Frequently Asked Questions

At The Playful Collective we want to make sure that you have a wide range of options when it comes to payment methods. We offer PayPal, Credit Card, Afterpay, Zip, Laybuy and our very own 3-Month Lay-by Program!

GIFT CARDS

The Playful Collective Gift Cards can only be redeemed online at theplayfulcollective.com.au. They cannot be redeemed for cash or returned for a refund.

Unused balances are not refundable or transferable. The Playful Collective are not responsible for lost or stolen Gift Cards. Risk of loss or theft and title for Gift Cards passes to the purchaser on transfer.

Gift Cards and purchases made with Gift Cards are subject to the terms of trade as set by The Playful Collective, which may change from time to time. All Gift Voucher Values expire 3 years after purchase in line with Consumer Law.

AFTERPAY

What is Afterpay?

Afterpay allows you to purchase from The Playful Collective and pay later in 4 easy interest-free instalments.

How does Afterpay work?

To pay with Afterpay: 

• Add your items to the cart
• Select Afterpay as the payment option at the checkout  
• Signup or use your existing Afterpay account   
• Once approved, The Playful Collective will process and despatch your order    

Is there any interest on the amount paid?

No, there is no interest payable by you.

Is there an order limit?

No, there is no Afterpay order limit set by The Playful Collective.

What are other terms and conditions I need to be aware of?  

Full terms & conditions are available at http://www.afterpay.com/terms

How often are repayments made?

Afterpay offers your order to be paid in 4 instalments with repayments automatically
occurring every 2 weeks.

How do I sign up for Afterpay?

Select Afterpay as a payment method (or visit the website). You can register as you complete your purchase.

How do returns work with Afterpay?

Merchants will be able to initiate all eligible refunds on your behalf. Once completed,
your refund will be applied to your order.

Can I place an Afterpay order with you over the phone?

Afterpay is available as an online payment method only and requires login credentials
for authorisation. Our team members or merchants are unable to place an order on your behalf.

Where can I find out more about Afterpay?

If you would like to know more about Afterpay, visit the Afterpay website www.afterpay.com for a comprehensive list of FAQs & terms.
Afterpay’s Privacy Policy can be found at https://www.afterpay.com/ privacy-policy.  

3-MONTH LAY-BY

For all information on how to order using our 3-Month Lay-by Program, and all T&Cs, click here.

Absolutely! We are more than happy to cater for orders which are gifts.

The order will be wrapped in eco-friendly wrap and twine. A personal note can also be written inside one of our gorgeous Greeting Cards by Two Little Ducklings, available here.

We are always happy to help accomodate any special requests - all you need to do is ask!

When your order has shipped, you will receive an email from us with your tracking number and carrier. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available. If you haven't received your order within the expected time frame, please contact us at hello@theplayfulcollective.com.au with your name and order number, and we will happily look into it for you!

Our water beads aren't just fun and a total sensory dream - they are non-toxic and biodegradable! They can help promote learning in many different areas - sensory, fine motor, colour recognition, creativity, as well as maths and science concepts such as absorption and to promote scientific observations such as predictions.

For every 10g of water beads, soak the beads in 1L of water for 8 hours. Some kits include 50g of beads, so you will need 5L of water, etc. Beads expand up to 10 x their original size!

They may be cool, but they are not made to be eaten, and can pose a potential choking hazard to littlies. Therefore they are best used by older children who don't mouth objects,. We don't recommend the use of sensory beads with children under 3 years old. Please use your own best judgement for when they are ready to use water beads - at the end of the day, you know your child better than anyone.

Can I reuse the beads?

Yes! Soak in water to rehydrate them once they have shrunk considerably. To increase the life of the beads, try not to let them ever completely dry out.

How long do water beads last?

Unused, water beads can last up to 2 years! However, once you have absorbed them in water they will need to be looked after. After each play and then once a week wash them thoroughly with water and a tiny bit of hand sanitiser, and they should last for weeks and even months! However if not looked after please check them for mould before play, as when they have been wet and not regularly cleaned they can potentially develop mould.

How do I dispose of the beads?

Our water beads are completely biodegradable! Simply smoosh them up (this is super fun and satisfying to do) and spread through your compost or garden.

_{Precautions & Safety Information}

_{Our polymer products are Non-Toxic and 100% Colourfast. Unlike other similar products on the market our water beads and snow will not stain, however they should be treated as water and not allowed in contact with moisture sensitive surfaces or electrical appliances. Do not keep expanded product in direct sunlight.}

_CAUTION:

• _{Keep unexpanded products away from children under 6 years. Ingestion hazard.}
• _{Keep out of reach of children under 3 years at all times - May present a choking hazard.}
• _{Do not swallow or eat this product. Do not consume any discarded water.}
• _{Do not dispose of water beads down the drain. Do not place in fish tank or waterway.}

_{Product is NON-TOXIC but is not suitable or fit for human or animal consumption.
For personal hygiene purposes we recommend washing your hands thoroughly before and after contact.}

Here's a list of handy tips and answers to any of your burning questions, straight from the creators of MakeMUD, Muddy Puddly Laboratory!

How do I make playdough from MakeMUD?

Directions are provided on all MakeMUD pouches. For MakeMUD playdough, empty all the powder into a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons (60 mL) of freshly boiled water. You may be tempted to add more, but don't just yet. Mix all the water through the powder first, and when cool enough, knead into a crumbly dough. Now add more hot water, just a few drops at a time, kneading constantly to create a playdough with your desired consistency. Knead playdough till cool and no longer sticky. Little hands may like to help with kneading thedough when the hot water is thoroughly mixed through, and it is warm but safe to touch (adult to check first). It is a sensory delight to help make muddy and warm playdough! 

How much playdough do I get from one pouch of MakeMUD Playdough Powder?

Each pouch contains 200g of MakeMUD Playdough Powder, and needs 70-80 mL of water, producing around 220g of playdough product. 

Do I need to use hot water for MakeMUD playdough?

We advise using freshly boiled water, straight from the kettle, to achieve the smoothest, darkest playdough. You will still get a playdough if using cold water, but it will be light in colour, and have a grainier look and texture. 

Help, my playdough turned out too sticky!

This can happen if too much water is used. We advise you start off conservatively with 3 tablespoons (60 mL) per pouch to begin with, knead through, and then add very little water at a time, as needed. Often, if you keep kneading until the playdough
cools down, it will lose its stickiness. If your playdough is still too sticky, simply add a
little bit of flour and knead it through until it reaches your desired consistency. 

What ingredients are in MakeMUD Playdough Powder?

MakeMUD Playdough Powder contains: 

Sterilised soil or sand, certified organic wheat flour, salt, cream of tartar, vegetable oil (sunflower/canola), pure vegetable glycerine (palm oil free, non GMO, soy/rapeseed derived) 

My child has allergies, can they use MakeMUD?

Please see the question above for full ingredients list for MakeMUD playdough powder. Contains wheat (gluten) and soy. MakeMUD does not contain nuts, dairy, eggs or corn, but is handmade in a facility that contains those items. Even though the utmost care is taken to produce our products in a clean environment, cross contamination could occur. If you have any specific health concerns, please consult your child's doctor before using our products.

Is it okay for my child to eat MakeMUD products?

MakeMUD is a toy and not suitable for consumption. Even though the soil/sand component is thoroughly sterilised before being mixed with food-grade ingredients, we advise direct adult supervision at all times, just as when young children play in the garden or sandpit. 

How do you sterilise the soil for MakeMUD?

Sterilising soil and sand is the most important and time-consuming step in making MakeMUD. After being dug, gently filtered by our fingers to ensure no minibeasts will be harmed, and then sifted, the soil is placed in a hot and moist environment in an oven. Once the internal temperature has reached 100 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, any live matter within the soil has been eliminated and the soil is sterilised. This ensures the soil stays fresh for many months to come. 

How can my MakeMUD playdough stay fresh for a long time?

Like all playdough, MakeMUD is best stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place when not in use. If the playdough has been left out too long and feels dry, wet your hands with water and give it a good knead to return its softness. Our playdough easily lasts for 6 months when stored correctly. 

Does MakeMUD contain any colours or fragrance?

No, we don't add any colour or fragrance to our MakeMUD products. If you desire it, we encourage you to experiment with adding your own colours, fragrance, bioglitter, dried petals, herbs, spices... Remember, with MakeMUD, you're the one making the mud!  

Can I compost MakeMUD and its packaging?

Our MakeMUD sensory products are compostable. Just break them up and stir it through your compost pile. Our ziplock pouches and bioplastic mail carriers are also home compostable.