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NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2022 -- Toy history was made today when The Toy Foundation unveiled the winners for the prestigious 22nd annual Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY) during a virtual event attended by play professionals and toy fans from around the world.

In keeping with tradition, the awards ceremony included the induction of four industry trailblazers into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, as well as a spotlight on The Toy Foundation's charitable initiatives. One hundred percent of the award program's proceeds support the work of The Toy Foundation, which funds children's hospitals in disadvantaged communities, provides grant relief to non-profits assisting families impacted by COVID-19, and supports vital diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the toy industry.

During the TOTY ceremony, Squishmallows from Jazwares took home the coveted "Toy of the Year" award, as well as the "People's Choice" award and "Plush Toy of the Year." Dubbed the "softest, cutest, cuddliest plush around," the Squishmallows brand has proven its popularity among kids, adult collectors, and anyone looking for a hug.

TOTY awards were handed out in 16 categories and given to the following:

"We are thrilled to unveil this year's much-anticipated TOTY winners, all of which are outstanding examples of the toy community's talent in designing innovative, magical, and creative playthings for kids and adults alike," said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. "We congratulate Squishmallows, each of the category winners, and all the nominees for their wonderful achievements and thank the industry for coming together in support of The Toy Foundation and its critical work of bringing toys, play, and healing to millions of children in need."

During the event, four toy industry visionaries were officially inducted into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame – the late Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy; the late Lucille King, founder of the Playskool Institute; Jim Pressman, president of Pressman Toy Corporation; and Bob Wann (retired) of PlayMonster. Read more about the Hall of Fame inductees here.

More than 600 TOTY Award nominees poured in late last summer. Of those, 114 finalists were selected by a panel of expert judges. Category winners were then determined based on votes from toy retailers (mass and specialty), media, Toy Association members, and consumers. The "Toy of the Year" winner was determined by an expert panel that discussed all the finalists before rendering a decision based on TOTY votes, holiday sales, and media buzz (traditional, online, and social). The "People's Choice" award winners were uniquely selected by online consumer votes. All results were audited for accuracy, including the judging and voting process, and The NPD Group validated marketplace acceptance. Descriptions of all TOTY finalists can be found at ToyAwards.org.

About The Toy Foundation                         www.toyfoundation.org 
The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)3 children's charity whose mission is to provide philanthropic support and the vital commodity of play to children and families under stress and in dire situations, across the country and globe. TTF's donations represent the charitable works of TTF and the toy industry. Last year, TTF provided $360K in cash grants to nearly 4 million children severely impacted by the pandemic. Since its inception in 2003, TTF's signature Toy Bank has provided $225 million in toys to more than 26 million underserved children coping with serious illness, enduring temporary home placements in the foster care system, living with domestic violence, and/or dealing with natural disasters. TTF is also broadening its mission to provide grant funding to children's hospitals to encourage healing through play and to foster a diverse and inclusive culture and pipeline of talent for the toy industry.

Media assets: www.toyawards.org/press