About Us / Our Story
Our Story: Where Wonder Grows
The Floor Moment That Changed Everything
I'm Kylie Toynton. I've spent 25 years as a paediatric speech pathologist, helping hundreds of families.
But despite all my training, I struggled with the same challenges as every other parent.
My kids faced mental health challenges. Our family was busy, tired, often in separate rooms—distracted by devices, overwhelmed by life. Together, but not really connected.
I knew what families needed. I'd been saying it for years: "Children need practice. Opportunities to connect, communicate, play together."
But even I was finding it hard to make that happen at home.
The Moment Everything Clicked
One day in my clinic, I invited a family—parents and child—to leave their chairs and sit on the floor with me.
We played a simple game.
And for the first time that session, they relaxed. They laughed. They looked at each other instead of at me. They connected.
That moment sparked something.
What if the answer wasn't more therapy? What if it was simply giving families the tools and permission to play together?
Testing the Idea at Home
I started experimenting. Simple, low-pressure activities to bring my family back into the same space. No perfect script. No pressure to perform. Just presence, play, and shared time on the floor.
It worked.
Not because it was polished—but because it was real.
My kids engaged. We laughed. We connected. And slowly, I saw the same transformation I'd witnessed in that clinic room.
Why Unplugged Play Exists
Most parents know screens aren't the answer—but the alternatives feel too hard. Too much research. Too many choices. Not enough time or energy.
Parents are already at capacity.
So I created what I wished existed: screen-free activities delivered to your door—beautifully simple, developmentally thoughtful, ready to go.
No Pinterest prep. No guilt. No overwhelm.
Just simple tools for joyful connection.
What Makes Us Different
DESIGNED BY A PAEDIATRIC SPEECH PATHOLOGIST Every product chosen with developmental purpose. I know what skills children need at each age, and how play builds them.
BASED ON REAL FAMILY EXPERIENCE I'm not just a clinician—I'm a mum who's lived the overwhelm, the guilt, the exhaustion. These are designed for real families, not perfect ones.
CONNECTION-FOCUSED, NOT JUST EDUCATIONAL Yes, these build skills. But more importantly, they build connection. Because connection is the foundation for everything else—confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, learning.
SIMPLE AND READY TO GO No complicated instructions. No missing pieces. No pressure. Just open and play. We've done the hard work so you don't have to.
The Problem We're Solving
We're living in a time when human interaction is optional—and emotional connection is disappearing.
THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR:
• Nearly half of young Australians feel lonely regularly
• Kids spend more time on screens than in unstructured play
• Family dinners have halved in two decades
• Gen Z is entering adulthood without social skills to thrive
AND PARENTS ARE OVERWHELMED:
• Stretched thin by work and invisible load
• Bombarded by conflicting parenting advice
• Feeling guilty about screen time but unsure of alternatives
• Wanting to be the parent they envisioned but not knowing how
Our Belief
Connection isn't automatic—it's learned, practiced, and built hrough regular moments of joyful discovery.
If our kids don't learn connection at home, where will they?
Our Promise
When you choose Unplugged Play, you're investing in:
✅ Connection - Real, meaningful family time
✅ Confidence - For you as a parent, and for your children
✅ Simplicity - No overwhelm, no guilt, no pressure
✅ Development - Skills that matter, built through play
✅ Joy - The simple pleasure of being together
The Bigger Why
I believe the most important work we do as parents isn't academic tutoring or extracurricular activities.
It's teaching our children how to be human.
How to connect. Communicate. Regulate emotions. Play, create, imagine. Be present with the people they love.
These skills aren't taught through apps or worksheets. They're learned through play—messy, imperfect, joyful play.
And if we don't create space for that play, who will?
Join Us
Whether you're here for a gift or a monthly subscription, you're joining a community of families who believe connection matters more than perfection.
Who believe play is powerful.
Who believe the best gift we can give our children is our presence.
Welcome to Unplugged Play. Welcome to where wonder grows.
MEET KYLIE
Kylie Toynton
Founder & Paediatric Speech Pathologist
• 25+ years working with children and families
• Registered Speech Pathologist
• Mother who understands the real challenges
• Passionate about connection, play, and helping families thrive
OUR VALUES
🌱 Connection Over Perfection - Real families, real moments
🧠 Developmentally Purposeful - Every item chosen with intention
💚 Empathy & Support - No judgment, just understanding
🌏 Australian & Proud - Supporting local makers and stories
♻️ Sustainable & Thoughtful - Quality over quantity, always
GET IN TOUCH
Email: info@unpluggedplay.com.au
Instagram: @unpluggedplay_au
For media inquiries:info@unpluggedplay.com.au
"Connection isn't automatic. It's learned. Practiced. Built.
And if our kids don't learn it at home, where will they?"
— Kylie Toynton, Founder