Melissa and Doug Founders Honored in Toy Hall of Fame at Toy Fair® 2026

Honoring a Legacy of Playfulness

Doug and Melissa Bernstein, the creative minds behind the renowned children's brand Melissa & Doug®, have received a prestigious accolade: induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. This recognition occurred at the Toy Foundation's Toy of the Year® Awards Gala in New York City during Toy Fair® 2026. Their remarkable contributions to the toy industry have profoundly impacted development-focused play for children over the decades.

A Commitment to Purposeful Play

For over 30 years, the Bernsteins have dedicated themselves to revamping the concept of play for children. Their approach involves intertwining timeless play patterns with innovative designs. By using high-quality materials, original art, and realistic details, they've redefined classic toys and introduced new ones that encourage deeper engagement and creative exploration.

This uncompromising philosophy is reflected in their brand's accolades, proudly boasting the title of the #1 Preschool Brand for Wooden Sustainable Toys and the top brand in children's puzzles, among numerous other achievements. Signature products like the Scoop Serve Ice Cream Counter™, Dust! Sweep! Mop!™, and a rich assortment of wooden puzzles have established themselves as essential in homes and classrooms.

Celebrating Achievements

Lauren DeFeo Duchene, President of Melissa & Doug and EVP at Spin Master, expressed elation at the induction, mentioning, "Melissa and Doug are true icons for all of us who are part of the Melissa & Doug family. Their enduring belief in purposeful play has laid a foundation that continues to inspire our work today. This brand has thrived through the love and trust of families and educators. Their legacy ensures a rich respect for childhood, profoundly impacting generations.”

Innovations on Display

The Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction coincided with Toy Fair® 2026, where Melissa & Doug unveiled their latest innovative products grounded in the philosophy of purposeful play. Their exhibit underscored how thoughtfully designed, open-ended toys can aid children from infancy up to six years old at every developmental stage.

In tandem with these celebrations, the brand also announced nominations for two Toy of the Year® awards:
1. Melissa & Doug Blockables™ - Toy of the Year for Construction Toys
2. Melissa & Doug Simmer Stir Stovetop Play Set™ - Toy of the Year for Preschool Toys

The Melissa & Doug Vision

From timeless wooden toys and developmental games to creative arts and crafts, Melissa & Doug aims to inspire children through playful engagement. Their approach is rooted in the belief that the way children play now shapes who they become later in life. Their ongoing commitment to creating toys that inspire development and discovery continues to solidify their position in the toy industry as a leader in encouraging child creativity and learning. Melissa & Doug operates as a subsidiary of Spin Master Corp (TSX:TOY), recognized as a leading global children's entertainment company. Learn more at MelissaAndDoug.com