Toy News Tuesday editors spoke with Laurie Leahey, senior editor of TTPM, about how she is constantly on the hunt for new play ideas and why becoming a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative was a natural extension for her.

Toy professionals are invited to listen in on the latest episode of the “EdX Education in Conversation with …” podcast, which discusses the work of The Genius of Play, the value of play and play-based learning, and play trends in the U.S.

Nominations for The Toy Foundation’s 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards opened last week, and contenders are already vying to be recognized as the top toys, games, and properties of the year. The deadline to submit products for consideration is August 31.

Toy News Tuesday editors caught up with Malte Niebelschuetz, the creator & founder of Shore Buddies, about his new role as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative and why he believes play and sustainability go hand in hand.

From Bananagrams to Learning Resources, to PLAYMOBIL and Thames & Kosmos, more than 25 companies have shared engaging play resources with families and educators through The Genius Play’s new Genius Play Portal, which has garnered more than 15,000 pageviews since launching in May.

The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative is encouraging all play professionals to take a “play break” this summer through a series of weekly virtual events, developed and hosted in partnership with Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment.

Toy News Tuesday editors caught up with Sarah Baskin, vice president of marketing communications at Far Out Toys, about her new role as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative and how the pandemic impacted her family’s own playtime routine.

The Toy Foundation’s Board of Trustees and The Toy Association are pleased to announce that Pamela Mastrota has joined The Toy Foundation (TTF) as executive director, effective today (June 28).

The Toy Foundation (TTF) is reminding toy manufacturers and distributors there’s still time to donate toys and games to thousands of deserving children this summer.

The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative is helping families recharge all summer long after a tough school year through the power of play and exciting toy giveaways.

The Genius of Play recently held a successful “Benefits of Play” influencer campaign, garnering 6.1 million total social impressions and 31,000+ engagements on Instagram. The campaign focused on the 6 key benefits of play and featured products from 11 Toy Association members.

The Toy Foundation (TTF) has announced an exciting new partnership with First Responders Children's Foundation and its "Power of Play" program, which offers kids the opportunity to experience creative and physical play that enhances their social and emotional growth while also strengthening their physical and mental well-being.

Toy News Tuesday editors spoke with Jim Seymour, CTO of E-Blox, about his new role as a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play – and how E-Blox’s mission aligns with The Genius of Play’s work to promote the power of play through hands-on, educational fun.

Today, The Toy Foundation, a charitable organization that works with the toy industry to support play programs for children, announced grants totaling over $215,000 to 11 children’s hospitals for innovative play projects designed to help hospitalized children heal.

Drew Vernon is the U.S. marketing lead at tonies®, a popular European children’s audio system that has recently launched in the United States. Toy News Tuesday editors recently chatted with Vernon about his new role as a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play – and why he believes a child who is a strong player is a strong learner, a problem-solver, and an overall happy person.

The Genius of Play’s “Worldwide Headquarters of Play” Public Service Announcement (PSA) has won a 2021 Silver Telly Award.

Getting ready for a fun-filled summer of play? The Toy Association and Clamour today announced the “Spring & Summer 2021 Influencer Choice List,” which highlights the hottest toys and games as voted on by top-tier toy and family content creators in the Clamour network. Shoppers can browse the list to discover a variety of toys that will keep kids engaged all summer long – from exciting outdoor playthings to creative toys perfect for a rainy day.

From Hog Wild Toys and Magformers to The Learning Journey International and Waterline Toys, 27 Toy Association members participated in The Genius of Play’s successful #GeniusPlayHacks campaign this spring, providing thousands of families with inspiring toy and play ideas.

Toy industry veteran Phil Albritton is the founder of Power Kid Design & Development, a full-service design studio that helps develop toys and games for clients around the globe. Albritton also produces the Power Kid Podcast, the premier podcast focused on the modern toy and game industry, and was listed as one of Mojo Nation’s top 100 influential figures in toy and game design. Toy News Tuesday editors recently chatted with Albritton about his new role as a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play – and the steps he takes to make play a part of his daily routine with his young son and daughter.

The Genius of Play announced today that it has launched the “Genius Play Portal,” featuring a library of engaging content and resources for families and educators.

As The Toy Foundation continues to provide philanthropic support and the vital commodity of play to children under stress and in dire situations, it has announced its next round of cash grants and in-kind toy donations to seven charities impacting children across the nation.

Marie LaPlante, chief marketing officer at Learning Resources since 2016, has spent over 30 years leading brand marketing strategy at companies such as Orbitz and AT&T Wireless. Given her relatively recent entry into the world of toys, Toy News Tuesday editors spoke with her about her first impressions of the toy community and her role as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative.