Getting Started with the Flisat/messy play activity table

It was only a few months ago but I can still remember the excitement of discovering the IKEA Flisat table (what has my life come to!). I spent hours scouring images in Instagram of all the different configurations, activities and ideas that were possible and I desperately tried to get hold of one. It was sold out for weeks as the second lockdown was in effect so I think lots of parents were looking for things to entertain their young ones. I looked on eBay and Facebook marketplace but couldn’t find them anywhere, I was so gutted! There were other similar tables available but they were all double the price or more.

Eventually they came back into stock (after daily checking!!) and I got one ordered only for it to say it wouldn’t deliver for 2 weeks! But at least I had one on the way! 

My 2 year old absolutely loves sensory and messy play so I couldn’t wait to start getting her set up with activities more easily.

I've been asked by quite a few people now what the table is and where I get all the ideas from for play so hopefully this post will let you know all you need to get going.

What’s a Flisat?

Some of you may not have heard of these tables so let me explain! These tables are just like any other table but they have two rectangular holes cut into them so that you can put boxes in them with activities for your children to do. They have two wooden lids over each of the holes too so that you can cover the activities up before/after they’re used. You don’t even need to use them for activities! You could just use them for storage if you like. 

Flisat Table
Flisat Table
Flisat Table with Kritter chair
Flisat Table with Kritter chair

Alternatives

Firstly here is where you can find the flisat table.

There are other similar tables out there but they all seem to be a lot more expensive. Also, I have not tried any of these so I can’t comment as to whether they are any good or how they compare, however when reading other reviews and comparing them based on how we use our table I haven’t come across anything that is as good for the same price.

If you want something to contain messy play that’s a little cheaper you can look into Tuff Trays. These are plastic trays that can be used on the floor - or mounted onto legs if you buy the attachment. They come in many different sizes. The cheapest ones i’ve found so far are on eBay for around £17 or £40 with a frame. 

Painting on a Tuff Tray
Painting on a Tuff Tray

Other ideas include using a paddling pool or if you really don’t want to buy anything extra just use a sink, a couple of boxes, tarpaulin or the bath!

You don't have need to get an activity table. Using a couple of boxes can be just as effective
You don't have need to get an activity table. Using a couple of boxes can be just as effective

Using your table

Once you get your table putting it together is super easy and takes only a couple of minutes. All the tools are provided. 

If you are planning to use water or liquids with your table however I do have a big recommendation in order to preserve your table as much as possible. When I received our table my husband gave it three coats of varnish. He used a good quality exterior wood or yacht varnish such as Ronseal Yacht Varnish. This particular varnish is satin but you can get matt varnishes too. If you are worried about food safety/child friendliness please check that the varnish you have chosen is suitable.

Varnishing it is a good idea whether you’re using water or not as you will find the wood may stain if you use some food dyes or if your little ones draw on the table with pen/crayon etc (trust me it’s saved us a couple of times!). I would still not recommend leaving your table outside when it’s varnished. If you want your table to last definitely bring it indoors after use or at the very least keep it undercover.

You can buy a whole load of different boxes for your table, they vary by colour and size. There are effectively four sizes - shallow, deep, very deep and half shallow. You can also get lids for when you store them away from the table but the lids can be easily covered within the table too.

This gives you an idea about how deep the different trays you can by are
This gives you an idea about how deep the different trays you can buy are
A ball and rainbow for comparison
A ball and rainbow for comparison


I initially bought 2 deep boxes, 2 shallow ones and 2 half boxes. I use the two shallow ones the most. They seem to be the most practical as with the deep ones you need to fill them a lot for them to be completely accessible if you have toddlers. My 2 year old struggled to reach the bottom of the box when I first got it. 

I also bought a couple of yellow boxes because I was worried about food dye discolouring the white boxes but fortunately so far that actually hasn’t happened!

Cleaning and Mess Prevention

I don’t know about you, but my kitchen sink is not big enough to wash the boxes easily. What I do instead is wash them in the bath. I find it makes it easier to get into the nooks and crannies and I avoid soaking the entire kitchen!

I bet you’re wondering what “prevention” is! Well we all know that our little ones love chaos and mess and that’s all very well inside within the boundaries you set them (table etc). But the table is not sealed so small particles (rice, sand etc) and water/liquids will fall through the gaps and get everywhere! 

It’s a good idea if you’re using liquid and your table is on a carpet or wooden floor to put towels underneath and around the table or a ground sheet/waterproof sheet.

I find putting sheets underneath makes it easier to tidy up afterwards as it contains the mess with the sheet and you can just pick it up and either pour it back into the boxes or into the bin. 

Another trick is to get a sheet and place it over the table but under the boxes to avoid getting anything on the actual table. This is a great way to help to preserve your table if you decide not to varnish it

Table Shopping List

The table and a couple of half boxes are the minimum you need to get started, the rest are just extras. I’ve given links to the white boxes but there are a few different colours you can find on their website. 

Activity Shopping List

Here are some suggestions for quick and easy play ideas so you can get started right away! Some of the things you may have at home already or you can use things that are similar to get the same effect. Have fun with some food dye to get all the colours of the rainbow incorporated. Please always supervise your children whilst doing these activities and take into consideration their age when choosing what to do. Although many of these are edible they are not necessarily all safe if your baby is small and likes to put things in their mouths! 

Of course these are all completely optional. Take them as inspiration for your messy play adventures and mix and match as you like!

Also a lot of these are reusable! As long as you store them well depending on the ingredient you can keep them for days or even months. 

Water beads I've stored in sealed bags for future play
Water beads I've stored in sealed bags for future play

Ingredients

Anything can be an ingredient. Just try to make sure you use ingredients that are safe for your baby depending on their age and if they tend to eat everything! Sometimes you might need a little prep before a messy play if you are dyeing things for example, but many messy plays require little or no prep.

  • Water on its own or with baby bubble bath
  • Food dye
  • Rice
  • Oats
  • Cereal (weetabix, corn flakes etc)
  • Dried chickpeas 
  • Tinned chickpeas/lentils
  • Cornflour & Water (oobleck)
  • Shaving foam 
  • Pasta/pasta shapes
  • Sand (homemade or bought)
  • Sticks & leaves
  • Mud/soil
  • Yogurt
  • Paint
  • Scraps of material
  • Water beads
Dyed chickpeas drying
Dyed chickpeas drying

Tools and Toys

Please bear in mind that if you’re using food dye (no matter how dry you think it might be!) you may end up dyeing your toys and tools. I have a beautiful set of silicone people that I put in her table with some dyed chickpeas that are now stained! I was so sad! They are still very usable, but I had just got them so it was too soon! I have some lovely wooden scoops which are starting to stain slightly. The trick is to be prepared and not too attached to anything! At the end of the day they’re having fun!

Tools and toys for the Flisat/Messy play
Tools and toys for the Flisat/Messy play
  • Animal figurines
  • Large tweezers
  • Bowls
  • Scoops, jugs, cups & buckets
  • Spoons, forks & paint brushes
  • Cotton wool balls

These lists are by no means exhaustive. Take a walk through your kitchen, house, garden/park and come up with your own. You can even theme your tables for example for a holiday like Easter/Passover, the seasons, a particular animal or story or night and day as I've done in the main image. Most of all, whatever you do, have lots of messy fun!

The messiest of messy plays
The messiest of messy plays - cornflour, cocoa powder and water

Follow us on Instagram for more inspiration and ideas on things to do with your table and other fun!

The links in this article are not affiliate links. I don't get any money or rewards for referring you to those sites. All opinions are my own. I purchased the table and other tools myself.