Yes, the alphabet ones would be funner. Even though my alphabet ones are on the wall we still use them to sing the alphabet song and each child knows where the letter is that their name begins with. (however, it was pretty easy when all 4 had the same letter lol) I also ask the older ones where such and such letter is and they run to find it. I wipe them down periodically but because they are on the wall, they don't get dirty.

I would love to have a big child's themed circle rug but I find them expensive. Target sells little floor carpets for the different holidays and I've been buying them. The kids love sitting on them when I have them on the floor in front of the kitchen sinks so I think I may just pick up a few and use those for circle times!