#USA #New York #Toy Association #Toy Foundation #International Day of Play

Celebrating the International Day of Play

On June 11, 2025, The Toy Association™ and its charitable organization, The Toy Foundation™, joined forces with global partners to mark the second anniversary of the International Day of Play. This day promotes the crucial role of play in the lives of children around the world. As a significant initiative led by UNICEF, the International Day of Play is recognized as an essential movement to ensure every child's right to a safe and inclusive play environment.

Call to Action for Global Play

The Toy Association is one of 15 organizations that have rallied together to support this significant cause. The observance of this day serves not only as a celebration but also as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic change that encourages access to safe, enriching play experiences for all children, regardless of their circumstances. The UN's adoption of this day last year amplifies the mission to ensure every child enjoys their right to play.

To celebrate, The Toy Foundation is taking bold action by donating 290,000 new toys, valued at approximately $3 million, to children in need around the globe. The donations come from various toy companies and include a range of products from plush toys and dolls to educational tools and action figures, aiding children facing hardships such as hospitalization and those living in low-income areas or affected by disasters.

Bringing Play to the Heart of Policy

Last week, The Toy Association took this mission directly to U.S. Congress, celebrating the First Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill. The event welcomed Members of Congress and their teams for an enjoyable afternoon focused on highlighting play's importance in childhood development. Alongside this, the association showcased its educational initiative, The Genius of Play™, which raises awareness about the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that play provides.

During this celebration, toy industry leaders are meeting with federal lawmakers to enhance the visibility of the industry while discussing the overarching impact that tariffs have on toy businesses. The toy sector significantly contributes to the economy, supporting an estimated 661,809 American jobs and generating $41.7 billion in wages.

An Industry United for Play

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, affirmed, “The Toy Association and its Toy Foundation proudly represent an industry united by a shared belief that play is essential to childhood.” He emphasized the importance of standing together with global allies and nonprofit partners, highlighting their efforts to advocate for smart policies in Washington. This unity expresses a commitment to expand access to play for all children through the Toy Foundation's philanthropic initiatives. The International Day of Play strongly amplifies this message on a global scale.

About The Toy Association

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™ is dedicated to promoting the welfare and growth of the U.S. toy industry, significantly impacting the economy. The Association and its members advocate for the developmental benefits of play, working tirelessly to enhance toy safety and policy advocacy. Since its inception, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to over 33 million children in need across the globe.

As a prominent player in the toy industry, The Toy Association continues to produce renowned events such as the Toy Fair™ in New York City and advocates relentlessly for play's critical role in child development, aiming to create a world where every child can indulge in the joy that comes from embracing play.