#United States #New York #Toy Foundation #Toy of the Year #Puppetronic

Celebration of Toys at the 25th Toy of the Year® Awards

On February 28, 2025, the 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards took place in New York City, spotlighting the highest creativity and innovation within the toy industry. This ceremonial event gathered nearly 800 professionals dedicated to toys and play, to honor not only award winners but also the inductees of this year's Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

The prestigious title of “Toy of the Year” was awarded to the RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic, a charming animatronic puppet inspired by the well-loved Disney character Stitch. This creation also claimed the title of Tech Toy of the Year, underscoring its blend of fun and technological advancement. Another standout was the Story Time Backgammon, a distinctive board game that assists children as young as three in learning to play Backgammon by connecting storytelling with gameplay. This engaging toy secured the People's Choice Award after garnering the most votes from online participants.

The TOTY awards recognized excellence across 16 different categories, with notable winners including:

• - Action Figure of the Year: Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime from Hasbro, Inc.
• - Collectible of the Year: Deddy Bears Plush in Coffin (Innov8 Academy)
• - Construction Toy/Playset of the Year: Gecko Run Marble Run from Thames & Kosmos, LLC
• - Creative Toy of the Year: Mini Brands Create MasterChef from ZURU, Inc.
• - Doll of the Year: 12" Rainbow Brite Doll from The Loyal Subjects.
• - Educational Toy of the Year: National Geographic Epic Circuits Science Kit from Blue Marble
• - Game of the Year: UNO Show 'em No Mercy by Mattel, Inc.

Each category exemplified the spirit of play, creativity, and innovation, essential qualities in the world of toys. Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director of The Toy Foundation, emphasized the event's significance by stating, “The TOTY Awards celebrate the best in the toy industry, including the creativity and passion behind each product. Kudos to all the nominees and winners for their remarkable accomplishments.”

Additionally, during this festive night, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame welcomed notable figures such as Maxine Clark, founder and former chief executive of Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Professor Erno Rubik, the mastermind behind the Rubik's Cube. Their contributions to the toy industry have left a lasting legacy, celebrated through a special exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic segment of the Toy Association, benefits from the proceeds of the TOTY Awards, helping to bring joy and play to children in need across the globe. TTF has successfully delivered play to millions of children by collaborating with various organizations and executing programs aimed at enhancing the lives of young individuals during tough times.

The charitable spirit of the event also includes an online auction featuring some of the award-nominated toys, with proceeds directed towards supporting initiatives that benefit children's well-being. The auction remains open until March 4, allowing individuals to contribute while acquiring some of the best toys in the industry.

To learn more about the TOTY Awards and the voting process involved, visit ToyAwards.org. For updates on the Toy Foundation and its impactful initiatives, follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

About The Toy Foundation
The Toy Foundation (TTF), established as a 501(c)(3) charity, acts as the philanthropic bridge within the toy community, working to ensure that every child enjoys the numerous benefits of play. With support from its extensive membership, TTF has touched the lives of over 34 million children worldwide, advocating for the importance of toys and play in childhood development.

About The Toy Association
Founded back in 1916, The Toy Association is the primary business trade association for companies involved in developing, manufacturing, and selling toys. The organization plays a pivotal role in promoting safety, development, and economic growth for the U.S. toy industry, which contributes significantly to the national economy.

Conclusion

This year’s TOTY Awards served as a celebration of not only industry excellence but also the dual commitment to philanthropy, underpinning the very essence of play in every child’s life.