A safe, clean space to set down baby. A picnic blanket. A reading nook. A pretend lava-filled lake. These are just a handful of the ways my little ones and I have been enjoying the Gathre mat since it arrived last week.
This soft bonded leather mat is multi-use (see above), compact, and more beautiful than you’d expect a children’s item could be. This last fact can be attributed to a synthetic polyurethane coating that keeps the mat both water and stain resistant. While the company doesn’t recommend you have an art session with your toddler and non-water soluble paints, just about anything else will wipe cleanly off this surface. And damp grass on picnic day? You’ll never feel wet setting out a meal on this mat.
The Gathre mat was designed as a space for family and friends to come together. The company offers a range of sizes, from a tiny diaper-changing Micro to the sizable Maxi, which comfortably accommodates 10. Pricing ranges from $20 to $120.
When given the opportunity to take a mat for a test-drive, I chose the Midi ($70) which is designed for a gathering of four. The mats are offered in a palette of soft hues and I chose the Rouge, a beautiful, hint of pink that looks quite neutral in any room I set it down in.
Gathre ships its items folded compactly in packaging that could certainly double as a gift box. The company suggests you lay it flat in the sun to release any wrinkles, but I prefer having the folds as a guide for packing the mat neatly away.
The mat is soft to the touch and has a sueded backing. It’s safe for children and contains no PVC, phthalates, lead, or toxins—so you can rest easy setting your little ones down to play.
I’m beyond happy with the simplicity of this beautiful mat and am considering picking up another in a smaller size to go beneath my youngest’s high chair. It’s a great item to have on-hand to toss in your tote or stroller basket when out on family outings. Then, when you’re back home, just wipe it clean and store till next time.
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