas as a team:
- Learn colors and shapes
- Identify differences and similarities
- Practice basic arithmetic
- Create compositions by analogy or example
- Reproduce compositions from memory
- Form various shapes from individual elements
- Invent stories and plots to develop storytelling skills
- Explore the world, space, ocean, forest, city life, etc.
- Study anatomy, animals, tools, and professions
- Learn language and spelling
- Study foreign languages by themes
The possibilities for using Wonderwall® play sets are truly endless!