TLL Staff The Toy Association has named four inventive visionaries as the 2026 inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The new inductees include Melissa and Doug Bernstein, co-founders of the toy company Melissa & Doug; Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment; and posthumous honoree Stanley Weston, inventor of the G.I. Joe action figure and founder of … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
THE TOY ASSOCIATION
People of Play Announces Winners of the TAGIE Awards
TLL Staff People of Play, a division of The Toy Association, has revealed the winners of the 18th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards. In addition to the winners in 13 categories, POP also honored Seven Towns CEO Mike Moody and Winning Moves Games game designer Phil Orbanes with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Judy Ellis, founder of the world's first … [Read more...] about People of Play Announces Winners of the TAGIE Awards
People of Play Names Speakers for Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
TLL Staff People of Play has unveiled the full speaker lineup and agenda for its 2025 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference. The annual event is one of the most important for People of Play, which is a division of The Toy Association. It brings together professional and aspiring toy inventors, designers, students, and industry leaders for four days of educational … [Read more...] about People of Play Names Speakers for Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
Who’s News: Toy Association Names New CFO and VP of Government Affairs
TLL Staff The Toy Association Inc. has named Jeff Snyderman (photo at right) as its new Chief Financial Officer and Maria Sierra as Vice President, Government Affairs. The Toy Association is a business trade association representing a wide array of toy manufacturers, retailers, licensors, and others involved in the youth entertainment industry, Snyderman brings nine years … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Toy Association Names New CFO and VP of Government Affairs
Toy Association Opens ‘Toy Building’ As New Hub For The Industry
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Toy Association just held the grand opening of the Toy Building, a new complex in El Segundo’s growing “Toy District” that will serve as a hub for manufacturers, licensors and buyers worldwide. The facility brings together leading global toy companies, mid-sized manufacturers and startups in a single location, offering private showrooms … [Read more...] about Toy Association Opens ‘Toy Building’ As New Hub For The Industry
Toy Foundation Distributes $3 Million in Toys for International Day of Play
TLL Staff The Toy Foundation is marking the International Day of Play with 15 toy companies, distributing more than 290,000 new toys and games valued at $3 million to children in need across the U.S. and around the world. The Toy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The large-scale donation initiative highlights the vital role of play in child … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Distributes $3 Million in Toys for International Day of Play
Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For many children facing hospital stays, playtime often takes a backseat to medical treatments, but thanks to a generous initiative from The Toy Foundation, play is making a comeback in pediatric care. The philanthropic arm of The Toy Association has awarded $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems across the U.S., funding … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients
Who’s News: People of Play Welcomes Shannon Swindle as New Director
TLL Staff People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association, has named Shannon Swindle as its new Director. POP says Swindle brings deep experience and a passion for the toy and game industry to the role. Previously, Swindle served as Inventor Relations Manager for Games at Moose Toys. There, she successfully licensed 18 games over the past two years, including … [Read more...] about Who’s News: People of Play Welcomes Shannon Swindle as New Director
Parents Prioritizing Toys For the Holidays in 2024
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Parents are putting their kids' need for toys ahead of other budget items this holiday season. That's the finding of a large survey of 1,000 U.S. parents, conducted by Wakefield Research, on behalf of The Toy Association. The survey found that while families are generally keeping a tighter eye on their holiday budgets due to inflation, 69% … [Read more...] about Parents Prioritizing Toys For the Holidays in 2024
Toy Association to Merge With People of Play
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The two major associations representing the toy industry have announced they will be merging their assets, functions and events. People of Play (POP) will be merging into The Toy Association, and POP's founder Mary Couzin will be joining the senior leadership team at the Association. Couzin will be responsible for guiding the future and … [Read more...] about Toy Association to Merge With People of Play