I’m part of the last generation to grow up without phones and apps – and I truly appreciate the difference it made. I remember family dinners at restaurants filled with simple pleasures: coloring sheets, games, and rich conversations that connected all generations. It was a time when entertainment didn’t come with a screen.

Fast forward to having my own children. I realized that these small, simple forms of entertainment had almost disappeared. For many parents, the quick fix became handing over a device to keep kids busy while they tried to enjoy a meal or some downtime. Even though I wanted to keep traveling to beautiful places and staying in luxury hotels, I found myself always carrying a bag full of distractions to keep my kids entertained.

That’s when Playmat was born. I wanted to make it easier for parents to enjoy their time away without relying on screens. The goal? To provide children with creative, screen-free entertainment that lets parents truly disconnect and unwind. We now know how harmful excessive screen time is for kids, and it’s essential that we offer healthier alternatives.