Rishi VakilOn Friday, February 28, 2025, the illustrious Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City hosted the 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, presented by The Toy Foundation™ (TTF). This esteemed event, often dubbed the “Oscars of the toy industry,” served as the official commencement of Toy Fair® 2025, which took place from March 1 to 4 at the Javits Center.
Evening Itinerary
- 6:30 p.m.: Networking Cocktail Hour
- 7:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
- 9:00 p.m.: Networking Dessert Bar
The TOTY Awards gala was more than a celebration of the year’s most innovative toys and games; it was also a pivotal fundraiser for TTF. All proceeds from the event supported the foundation’s mission to deliver the transformative power of play to children in need worldwide.
Award Categories and Voting
This year’s awards encompassed 16 categories, highlighting the creativity and diversity within the toy industry. Categories ranged from Action Figure of the Year to Educational Toy of the Year. Enthusiasts and consumers participated by casting their votes online at ToyAwards.org until January 10, 2025. Winners were announced during the gala, including the coveted People’s Choice Award, determined exclusively by public votes, and the overall Toy of the Year Award, selected by a panel of industry experts.
Toy Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
The evening also honored the newest inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame:
- Maxine Clark: Founder & Former Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Sharon DiMinico: Founder & Chair of Learning Express Toys
- Professor Erno Rubik: Inventor of the Rubik’s Cube
Additionally, four industry pioneers were recognized posthumously for their significant contributions to the world of play.
Sponsorship and Philanthropy
The success of the TOTY Awards was bolstered by the generous support of its sponsors. Presenting Sponsors for this milestone event included Amazon, Hasbro, and Mattel. Their commitment, along with that of other Vision and Mission Sponsors, underscored a shared dedication to philanthropy and the enrichment of children’s lives through play.
Event Highlights and Impact
The 25th anniversary of the TOTY Awards proved to be a grand celebration, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. Attendees reflected on the evolution of the toy industry and celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of the past year. With the funds raised, TTF continued its mission of providing play opportunities to underserved children worldwide, ensuring the magic of toys reaches every corner of the globe.
