#Germany #Nuremberg #ToyAward #tonies #Waytoplay Toys

ToyAward Honors Innovative Toys at Spielwarenmesse

The ToyAward is a prestigious recognition in the world of toys, honoring exceptional innovations based on quality, playability, and market potential. During the Spielwarenmesse held in Nuremberg, Germany, the award committee evaluated numerous product submissions to spotlight six outstanding ideas that stand out in the toy industry for 2026.

One of the remarkable winners is My First Tonies by Tonies in the Baby & Infant category. This innovative product allows children as young as one to engage with sound in an explorative manner, connecting them to delightful storytelling and auditory experiences. With figures that are easy for little hands to grasp, toddlers can immerse themselves in adventures like climbing trees with monkeys, developing their vocabulary through playful interaction. The jury praised it as a harmonious mix of age-appropriate storytelling and sensory enrichment.

In the PreSchool category, the game Der Berg ruft by Auzou jeux/Hutter Trade took the lead. This engaging game introduces preschoolers to climbing — one of the most popular sports. It features teams scaling a vertical wall while estimating rope lengths and coordinating with fellow teammates. The award criteria highlighted its coherent design and engaging gameplay that encourages strategic thinking and dexterity among little players.

Franckh-Kosmos shone in the SchoolKids category with its cooperative game Temple Twist. Players must work as a team to navigate through the rotating labyrinth of the temple in search of treasure. The experience is a blend of innovative storytelling and intricate design, earning high praises for its clever concept and entertainment value.

For the Teenager & Adults category, iDventure presented CluePuzzle – The Wonderbox of Alice, a sophisticated combination of escape-game mechanics and 3D puzzling. This intricate game features over 180 wooden pieces to construct a puzzle box with interactive elements. It challenges players' logic and spatial awareness while allowing them to unleash their creativity.

Meanwhile, the Startup category was awarded to Beaver Edu SAL for its Beaver Edu Construction Kit. This product encourages children to explore their engineering skills by building designs with real wood sticks. The patented cutting tool included in the kit ensures safe handling while teaching children the joys of crafting and technical thinking.

Lastly, in the Sustainability category, Waytoplay Toys won with its product called Arches. Recognizing the importance of eco-friendly materials, this toy comprises recycled plastic and innovative designs that stimulate creativity while making playtime environmentally conscious. Its clever geometry and high-quality manufacturing sets it apart as a leading sustainable product in the market.

Each winner was selected by an international jury consisting of experts from various fields, including retail and toy safety. They thoroughly evaluated product submissions, focusing on playfulness, safety, originality, and potential for retail success. The 2026 ToyAward not only celebrates excellence in toy manufacturing but also emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving world of children’s play.

This year's triumphant products showcase how creativity and quality come together to enhance children's play experiences, shaping the future of the toy industry for generations to come.