If you’re looking for a toy that combines creativity, learning, and hours of screen-free fun, I highly recommend the Janod Cross Roads Play Mats and Accessories. As a busy mum always on the hunt for educational yet fun toys, I was instantly drawn to this beautifully designed new range – and it hasn’t disappointed!

Janod, the well-loved wooden toy brand, has truly created something special. These non-slip, themed play mats are perfect for children aged 2 and up and come in three vibrant designs: The Countryside, The Enchanted Kingdom, and The City Map. Each one offers a unique world of imaginative play, from tractor rides through vegetable gardens to magical castles with unicorns and dragons!

What really sets this collection apart is the attention to detail. Every twist and turn of the road reveals something new – animals to spot, buildings to visit, characters to meet. My toddler loves playing “seek and find,” discovering the postman in the city or the dragon in the kingdom. It’s been wonderful for building vocabulary and sparking conversations.

The matching wooden block sets (made from FSC®-certified wood – big win!) add a 3D, hands-on element. My little one spends ages building farms, fire stations, and enchanted castles. Plus, the push-along wooden cars are easy for small hands to grip and glide perfectly along the roads.

I love that these mats grow with your child – from simple storytelling and pretend play to learning about jobs, numbers, animals, and more. And with the mix-and-match concept, the play possibilities are endless. We’re already planning to collect all three themes to create one big, magical world!

Available now at Hamleys and ideal for birthdays or rainy days, Janod’s Cross Roads range is a brilliant investment in both fun and learning. It’s one of the best interactive play experiences we’ve had at home.

? Highly recommend for parents looking for educational toys that spark imagination and support early learning development!

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.