Winter is fast approaching and this year (to prep for those dreaded, yet occasional, stuck-inside-days) Hazel and I finally took the plunge and grabbed two Gathre playsets for our kiddos.

She chose the arc and I picked the block version and honestly we wish we would’ve made the leap sooner. We are two happy mamas right now.

Gathre is a game-changer in the world of playsets. Two years ago I invest in their childrens floor cushions and they’ve become a staple our living room my two kiddos. From five-minute-fort-building to soft-landing-spaces, our Gathre floor cushions have been through it all—and still look chic in our main entertaining area. I also appreciated that Gathre’s claim-to-fame resilience has held true. With mere alcohol wipes I’ve cleaned pen, sharpie, marker and highlighter off the cushion covers.

We are three weeks into life with our new Gathre playsets, and both of our living rooms have been bursting with fun and creativity. I love how the playsets intrinsically teach the basics of balance, symmetry, and spatial awareness. It’s honestly a shining example of what playtime should be – imaginative, engaging, quick-to-clean-up and beautiful.

Gathre was founded in 2014 by two sisters-in-law, Marilee Killpack and Jessica Hoiland, who shared a passion for design and a vision to create beautiful, practical products for families.

What I Love About It | These are a timeless toys—while the playsets are listed for “5 and under” their foam and sizing engages our older kids too. Even our 8-year-old cousin was having a ball moving the giant foam blocks around. Plus, the neutral leather tones and sweet stripes make for a visual treat. It keeps any play area calm for both you and the kiddos. Also, if you are a toy-rotation fan, the playsets come with come with a handy, mega-large, storage bag to keep the blocks out of sight and out of mind.

Good To Knows | Compared to the more traditional “Nugget” or “Figgy” Gathre’s playset blocks are larger in size but fewer in quantity. Personally, I think fewer blocks was worth it for our family because we are still living in stain-city and Gathre’s wipeable leather is a lifesaver. *Our previous experience with the washable suede of other playsets resulted in three failed attempts to remove various peanut butter stains from that one time my sweet two-year-old snuck a sandwhich into playtime.

Price | $300-$400

Ethics | First off, Gathre’s unique vegan leather is demonstrably lead-free, which is a need-to-have in products your kiddos are using on the daily. In a world where many faux leathers still contain lead in their glaze (check out the Center for Environmental Health’s 2009 faux leather report) Gathre stands out for being California Prop 65 compliant and contain no lead or harmful chemicals. I also appreciate how Gathre has a history of supporting charitable causes and organizations. They run campaigns or partnerships where a portion of their sales proceeds was donated to selected charities or nonprofit organizations. These initiatives often align with causes related to children, families, and environmental sustainability, reflecting Gathre's commitment to values beyond profit.

Sustainability |   Gathre prioritizes eco-friendly materials and production processes, striving to minimize its environmental impact. The company's dedication to creating products that stand the test of time contributes to a culture of conscious consumption, encouraging customers to invest in quality items that last. Gathre products are made in the United States. As far as areas for improvement, I’m hoping to see a bit more clarity on their website over the next few years regarding transparent green shipping.

C & C Overall Review | In our opinion, these playsets are some of the best investments in long-term, creative play you can make. We love how Gathre ranks with their ethics and sustainability goals.

Have you found a playset you adore? What other toys do you depend on to help your kids enjoy winter when sometimes you might find yourself and your family stuck in doors?

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

XOXO,

Lemon