News & Press

Latest Foundation News

Give the Gift of Play on Giving Tuesday

28 NOV

The Toy Foundation’s Pamela Mastrota, executive director, and Andrew Quartin, chairperson, call on the toy industry to support its work to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need.

The Toy Foundation™’s DEI Pipeline Program Welcomes First Hires into the Toy Industry

20 NOV

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is proud to announce that two student participants of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Program secured job placements during the program’s capstone event at Toy Fair®, a five-day program that offered networking, recruitment, and educational opportunities for college and university students and attending companies.

Squishmallows from Jazwares Takes Home Prestigious “Toy of the Year®” Award for 2023

20 NOV

Squishmallows by Jazwares and Monster High Skullector Line by Mattel, Inc. received top honors today, taking home the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards’ coveted overall “Toy of the Year” award and “People’s Choice” honor, respectively. A representation of the most creative, imaginative, and fun products perfect for gifting this holiday season, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) previously announced the product category winners at the 2023 TOTY Awards celebration in September.

Brighten a Child’s Holiday with a Donation to The Toy Bank℠

06 NOV

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is collecting product donations from the toy industry this holiday season to distribute to deserving children and families in need.

Rock Band KANSAS Launches Limited-Edition Apparel in Support of The Toy Foundation™

02 NOV

This holiday season, America’s legendary rock band KANSAS is spreading joy to children in need through limited-edition “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On, Wayward Son” T-shirts and hoodies. Passionate about children and the power of play, the band is donating 100 percent of the profits in support of The Toy Foundation’s work delivering play to children in need.

The Genius of Play™ Speaks to 300 Educators About Infusing Play in STEAM Education

27 OCT

The Genius of Play™ was featured in an Education Week webinar on October 19, titled “Joy and STEM: Igniting Creativity and Curiosity in Your Pre K-5 Classroom,” reaching an audience of more than 300 registered educators.

Play Enthusiasts Invited to Help Decide the Toy of the Year® Awards People’s Choice Winner

23 OCT

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is calling on play enthusiasts to be a part of toy history and cast their votes for the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards People’s Choice award, which is solely determined by consumer votes.

The Genius of Play™ Highlights Benefits of Creative Play with Online Pumpkin Picasso Giveaway

17 OCT

There are no tricks — just treats — as The Genius of Play™ launches a Halloween-themed giveaway from October 17 to 31 on Instagram and Facebook.

The Toy Foundation™ Opens Children’s Hospital Play Grants Application to Fund 2024 Play Projects

17 OCT

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is inviting children’s hospitals nationwide to apply online for funding for 2024 play projects and activities that will help improve children’s care and wellbeing. Companies and individuals involved with a children’s hospital are encouraged to share this application for the hospital(s) to complete and submit.

Call for Support: The Toy Foundation™ is Mobilizing Donations Amid Israel-Hamas War

10 OCT

In response to the devastating attacks from Hamas on Israel, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is calling on the toy industry to collectively support the thousands of displaced and injured Israeli children and families with the comfort of new toys and other essential items.

‘Ready, Set, STEAM’ Giveaway from The Genius of Play™ Spotlights STEAM-Accredited Toys

09 OCT

The Genius of Play™’s “Ready, Set, STEAM” giveaway, which featured 12 companies and 15 officially accredited STEAM toys, reached 59,000 consumers during the back-to-school shopping season.

Toy Fair® Exhibitors Joined to Donate $2 Million in Toys to Children in Need through The Toy Bank℠

09 OCT

The impact of Toy Fair® extends well beyond the halls of Javits Center to children in need in New York City and the surrounding area. At the close of the 118th trade show, The Toy Foundation™’s (TTF) Toy BankSM collected $2 million in toys, books, games, and other playthings from hundreds of exhibitors that together are delivering the extraordinary benefits of play to more than 30,000 children.

TOTY® Awards Embrace Play with Purpose, Raising Nearly $1 Million for Children in Need

03 OCT

The power of play was on full display at the 2023 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards as the toy industry enjoyed an unforgettable night of entertainment, awards, and philanthropy. Hosted by The Toy Foundation™ (TTF), the industry collectively raised nearly $1 million through sponsorships, ticket sales, auction bids, and on-site donations to deliver play to children in need.

The Best in the Toy Industry Takes Center Stage at the 2023 Toy of the Year® Awards

29 SEP

An animated game to create movie magic, an activity table to drop musical beets, and an 8-foot inflatable obstacle course to spark endless outdoor fun are among the inventive finalists for the prestigious Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards. Today, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) announced the top 122 toys, games, and properties across 17 product categories (listed below) that are advancing the world of play.

TOTY® Awards Auction is Open for Your Bids!

26 SEP

In celebration of the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is excited to host an auction of stand-out products, collectibles, and experiences, now open for bids online. All are welcome to place their bids through the close of Toy Fair® on October 3 at the minimum price or “buy now” price to secure the item or experience.

Exhibitors Invited to Donate Toys & Games to The Toy Bank℠ at Toy Fair®’s Close

19 SEP

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) invites Toy Fair® exhibitors to donate toys and games from their booth to The Toy Bank℠ at the show’s close on Tuesday, October 3. Not only does donating product simplify the move-out process, but it will also help deliver the joy of play to more than 50,000 children in need.

TOTY® Awards and Toy Fair® to Spotlight Diverse Students’ Passion for Play

12 SEP

The next generation of toy industry leaders will be well represented at the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards and Toy Fair® this year, with students from Baruch College, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University, and University of Maryland in attendance as part of The Toy Foundation™’s (TTF) curated DEI agenda at both events.

Anticipation for the TOTY® Awards Grows as Lynda Lopez Joins as Emcee

11 SEP

The Toy Foundation™’s (TTF) Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, taking place September 29 at Cipriani 42nd Street, will be emceed by Emmy-winning journalist, Lynda Lopez, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Your Donations Make a Difference! TOTY® Awards to Showcase the Impact of Your Toy Bank

05 SEP

Representatives from Metro World Child, and the children and families they serve, will join the industry at the Toy of the Year® Awards, taking place September 29 at Cipriani 42nd Street, to share the powerful impact of your donations. Purchase tickets to attend the industry’s biggest party of the year and meet the Metro World Child team.

Last Chance: TOTY Awards® Voting Closes September 8

05 SEP

| The Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards are less than one month away, and now it’s time to vote to determine which finalists will take home a prestigious award. Voting is open through Friday, September 8.