Ashley Eckstein Hosts "The Force of Play," a TAGIE Celebration Kicking off the 50th Anniversary of Star Wars   CHICAGO, IL | November 9, 2026 — People of Play™ (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, revealed the winners of the 19th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE®) Awards during a ceremony held November 6 at Joe’s Live Concert Venue in Rosemont, IL. The event honored the inventors, designers, suppliers, retailers, marketers, and PR teams whose creativity, passion, and collaboration continue to shape and inspire the global toy and game industry.   This year’s event also brought attendees to a galaxy far, far away to kick off the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. Themed “The Force of Play,” the evening was hosted by Ashley Eckstein, actress, entrepreneur, founder of Her Universe, and the original voice of beloved Star Wars character Ahsoka Tano. In recognition of the iconic franchise's milestone anniversary in 2027, guests received specially created commemorative coins featuring the Star Wars 50th anniversary emblem and the TAGIE Awards logo.   The celebration also included a special video message from Dave Filoni, President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm Ltd., who thanked the toy industry for its years of support and for helping bring the Star Wars galaxy into the hands of fans around the world.   “The TAGIE Awards are a celebration of the creativity, passion, and collaboration that make the toy and game industry so extraordinary,” said Robb LaFlamme, Director of Hardlines at Disney Parks Retail and Development and Chairman of the TAGIE Awards Committee. “This year’s theme, ‘The Force of Play,’ took on a special meaning as we kicked off the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, a franchise that has sparked imaginations and inspired generations through the power of storytelling and play. It’s a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact a single idea can have, and a fitting tribute to the innovators we honored. Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners!”   Winners were determined by a public vote by consumers and the industry. The 2026 TAGIE Award winners are listed below:   Honorees: Lifetime Achievement Award: Pleasant Rowland, founder of American Girl Industry Game Changer Award: Elan Lee & Matthew Inman, co-founders of Exploding Kittens   Award Winners: Toy Innovator of the Year - Ages 0 - 13: Alex Wilde, Cody Hampton, & Jessica Kaups for Disney: Batuu Adventure Buddies, Ewok Toy Innovator of the Year - Ages 13+: Goliath's Clickeez Team for Clickeez Series 3: Bubble Pops Game Innovator of the Year - Ages 0 - 13: Joe Barron, Sophia Ricciardi, David Yakos, Brady Peterson, Danielle Standring, & Grant Lyon for Cross the Line Game Innovator of the Year - Ages 13+: The Spin Master Games Team with Inventors Don Ullman & Bob Driscoll for Murder Phone, Rubik's Rush and Jumanji Ultimate Level Electronic Board Game Licensed Product Innovator of the Year: KAYOU for KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards Young Innovator of the Year: Bryce Mikolajczak for Cell Quest Most Innovative Designer of the Year - Art & Visuals: Matthew Inman & the Exploding Kittens Team for Dead Therapist Most Innovative PR & Marketing Team of the Year: Amanda Rubinos Luna & Ali Way for Disney Lorcana: Curator's Collection, Heroines Edition — A Disney Park & Disney Store Exclusive Sales Innovator of the Year: Tyler Williams & the ZB Designs Sales Team for Wigglitz Most Innovative Partner of the Year: Bang Zoom Design Ltd. for Peekimo, Bitzee Interactive Aquarium, & PAW Patrol Megasaurus Dino Vehicle   During the event, JoAnn McLaughlin, Senior Vice President of Licensed Product Design & Development at Disney Consumer Products, and Brad Schoeneberg, Vice President of Vertical Product Design and Development at Disney Parks Retail and Development, delivered welcome remarks. This year’s awards were sponsored by Disney (Presenting Sponsor), Duracell, Kickstarter, Hasbro, Mattel, University Games, Longshore Ltd., Super Impulse, KenKen, Nextoy, The Play Makers, Backdrop.com, Brown Creative, Baby Paper, and Design Edge.   Founded in 2008, the TAGIEs celebrate the outstanding achievements of toy and game industry leaders from around the world. The awards ceremony takes place annually in the fall in conjunction with People of Play’s annual POP Week (November 5 to 8 in Rosemont, IL), including the Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Young Inventor Challenge, and Chicago Toy & Game Fair.   About People of Play™ peopleofplay.comPeople of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for industry professionals, aspiring inventors, and people of all ages who love to play, People of Play hosts a play platform packed with resources, the largest toy and game directory in the industry, and a wide range of events, including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIEs) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge®, the Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, and more.   About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / peopleofplay.com / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.orgFounded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $155.7 billion, and its roughly 800+ members drive the annual $45.6 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide.  

122 Standout Toys & Games to Inspire Wishlists this Holiday Season   Chicago, IL | November 7, 2026 – Buildable solar flowers, a plush tiger cub that grows, and satisfying sensory toys are among the 122 innovative finalists for the prestigious 2027 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, announced today by The Toy Foundation™ at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) in Rosemont, IL. The reveal comes as CHITAG kicks off its annual Wishlist Weekend (Nov. 7-8), giving families plenty of inspiration for their holiday shopping lists.   The TOTY Awards celebrate the year’s top toys and games while serving as a fundraiser for The Toy Foundation. All proceeds from the TOTY Awards benefit The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund and Toy Chest programs, which bring the comfort, joy, and healing power of play to children in need around the world.   “Behind every great toy is the opportunity to spark joy, inspire imagination, and make a child’s day brighter,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “This year’s TOTY finalists showcase the incredible creativity and innovation of our industry, while reminding us of the powerful impact play can have on a child’s life. Through the TOTY Awards, we celebrate the very best in toys and games while raising critical funds to bring play to children who need it most.”    Fans of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to check out the hottest toys of the holiday season, cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award (now through January 6, 2027), and learn more about The Toy Foundation. The winners in each category, as well as the overall Toy of the Year and People’s Choice Award honorees, will be announced in February 2027.   2027 TOTY FINALISTSDetails on each finalist – including product images and links to shop – are available at ToyAwards.org   ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR Toys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative, and narrative-based play.   Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Figures by Mattel, Inc. Dungeons & Dragons Questers by Basic Fun! LEGO Spider-Man Hero Figure by LEGO Systems, Inc. Power-Charge Spider-Man by Hasbro, Inc. Primal Hatch Megalodon Shark by Spin Master Ltd. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x G.I. Joe Action Figures by Playmates Toys, Inc. Super Mario Yum Yum Yoshi! by JAKKS Pacific   COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR Toys designed for multiple single-item purchases as part of a set or series to collect, such as minis, blind packs, fidget toys, trading cards, impulse/novelty playthings, licensed collectibles, and more.   Clickeez Series 3: Bubble Pops by Goliath North America Happy Haul by Just Play LLC LEGO Minifigures Shrek Series by LEGO Systems, Inc. Magic Jellykins by Spin Master Ltd. Mini Brands Fill The Fridge Playset by ZURU, Inc. NeeDoh by Schylling Toys Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box by The Pokémon Company International, Inc.   CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that encourage hands-on building or assembly as the primary play pattern with pieces that interconnect to create models, scenes, or mechanisms that perform an action or tell a story.   Air Toobz EVO by Fat Brain Toy Co. Jelly Blox Princess Castle by Goliath North America LEGO One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship by LEGO Systems, Inc. LEGO Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy by LEGO Systems, Inc. MAGNA-TILES Undersea Adventure 58-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES MEGA BLOKS Build & Chomp Dinosaur by Mattel, Inc. V8 Race Car by Thames & Kosmos LLC   CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that inspire self-expression, storytelling, and imaginative and artistic play, including products that let kids create, decorate, and dress up, such as arts & crafts kits, compounds, role-play/dress-up items, and more.   Blooms by Play-Doh Meadow Bouquet Set by Hasbro, Inc. Clixo Mega Pack by Toyish Labs, Inc. Graphic Novel Kit by Educational Insights Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul by Moose Toys LLC Stickerbox by Spin Master Ltd. The Ultimate Maker Box by Makedo VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer Pro by VTech Electronics North America LLC   DOLL OF THE YEAR Toys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls.   Bizzikins by Aleni Brands LLC Disney Jr. Sofia the First Swirl & Sing Doll by Just Play LLC Disney Princess Magical Light & Style Rapunzel by JAKKS Pacific Groovy Girls Soft Doll Collection by Sassy Baby, Inc. KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Singing Dolls by Mattel, Inc. Mirror Mi by MGA Entertainment My Mini Baby Series 2 by ZURU – Bundles of Joy by ZURU, Inc.   EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR While all toys have learning benefits, this category recognizes toys and games specifically designed to meet an educational purpose, such as building a specific skill or teaching a particular subject area, including STEM, literacy, or social-emotional learning.   CloudiKids by BTL USA CORP CONNETIX 47-Piece Ball Run Launcher by CONNETIX LEGO Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket by LEGO Systems, Inc. National Geographic Virtual Reality Extinction by Abacus Brands, Inc Slam Dunk Sums by Learning Resources, Inc. Smartivity Solar System by Smartivity Labs SolarFlowers by Thames & Kosmos LLC GAME OF THE YEAR Family and children’s games made for players ages 0-14, including board, card, electronic, and other physical game formats, exclusive of games specifically for players ages 14 to adult (strategy, party, or mature-themed as examples), video games, and app games.   CATAN - On the Road by Asmodee North America, Inc. Foosbots Rivals Cup by Fat Brain Toy Co. Kanoodle Party by Educational Insights Rubik's Rush by Spin Master Ltd. Rump Race by PlayMonster Group LLC Sanibel by Hasbro, Inc. Tonieplay Monopoly Real Estate Rush Game by tonies USA   INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically developed for babies and toddlers up to age 3. (0-18 months (infant) and 18 months-3 years (toddler), does not include ages 3+.)   Fisher-Price Moves with You Turtle Walker by Mattel, Inc. LEGO DUPLO 3 in 1 Construction Vehicles by LEGO Systems, Inc. Lil’ Jellies Jelly Stacker by Goliath North America Little People My Mario Mario's Adventure Playset by Mattel, Inc. On the Airplane Mini Kit by Lovevery, Inc. SortAgain by Fat Brain Toy Co. Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max by Just Play LLC Toniebox Lite by tonies USA KIDULT TOY OF THE YEAR Toys and games developed primarily for consumers ages 14 to adults, including party, strategy, and board games; collector items; craft & model kits; construction sets; and more. These toys are sometimes based on and/or fueled by fandoms, social media, and mature humor.   Disney Princess Mahjong Collector's Set by The Noble Collection Dungeons & Dragons Stranger Things: Welcome to the Hellfire Club by Hasbro, Inc. LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade by LEGO Systems, Inc. Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels Lamborghini Miura by Mattel, Inc. MGA's Miniverse Real Music Record Player by MGA Entertainment SmartGames IQ Puzzler Deluxe by Smart Toys and Games, Inc. Star Wars: Ultimate Grogu by Hasbro, Inc. LICENSE OF THE YEAR An entertainment, celebrity, lifestyle, or social media-driven brand that has achieved notable success through licensed toy lines and brand extensions; or a toy-based IP that has successfully expanded beyond the toy aisle through strategic licensing.   Bluey by BBC Studios Americas KPop Demon Hunters by Netflix Pokémon by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. Spider-Man by The Walt Disney Company The Super Mario Galaxy Movie by NBCUniversal Toy Story by The Walt Disney Company Transformers by Hasbro, Inc.   OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically designed for outdoor play, including outdoor-only ride-ons, such as motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, wagons; bubble toys; and sports toys.   Tractor Supply Bubble Backpack Leaf Blower by Flybar, Inc. Disney Mickey Mouse x F1 Battery Ride-On Car by HUFFY EzyRoller Spinner Pro X by EzyRoller LLC Fast & Furious Dodge Charger 12V Kids Ride-On Car by Hyper Toy Company, Inc. Giant KerPlunk Game by EastPoint Sports Hyper Drive Sky Twister Rocket by Thin Air Brands LLC Micro Balance Bike Ultra LED Neochrome by Micro Kickboard SwimWays Monster Jam Wild Whippin’ Sprinkler by Spin Master Ltd.   PLAYSET OF THE YEAR A themed play environment with characters, accessories, and/or interactive features that support storytelling, role play, or action-based play, such as dollhouses, battle arenas, racetracks, settings for action figures, and more. Exclusive of construction-based playsets covered by their own category.   Barbie DreamHouse by Mattel, Inc. Bluey’s Light & Surprise Heeler House by Moose Toys LLC Crayola Goo Deluxe Dissection Playset by Crayola LLC Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage by Mattel, Inc. Little Tikes Sweet Spaces Modular Kitchen Oven by MGA Entertainment Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane House Play Set by Spin Master Ltd. Multi-Level Railway City Set by Hape PLUSH TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that are made of fabric and stuffed with soft filling, including plush playthings with interactive or electronic features.   Disney Lilo & Stitch Cuddle Tonie by tonies USA Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Bullseye Weighted Plush by Mattel, Inc. furReal Gabby the Glow & Roar Tiger by Just Play LLC GUND Forever Friends Promise by Spin Master Ltd. LeapFrog My Best Pal Scout by VTech Electronics North America LLC Pikachu 30th Celebration Plush by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. ScruffaLuvs Mom & Baby by Moose Toys LLC   PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically developed for kids ages 3-5.   Disney Darlings Magical Birthday Surprises Winnie the Pooh Doll by JAKKS Pacific Imaginext Toy Story Transforming Buzz Lightyear Ship by Mattel, Inc. LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Parlor by VTech Electronics North America LLC MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Spring Garden 24-Piece Travel Set by MAGNA-TILES Melissa & Doug Swirl & Serve Ice Cream Play Set by Spin Master Ltd. Scoot 2 Scooter by The Radio Flyer Company Thomas & Friends Exploring Tidmouth Sheds Train Set by Mattel, Inc.   SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR Toys promoted and sold almost exclusively through independent retailers (neighborhood toy stores, museum shops, vacation destinations, and similar venues) or in limited quantities online. Voted on exclusively by specialty retailers through Astra.   American Girl 40th Anniversary Historical Character Bundles by Mattel, Inc. Light-Up Library — Sammy's Search & Rescue with Tilly The Tugboat by Glo Pals Neo City Knockdown by Mag Rush Orbital Maze by Thames & Kosmos LLC Scooops by Plus-Plus USA SpinAnimator Studio by Tree Town Toys Wigglitz Build Your Bundle by ZB Designs   TECH TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that integrate technology - such as interactive electronics, app connectivity, augmented or virtual reality, or programmable elements - to create immersive, dynamic, and meaningful play experiences.   Bitzee Aquarium by Spin Master Ltd. Boppo Tablet by Boppo  LeapFrog LeapMove by VTech Electronics North America LLC  LEGO Pokémon SMART Play: Training House with Pikachu by LEGO Systems, Inc.  Loops Lab by Loops Pop, Inc.  Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX by Jazwares  Qubitunes by QUBS  Thames & Kosmos Digital Microscope by Thames & Kosmos LLC   VEHICLE OF THE YEAR Toy cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles and ride-ons made exclusively for indoor use.    BRIO World Space Deluxe Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc.  Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Flying RC Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyear Action Figure by Mattel, Inc.  Flat 2 Fast Supercar by Luki Lab  Monster Jam Chomping Megalodon by Spin Master Ltd.  PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle by Spin Master Ltd.  Remote-Control Robotics by Thames & Kosmos LLC  Slime Riders by ArtSkills, Inc.   Click here for more information about the TOTY Awards voting and selection process.   The TOTY Awards gala, taking place Friday, February 19, 2027 in New York City, is open exclusively to toy industry professionals. All TOTY proceeds are donated to The Toy Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies throughout the year to bring brand-new toys to children who are sick, at-risk, in foster care, impoverished, or otherwise in need. The TOTY celebration will kick off Toy Fair® 2027 (February 20 to 23) and include the induction of industry trailblazers into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame.    About The Toy Foundation™ toyfoundation.orgThe Toy Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary benefits of play. The Toy Foundation works toward this vision through two program areas, Toy Chest, a toy distribution initiative, and Play Fund, a grant distribution initiative. By working together with the toy community, The Toy Foundation has delivered the power of play to 38 million children in need worldwide. To learn more about The Toy Foundation, visit toyfoundation.org.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Erin WrightThe Toy Foundation646.520.4851ewright@toyfoundation.org

Meet the Stimeez™ Emotion Explorers! A colorful collection of six expressive, tactile characters designed to help kids recognize, regulate, and talk about big feelings through play. Developed in collaboration with a pediatric occupational therapist and an autistic researcher, Emotion Explorers combines thoughtful sensory features with imaginative, open-ended play. Designed with neurodivergent kids in mind and made for everyone! Key Features: • Six unique characters: Each with its own expressive personality, tactile surface, and colorful design. • Emotional exploration: Encourages kids to recognize, express, and discuss feelings through play, without right or wrong answers. • Durable and kid-friendly: Made from solid, dishwasher-safe vinyl that's BPA- and phthalate-free. • Digital Play Guide included: Developed to help caregivers, educators, and clinicians discover different ways to play, connect, and explore emotions together.