It’s five minutes until dinner, and your child is bouncing off the walls. You need something—anything—to keep them entertained, but you know what’s coming: the tablet tantrum or another pile of crumpled colouring pages on the floor. What if there was a way to keep them engaged without the mess, the waste, or the screen time guilt? Enter the reusable colouring mat: a simple yet genius invention that’s saving parents everywhere from the daily chaos of keeping kids occupied.

What Are Reusable Colouring Mats?

Unlike traditional colouring books that get tossed after one use, reusable colouring mats are designed to be wiped clean and used again and again. Made from durable, non-toxic silicone, these mats allow kids to colour, erase, and restart—endlessly. They’re perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet time at home, offering a screen-free solution that sparks creativity and keeps little hands busy.

Why Reusable Colouring Mats Are a Game-Changer for Parents

Less Waste, More Fun

Did you know that the average child uses over 800 sheets of paper per year for art and schoolwork? That’s nearly one tree per child, per year (Source: Environmental Paper Network). With a reusable colouring mat, kids can doodle to their heart’s content without contributing to the ever-growing pile of discarded paper.

Built To Last

Unlike flimsy paper or throwaway activity books, high-quality reusable colouring mats are made from food-grade silicone, which can withstand years of creative play. No more ripped colouring books or piles of colouring pages—just a long-lasting canvas for limitless imagination.

Mess-Free And Easy to Clean

Kids love making art. Parents? Not so much when it involves scrubbing crayon off the walls. Reusable mats wipe clean with a damp cloth, meaning no more frantic clean-ups before guests arrive.

Encourages Focus And Fine Motor Skills

Studies show that colouring improves concentration and hand-eye coordination (Source: American Journal of Occupational Therapy). Double-sided mats with detailed designs—like the ones from Little Change Creators—give kids more variety, helping them develop focus, patience and attention to detail while having fun.

A Lifesaver For Travel And Dining Out

Anyone who’s tried to keep a child entertained at a restaurant knows the struggle. A reusable colouring mat is compact, lightweight, and perfect for keeping little ones busy while you enjoy a meal in peace. Just toss one in your bag, and you’re good to go!

Why Kids Love Them (And Parents Swear By Them!)

Unlike some reusable mats that feature overly simple designs, kids are drawn to mats that provide detailed, engaging scenes—not just basic outlines. That’s why the best colouring mats feature intricate, themed designs that captivate children aged 4–10, sparking storytelling and imaginative play alongside colouring.

Little Change Creators takes this a step further with its People + Planet First approach. As a verified social enterprise, they go beyond sustainability by giving back to the community. Every purchase includes a token that lets customers track their social impact, connecting families to real-world change with a simple scan.

Creative Ways To Use Reusable Colouring Mats

Reusable colouring mats aren’t just for colouring—they’re versatile tools for a range of activities that keep kids engaged and learning.

Playdough And Slime Fun

Use them as a non-stick surface for playdough creations or slime experiments. The smooth texture makes cleanup easy, and kids can use the printed designs as inspiration for sculpting.

Mealtimes And Baking

Perfect for snack time or baking sessions, these mats protect your table from spills and messes. Roll out cookie dough, knead bread, or enjoy a stress-free lunch with an easy-to-wipe surface.

Messy And Sensory Play

Whether it’s finger painting, kinetic sand, or water play, reusable mats keep the mess contained. The durable material ensures they hold up to all kinds of sensory adventures.

Painting, Arts And Crafts

Use them as a base for painting activities, keeping your table paint-free. They’re also great for stamping, stencilling, and collage-making.  Note: Test paints first as some pigments may stain silicone.

Find And Seek Games

Transform colouring mats into interactive games by challenging kids to find hidden objects, match colours, or complete mazes.

How To Care For And Clean Your Reusable Colouring Mat

One of the best things about reusable colouring mats is how easy they are to clean. Here are the best methods to keep them looking fresh:

Damp Cloth

For everyday cleaning, a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes most marker stains.  For convenience, look for colouring sets that include a washable cleaning cloth.

Dishwasher Safe

Many mats can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher for a thorough clean (wipe ink off first).

Washing Machine Friendly

Some mats are machine washable—just check the care instructions before tossing them in.

Alcohol Wipes

For stubborn marks, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes work wonders, restoring the mat to its original state.

Storage

Where possible, store mats flat or rolled up to prevent creases.  Empty toilet rolls and rubber bands are sustainable ways to achieve this.  Creases can be removed with hot water or by placing the mat in a dishwasher.

With their versatility, durability, and eco-friendly benefits, reusable colouring mats are a must-have for any parent looking to encourage creativity while reducing waste. Whether it’s playtime, mealtime, or art time, these mats make life easier for both kids and parents alike.

Making the Switch to Reusable Colouring Mats

If you’re tired of picking up scraps of paper, battling over screen time, or worrying about waste, a reusable colouring mat might just be your new best friend. Whether for home, school, or on the go, it’s a small investment that brings big benefits—for your child, your sanity, and the planet.

So, are you ready to swap the endless paper trail for an eco-friendly, stress-free colouring experience?  Check out Australia's favourite reusable colouring mats, trusted by thousands of parents and loved by kids worldwide!