Convention - New York Toy Fair 2025 : Celebrating the Best in Play: 2025 Toy of the Year Awards Honor Top Innovations

By Mulder, 28 february 2025

The toy industry's most innovative and creative products were celebrated at the 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, where industry leaders gathered to recognize excellence in play. Hosted in front of nearly 800 professionals, the event not only honored this year’s most outstanding toys and games but also inducted legendary figures into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The proceeds from the awards support The Toy Foundation™ (TTF), which delivers the magic of play to millions of children in need.

The evening’s most prestigious honor, “Toy of the Year,” was awarded to the RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic by WOW Stuff!—a cuddly animatronic puppet inspired by the beloved Disney character. The toy also took home the “Tech Toy of the Year” award, solidifying its place as the standout toy of 2025.

The “People’s Choice” Award, determined by an online public vote, was awarded to Story Time Backgammon by Story Time Learning. This story-based board game introduces young children, starting from age three, to the classic game of backgammon in an engaging and educational manner.

Beyond the grand winners, 16 additional toys and games were recognized across various categories. Action Figure of the Year was awarded to Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime by Hasbro, Inc. Collectible of the Year went to Deddy Bears Plush in Coffin by Innov8 Academy. Construction Toy/Playset of the Year was won by Gecko Run: Marble Run by Thames & Kosmos, LLC. Mini Brands Create MasterChef by ZURU, Inc. took home the Creative Toy of the Year award. The Doll of the Year went to the 12" Rainbow Brite Doll by The Loyal Subjects. Educational Toy of the Year was awarded to the National Geographic Epic Circuits Science Kit by Blue Marble. Game of the Year went to UNO Show 'em No Mercy by Mattel, Inc. LEGO Ideas JAWS by LEGO Systems, Inc. was named Grown-Up Toy of the Year. Scan & Sort Grocery Cart with Lights and Sounds by The Radio Flyer Company earned Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year. License of the Year was awarded to Bluey by BBC Studios. The PoppinColorz Hydra 2-in-1 Blaster by South Beach Bubbles was named Outdoor Toy of the Year. Emotional Baggage by Solobo Toys won Plush Toy of the Year. Preschool Toy of the Year went to the Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set by Spin Master Corporation. HEXEL by Plus-Plus USA won Specialty Toy of the Year. Tech Toy of the Year was awarded to RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic by WOW! Stuff. Finally, Vehicle of the Year was awarded to RoboRails: The Robot Monorail System by Thames & Kosmos, LLC.

The TOTY Awards also celebrated pioneers in the toy world with inductions into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees included Maxine Clark, Founder & former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop; Sharon DiMinico, Founder & Chair of Learning Express Toys; and Professor Erno Rubik, Inventor of the Rubik’s Cube. Additionally, posthumous honors were given to Edwin S. Lowe, Founder of E.S. Lowe and Company; Charles Pajeau, Inventor of Tinkertoy and founder of Toy Tinker Company; Marty Scheman, CEO of Illco Toy & President of Tyco-Preschool; and Izannah Walker, a pioneering American dollmaker. These legendary figures are now featured in a special exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Beyond celebrating toy excellence, the TOTY Awards serve a greater cause. The event supports The Toy Foundation™ (TTF), which provides toys, play, and comfort to children in need. Attendees and the public can contribute by participating in an online auction featuring exclusive collectibles, limited-edition toys, and unique experiences, open through March 4, 2025. Additionally, cash donations can be made directly online to support the foundation's mission.

For more details on the TOTY Awards and the selection process, visit ToyAwards.org. Follow The Toy Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for updates on the toy industry's charitable initiatives and latest innovations in play. The 25th Anniversary TOTY Awards not only highlighted the best toys of the year but reinforced the importance of play in childhood development—reminding us all why toys matter beyond just fun and entertainment.

(Source : press release)