The Child Unplugged Story
The idea for The Child Unplugged began the way many mum-led businesses do—out of a real, personal need. When my twins were born, I was searching for Montessori-style floor beds with wooden rails and couldn’t find anything locally. So, I had them made myself—and soon began manufacturing them for others.
What started in 2018 as Mumz and Munchkinz quickly grew. I became one of the first in Dubai to offer handcrafted, custom-made children’s furniture. It was a venture born from my desire to balance motherhood with meaningful work on my own terms—something flexible, yet deeply fulfilling.
As the market evolved and big retailers entered the space, I knew I had to pivot. During the pandemic, I shared a photo of a sensory play setup I created at home. The response was overwhelming. That moment sparked a realisation: the demand for meaningful, open-ended, screen-free play was far greater than I had imagined.
Since then, my business has grown alongside my own children—shifting from products to purpose. In 2024, it was reimagined as The Child Unplugged. True to its name, everything I offer now—whether it’s a product, play session, or event—is designed to help children explore, imagine, and connect through unplugged, child-led play.
I am seeking to help combat the increasing reliance on digital screens, offering alternatives that are both educational and enjoyable.
Shop
Boutique Products You Won’t Find on the High Street
We offer handcrafted and curated sensory products that support open-ended play at home or in learning environments.
From homemade sensory bases and loose parts to unique play tools and themed activity boxes, our products are designed to inspire imagination and independence. Many are made in-house, with natural textures and materials that feel good in little hands.
Whether you’re just starting out with sensory play or looking for something truly original, we have everything you need to support development through play — in a way that feels magical, not mass-produced.
Play Sessions
Play Sessions That Inspire Connection
Weekly sessions filled with wonder, calm, and creativity.
Join us in person for sensory-rich, child-led play experiences that are just as much for the grown-ups as the little ones.
Our play sessions are thoughtfully designed to encourage connection, exploration, and calm — whether it’s babies discovering textures or toddlers diving into themed Tuff Tray setups. Held weekly in beautiful venues across Dubai, these sessions are more than just play: they’re mini moments of community and creativity for families seeking mindful time together.
All ages welcome, always unplugged.
Private Events
Make your celebration truly memorable.
Beautifully curated, sensory-rich setups that transform any space into a playful, imaginative haven for little ones.
From birthday parties and baby showers to brand events, pop-ups, and private gatherings, we create custom play zones that are as enchanting as they are engaging. Each setup is thoughtfully designed to suit your theme, age group, and space, with a focus on open-ended play and creativity.
Whether you're hosting birthday or a corporate family day, our trays, props, and sensory stations add a truly unique touch—keeping children happily entertained while parents relax and connect.
Education
Courses & Workshops — Online & In-Person
Support for parents and caregivers, wherever you are.
Learn how to enrich play, bond with your baby, and embrace the season you’re in — with our flexible course offerings.
Our in-person and online training sessions cover everything from baby massage to sensory development, open-ended play, and embracing motherhood with confidence. Each course is research-backed but completely practical, designed for busy parents who want to feel more confident, calm, and connected. Whether you’re attending a live workshop or watching on your own time, you’ll leave with the tools to make play and parenting feel simpler and more joyful.
The Child Unplugged was built by a mum, inspired every day by the children who made me one.
It’s a business rooted in real-life parenting, created from a deep love of connection and play.
My Story
Hi, I’m Hannah Pearce — a 40-year-old mum of three beautiful girls: twin daughters who are nearly eight, and a lively two-year-old who keeps us all on our toes! I’ve called Dubai home for over 15 years now and have been married to my husband for nearly a decade.
Originally from the UK, I studied Business & Communications and spent almost a decade working in fashion and luxury marketing before stepping into motherhood—and eventually, into early childhood education and play.
Dubai is where I’ve raised my family, built a business, and truly found my community. I know the ins and outs of this vibrant city, the best local spots for families, and the rhythm of parenting life here. You’ll often find me attending my own play sessions with my little ones alongside me—something I treasure deeply, as it allows me to experience these magical moments both as a parent and a facilitator.
Balancing motherhood, marriage, and running a business is a daily juggle (and a very real one!), but I genuinely wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m passionate about helping other parents discover the joy and calm that comes through unplugged, open-ended play—and I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love, while raising the little humans who inspire it all.
My Experience
Before starting The Child Unplugged, I spent nearly a decade working in marketing and events — a background that’s helped me shape every part of my business, from product launches to creating memorable experiences for families. I’m also teacher-qualified and a certified baby massage instructor, with more professional training constantly underway. I believe in learning as a lifelong process — especially when it comes to child development and parenting.
But perhaps my greatest teachers have been my own children.
Raising three girls — including a set of twins and a spirited toddler — has taught me more about child development, emotional regulation, and the value of play than any textbook ever could. I’ve lived the everyday joys and challenges of motherhood, and that real-life experience is what guides everything I create — from sensory sets to play sessions, courses, and resources.
I know what it’s like to want to give your child the best but feel overwhelmed with the options. I know how important it is to have easy, meaningful play at your fingertips, especially on the hard days. And I know just how powerful it can be when a child-led setup unlocks calm, focus, and connection — even for a few minutes.
Over the past nine years, I’ve blended professional knowledge with lived experience to build a business that is both purposeful and practical, always centred around what families truly need.
Looking Ahead: The Future of The Child Unplugged
The Child Unplugged has come a long way — but for me, this is just the beginning. My vision for the future is filled with growth, creativity, and deeper impact.
I want to expand the variety of play sessions I offer — bringing The Child Unplugged to more locations, catering to a wider age range, and exploring new themes and formats. I see these sessions becoming more accessible and tailored, so more families can experience the magic of open-ended, screen-free play in ways that suit their lifestyle.
A major focus moving forward is on education. I’m passionate about creating a stronger offering of courses — both online and in person — that support parents in understanding the power of play, exploring different educational philosophies, and feeling more confident in their parenting journey. These courses will be rooted in real-life experience and practical tools, designed to make early learning feel natural, simple, and joyful.
I’m also working to expand my product line, introducing even more one-of-a-kind sensory sets, tools, and activity boxes that are thoughtfully designed to be both fun and educational. I want everything I create to spark curiosity, support development, and bring genuine joy to children and their families.
What drives me most is knowing that I can combine motherhood with meaningful work — and continue to grow something that matters. After all these years, my passion hasn’t slowed down — it’s only grown. I’m excited for what’s ahead and hope you’ll continue this journey with me as The Child Unplugged evolves, expands, and connects with even more families along the way.
