14 tuff tray ideas, including cutting, counting, and creating

Jul 11, 2023

Tuff tray ideas can be the gift that keeps on giving and we have all the info you need on it - including amazing inspiration.

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Been looking for tuff tray ideas? We hear you. They're one of those ‘open-ended toys’ we hear about so there is a bit of work on your end before your kid can go for it.

We know that as a parent, you are a relentless researcher. First off, it will be the best travel strollers, then things to do with toddlers, followed maybe by the best toys, and eventually - at the teenage stage - the best dad jokes - parents research, a lot. And we’re here to make that a bit easier for you - especially when it comes to the humble tuff tray.

Where we mention food throughout these tuff tray ideas, we know that the cost of living crisis is proving a challenge for many families, so where possible swap out cereal for play sand or - for older kids - real soil from the garden.

The empty simplicity of a tuff tray can be a bit daunting, where do you start? But trust us when we say that the sensory play, the learning, and overall fun that can be had with a tuff tray make it worth the 10 minutes of set up time. There's a reason every nursery and school across the country uses them.

Mum-of-two Jas tells us it was her best investment yet. "Messy play is so important and loved by my two boys. We have water play in there - the non-toys really come into their own here, give them cups, wooden spoons, pans, and sieves from the kitchen. Lots of what you use in the mud kitchen can be used with the tuff tray too." Scroll on to find out what a tuff tray actually is and some great inspirational ideas.

Maths and counting lend themselves brilliantly to tuff tray ideas, this setup from efysreceptionteacher is a brilliant example.

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Another maths idea is from tufftrayobsessed this one is a double whammy, the fine motor skills are getting a workout with the cutting skills AND little ones can really flex their counting skills. A great one to try.

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This is a World Oceans Day theme from tuff_tray_ideas_uk inviting children to help clean the water. We love it as it uses ordinary household items - spy the empty ketchup bottle - for play. And it opens up the conversation about keeping our oceans clean and looking after the environment.

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Tufftrayadventures shares this easy-win water play - simply add washing up liquid and invite the kids to wash up everyday stuff. Another easy tuff tray idea to try. No direct learning here, just having fun splashing about and cooling down. It's great for scooping and pouring, gross motor skills, and teaching responsibility.

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**dino-lovers klaxon** If your kid knows a brachiosaurus from a T-rex then this is the one for them. A setup shared by play.to.learn.with.katy.

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Another great idea for dinosaur tuff tray ideas comes from tufftray_adventures. And is great for sensory/messy play, imaginative play, developing counting, and exploring big and small sizes.

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We love this setup but tuff_tray_ideas_uk the caption reads; "A nice simple set up this morning for some phonics letter practice. Find as many items as you can that begin with the letters on the board. These can be any letters but the phonics programme starts with the letters ‘TAPS’ so is a good starting place for beginners ."

To write on your tuff trays easily, and know it wipes off just as easily try these chalkboard pens from Amazon.

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And also this setup from tufftrayobsessed the caption reads; "Roll and read - sh 🎲 Games like this are super simple to throw together yet really effective when you haven’t got time to make/find resources… like when you planned on making the tray up at lunchtime then get asked to cover dinner duty!"

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This construction tuff tray idea from tufftrayswithsoph is a great one, food is an option or you can use play sand, and maybe build some 'rocks' from lay dough. Get some natural resources in there such as sticks and leaves and real rocks. The addition of signs is a great curiosity point, too.

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Another great construction idea from tufftrayexploringandlearning the caption reads; "Today’s tuff spot tray! Digger land! I’ve been inspired a lot by Pinterest and everyone’s tuff tray ideas! We used the cable reel I made yesterday! And the children loved it!"

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Easter is a great time to hit the themed tuff trays, with so much inspiration to play with. Preschool_ideas_with_claire shares an amazingly easy tuff tray idea which work with Easter theme, and fine motor skills with cutting and rolling. The caption reads; "Easter Tuff Tray 🐰 An invitation to decorate Easter eggs using playdough, buttons, pom poms, Easter cutters, mini eggs, and match sticks."

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tufftrayobsessed shares a collection of their favourite Easter tuff tray ideas, and we love them as they all embrace so many skills, counting, cutting, and creativity. The caption reads; "I’m starting to think about this years Easter trays so thought I’d put together a roundup of trays we’ve made in the past." Now all you have to do is pick one.

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This inspired Christmas tree tuff tray idea comes at you from tufftrayobsessed, and we love it! The caption reads; "Can you decorate the Christmas tree? 🎄 Our nursery class has enjoyed this one so much!" The tweezers work brilliantly on kids' pincer grip (needed for holding pencils) and it's festive and fun.

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Another strong Christmas vibe is this idea from eyfsreceptionteacher- a simple Christmas craft but not at a table, presented on a tuff tray, with glue and all the decorations they need for their stocking.

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A tuff tray, sometimes referred to as a tuff spot is a heavy-duty, plastic builder mixing tray. It typically comes in an octagonal shape - though other shapes are available - and they usually come with an easy-to-assemble stand, which raises it off the ground and can be altered to three heights. However in recent years, as studies from teachwire show how important messy play is for developing minds and bodies it has been adapted as a learning and playing aid for kids. Tuff trays are easy to use and help contain different materials as the raised sides help keep everything on the tray, making it perfect for sensory play.

A tuff tray offers lots of benefits such as:

Ideally you want a tuff tray with a stand, it gives it a much longer life span if it can grow with your tiddler through to aged six/seven years old. In terms of how much you'll pay for one, prices vary depending on the size of the tuff tray.

Most tuff trays come in a hexagonal shape, and if your kid goes to nursery they will probably recognise these. Though there are some circular and square ones available if you prefer.

Original Universal Tuff Tray Cover | View at Amazon

The tuff tray accessory that will make your life so much easier. Just cover it and leave it out - no emptying or moving into the garage or house when the kids are just going to play with it the next day. A definite investment for parents, right there.

If you need more inspiration to add to tuff tray ideas, try our mud kitchen ideas, or if it has all proved a bit much and you'd rather have a lie-down, take a look through our best movies for kids on Netflix or 72 things for kids to do.

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Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodTo covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. With his love of choo-choos, Hey Duggee and finger painting he keeps her on her toes.

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