PERTH, AUSTRALIA - Monday, November 10, 2025 – Ready, Set, Play! The much-anticipated CONNETIX limited edition Charity Packs are officially here and available now at connetixtiles.com and select retailers.   With a vision to create a meaningful difference through play, the NEW charity packs support two life-changing causes: breast cancer research through Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR) and the fight against motor neurone disease with FightMND.   20% of all proceeds will be donated directly to each charity to drive global medical research projects, invest in effective treatments, improve quality of care, and ultimately, find a cure for both breast cancer and motor neurone disease (MND) - often referred to as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.   The idea for a partnership with FightMND was inspired by the CONNETIX CEO and Co-Founder, Brea Brand, whose life has been personally touched by MND. She shares: “Three years ago, I lost my beautiful mum to this horrible disease after an 18-month battle. Watching firsthand how this disease stripped away all independence and quality of life was utterly heartbreaking. My hope is that we can help FightMND to find a cure, so no other person or family has to go through this in the future.”   Reflecting on the shared experience and heart behind the partnership, Bec Daniher, Executive Director, Strategic Alliances at FightMND, shares: “Brea, CONNETIX CEO and Co-Founder, and I both carry a personal connection to this Beast of a disease. That shared experience makes this partnership feel not only meaningful, but full of heart. It’s a reminder that even in the face of something as devastating as MND, there is room for lightness, creativity, and joy – values my dad, Neale, continues to champion in his own fight.”   Thanks to funding from Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR) and The Hospital Research Foundation Group, researchers are a step closer to finding treatments that will save lives from breast cancer. Briony Marshall, COO & CISO at The Hospital Research Foundation Group, shares: “Research is critical to improving and saving lives and our partnership with CONNETIX is a simple way for families to make a real difference while having fun. 20% of proceeds from the Pink Pack will go directly to fund life changing breast cancer research. That means that every time a family plays, they're not just enjoying the creativity and fun of CONNETIX, they're also supporting researchers working to prevent and treat breast cancer.”   The limited-edition Charity Packs introduce two bold new colours to expand the CONNETIX Rainbow colour range: CONNETIX Charity Pack Teal 20 pieces With 20 all-TEAL magnetic tiles, this pack brings bold designs, endless creativity and meaningful play to construction with a symbolic colour to raise international awareness, collective impact and support for people living with MND and their families. CONNETIX Charity Pack Pink 20 piecesWith 20 all-PINK magnetic tiles, this pack is the perfect open-ended toy that infuses creativity and imagination in a meaningful colour that resonates as a symbol of hope, community and support for those affected by breast cancer. Through this powerful initiative, CONNETIX aims to unite as a global community to support families and give back by raising awareness, spreading hope and joining in the global fight against breast cancer and motor neuron disease. Share your creations using #CONNETIXForACause and help support lasting change through research.   Find out more about what your contribution means to the latest research projects: fightmnd.org.au and australianbreastcancer.org.au. Limited stock is available now at connetixtiles.com and select retailers worldwide. Age 3+, limited edition while stocks last.   About CONNETIX:  CONNETIX is the ultimate educational toy, inspiring children to learn and grow through play. The award-winning Australian brand brings to market high-quality, STEAM and MESH accredited magnetic tiles thoughtfully designed to spark imaginations and nurture children’s development. Engineered with a difference, CONNETIX tiles are built to last and feature an exclusive bevel design, providing beautiful clear refractions while allowing children to build bigger. As an open-ended toy that grows with children as they learn and develop, CONNETIX is loved by families, educators, and allied health professionals across the globe. With an innovative range of compatible packs, it’s easy to level up builds and add exciting new elements to play – offering a toy the whole family can enjoy, time and time again! As the most-followed magnetic tile brand on social media across the globe, the company continues to innovate, expand and engage with its thriving play community by proudly showcasing the endless ways families can create, learn and play. For more information, please visit the CONNETIX website or follow us on Instagram.   Media Contact: CONNETIX Liza Gresko PR Coordinator Liza.Gresko@connetixtiles.com ###

CHICAGO, IL | November 10, 2025 – People of Play™ (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, revealed the winners of the 18th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE®) Awards during a ceremony held November 8 at Joe’s Live Concert Venue in Rosemont, IL. The event honored the inventors, designers, suppliers, retailers, marketers, and PR teams whose creativity, passion, and collaboration continue to shape and inspire the global toy and game industry.   Themed “Friendship,” this year’s ceremony celebrated the connections and camaraderie that unite the toy and game community. Attendees from around the world came together to toast not only the groundbreaking innovation that drives the industry forward but also the deep personal connections that make the toy and game community truly special.   “The TAGIE Awards have always been about people: the brilliant minds and generous spirits who share their ideas, lift one another up, and make play possible,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association. “Behind every hit toy or game is a community of creative souls who pour their hearts into bringing smiles to children and families everywhere. At this year’s TAGIE Awards, we celebrated not just their work, but the friendships that keep this industry thriving.”   Winners were determined by a public vote by consumers and the industry. The 2025 TAGIE Award winners are listed below:   Honorees: Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Moody, CEO, Seven Towns Ltd. Lifetime Achievement Award: Phil Orbanes, game designer, author, and founding partner of Winning Moves Games Industry Game Changer Award: Judy Ellis, founder of the world’s first baccalaureate program in Toy Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)   Award Winners: Adult/Family Game Innovator of the Year: Nick Hayes and Mattel Games Team Breakout Innovator of the Year: Ron Weizman & Shooki Grasiani Innovative Art and Visuals of the Year: Nate Schimelpfenig, Mindware Innovative PR & Marketing Team of the Year: Disney's Amanda Luna, John "Cody" Hampton, and Tatum Yusz Kidult Toy Innovator of the Year: POP MART Most Innovative Licensed Product: Tim Walsh, The Playmakers Most Innovative Retailer Award: POP MART Most Innovative Vendor & Partner: Indy Toy Lab Preschool Game Innovator of the Year: Moose Games Team Preschool Toy Innovator of the Year: Jordan Goddard, Indy Toy Lab Tech Game Innovator of the Year: Valentina Pereyra Tech Toy Innovator of the Year: KID Group Young Innovator of the Year: Persy Arcement  The TAGIE Awards were hosted by Karri Bean, senior licensing manager of Disney Consumer Products. JoAnn McLaughlin, senior vice president of licensed product, design, & development at Disney Consumer Products, delivered welcome remarks and Jeremy Padawer, chief brand officer at Jazwares, presented a keynote. This year’s awards were sponsored by Disney (Presenting Sponsor), Mattel, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Hasbro, Longshore, Nextoy, Super Impulse, The Playmakers, Baby Paper, Backdrop.com, Peggy Brown Creative, and Design Edge.    Founded in 2008, the TAGIEs celebrate the outstanding achievements of toy and game industry leaders from around the world. The awards ceremony takes place annually in the fall in conjunction with the Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Chicago Toy & Game Fair, and the Young Inventor Challenge.   About People of Play™ peopleofplay.com  People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for industry professionals, aspiring inventors, and people of all ages who love to play, People of Play hosts a play platform packed with resources and connection points as well as a wide range of events including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIEs) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the Toy & Game Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, Thought Leaders Summit, Toy Takedown and more.   About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / peopleofplay.com / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.orgFounded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $155.7 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.    As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities at The Toy Building in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emily AuriemmaPeople of Play856-723-3055emilya@carvecomms.com

113 Innovative Toys & Games That Will Top Wishlists this Holiday Season!   CHICAGO | November 8, 2025 — "Beautified" slime, a dinosaur that hatches itself out of an egg, and wiggly fidget collectibles are among the 113 innovative finalists for the prestigious 2026 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, announced today by The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) in Rosemont, IL. The unveiling of the TOTY finalists, which represent this year's most sought-after toys across 16 categories of play, coincided with CHITAG's first-ever Wishlist Weekend™, a new holiday tradition that encourages families all across the country to play, discover, and start building their wishlists for the holiday season.   "There is no better way to kick off Wishlist Weekend at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair than by sharing this moment of excitement with kids, families, and toy fans of all ages!" said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association™. "Each TOTY finalist is a testament to the creativity that defines the toy industry, which is always innovating to create products that spark joy, learning, and social connections through play."   Known as the "Oscars of the toy industry," the TOTY Awards celebrate the top toys and games of the year, while serving as a key fundraiser for The Toy Foundation's philanthropic mission to deliver brand-new toys and play opportunities to children when they need it most. All TOTY Award proceeds benefit The Toy Foundation's initiatives, including the Play Fund and Toy Chest programs, which bring the comfort and healing power of play to children in need around the world.   "As we celebrate these outstanding TOTY finalists, we're also championing the cause at the heart of it all: helping children in need experience the comfort and happiness that play provides," added Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. "It's inspiring to see the toy community come together to celebrate the power of play – and ensure that children everywhere have access to it."   Between now and January 7, 2026, fans of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to see what should be on their holiday shopping lists, cast votes for their favorite playthings in each category, and learn more about The Toy Foundation. Winners in each category, as well as the overall Toy of the Year and People's Choice award winners, will be announced in February 2026.   2026 TOTY FINALISTSAdditional details on each finalist is available at ToyAwards.org   ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEARToys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative, and narrative-based play. Avatar Interactive Shoulder Banshee by Disney Consumer Products Doom: The Dark Ages Doom Slayer McFarlane Elite Edition #1 Action Figure by McFarlane Toys How to Train Your Dragon Interactive Tame & Train Toothless by Spin Master Ltd. Jurassic World Rebirth Dolores Aquilops Interactive Shoulder Pal by Universal Products & Experiences Ninjombie Action Figures by MGA Entertainment Primal Hatch by Spin Master Ltd. Super Mario Big Bad Bowser by JAKKS Pacific   COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEARToys designed for multiple single-item purchases as part of a set or series to collect, such as minis, blind packs, fidget toys, trading cards, impulse/novelty playthings, licensed collectibles, and more. Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game - Fabled Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc. Hot Wheels Premium Formula 1 Die-Cast Vehicles by Mattel, Inc. LEGO F1 Collectible Race Cars by LEGO Systems, Inc. Magic: The Gathering Marvel Spider-Man Bundle by Hasbro, Inc. Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. Sticki Rolls Series 2 by Sky Castle Toys Wigglitz by ZB Designs   CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEARToys that encourage hands-on building or assembly as the primary play pattern with pieces that interconnect to create models, scenes, or mechanisms that perform an action or tell a story. GeckoBot 2.0 by Thames & Kosmos LLC Jelly Blox Construction Site Set by Goliath LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex Set by LEGO Systems, Inc. LEGO Wicked Welcome to Emerald City by LEGO Systems, Inc. MAGNA-TILES Fire Station 50-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES Melissa & Doug Blockables by Spin Master Ltd. Rail Cube Magnetic Monorail Deluxe Set by Meekins Corp. on behalf of Sankyo Toys   CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEARToys that inspire self-expression, storytelling, and imaginative and artistic play, including products that let kids create, decorate, and dress up, such as arts & crafts kits, compounds, role-play/dress-up items, and more. Barbie Basics: You Create Doll Kit by Mattel, Inc. ChompSaw by Chompshop, Inc. Clixo Dino Adventure Pack by Toyish Labs, Inc. Crayola Marker Airbrush by Crayola LLC Gui Gui by Moose Toys LLC Play-Doh Barbie Fashion Show Playset by Hasbro, Inc. Swift Clicks Heishi Bracelet Maker by Make It Real   DOLL OF THE YEARToys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls. American Girl Disney Moana Collection by Mattel, Inc. Bratz Stylin' Fashion Dolls by MGA Entertainment Disney Darlings by JAKKS Pacific Disney Doorables ADOORBS Dolls by Just Play LLC Love, Stella Sleepy Time Set by Sassy Baby, Inc. Monster High Scary Sweet Birthday Cupid Asteria Doll by Mattel, Inc. Woof & Co by Sunny Days Entertainment LLC   EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEARWhile all toys have learning benefits, this category recognizes toys and games specifically designed to meet an educational purpose, such as building a specific skill or teaching a particular subject area, including STEM, literacy, or social-emotional learning. 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set by 3Doodler CONNETIX 70 Piece PRO Constructor Set by CONNETIX, part of Brave Toys Pty Ltd. Cooper the STEM Robot by Learning Resources, Inc. ESPN Virtual Reality by Abacus Brands, Inc. MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon by Thames & Kosmos LLC Ollyball STEAM Accredited Master Artists Edition by VICTURY Sports LLC SNAP CIRCUITS SPY KIT by Elenco Electronics LLC   GAME OF THE YEARFamily and children's games made for players ages 0-14, including board, card, electronic, and other physical game formats, exclusive of games specifically for players ages 14 to adult (strategy, party, or mature-themed as examples), video games, and app games. Connect 4 Frenzy by Hasbro, Inc. Cows in Space by Relatable Dumpster Dice by Big Discoveries Exploding Kittens: The Board Game by Exploding Kittens, Inc. Pokémon Trainer Expert by Ultra PRO Simon Jump Game Mat by Just Play LLC Tetris Tumble XL by Buffalo Games, Inc.   INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEARToys specifically developed for babies and toddlers up to age 3. (0-18 months (infant) and 18 months-3 years (toddler), does not include ages 3+.) Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-in-1 Activity Table & Easel by Mattel, Inc. Micro Mini Rock & Go LED Scooter by Micro Kickboard My First Tonies: Farm Set by tonies Play Tab by Fat Brain Toy Co. Shape & Color Garden by Learning Resources, Inc. VTech Get Growing Tractor & Mower Ride-On by VTech Electronics North America LLC Yookidoo Pour 'N' Grow Pop-Up Garden by Yookidoo   KIDULT TOY OF THE YEARToys and games developed primarily for consumers ages 14 to adults, including party, strategy, and board games; collector items; craft & model kits; construction sets; and more. These toys are sometimes based on and/or fueled by fandoms, social media, and mature humor. Barbie Signature LeBron James Kenbassador Doll by Mattel, Inc. Hack Pack by CrunchLabs LEGO Game Boy by LEGO Systems, Inc. LEGO Wicked Glinda & Elphaba Bookends by LEGO Systems, Inc. Marvel Legends Series Spider-Man Electronic Expressive Mask by Hasbro, Inc. Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 by MGA Entertainment ZipString Aracna by ZipString LLC   LICENSE OF THE YEARAn entertainment, celebrity, lifestyle, or social media-driven brand that has achieved notable success through licensed toy lines and brand extensions; or a toy-based IP that has successfully expanded beyond the toy aisle through strategic licensing. Bluey by BBC Studios Americas Disney Stitch by Disney Consumer Products Hot Wheels by Mattel, Inc. Ms. Rachel by Spin Master Ltd. Pokémon by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. Squishmallows by Jazwares Wicked by Universal Products & Experiences   OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEARToys specifically designed for outdoor play, including outdoor-only ride-ons, such as motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, wagons; bubble toys; and sports toys. Crazy Cart Shuffle by Razor USA LLC Jaw-Some Shark Catch by iPlay, iLearn, Inc. Ocean Emotion Seashells by Learning Resources, Inc. Outdoor Kitchen by Hape Pocked Mod Lightshow by Razor USA LLC PoppinColorz Galactic Color Bubble Machine by South Beach Bubbles The Original Woblong Double-Wing Flyer by Rival Flyer, Inc.   PLAYSET OF THE YEARA themed play environment with characters, accessories, and/or interactive features that support storytelling, role play, or action-based play, such as dollhouses, battle arenas, racetracks, settings for action figures, and more. Exclusive of construction-based playsets covered by their own category. Barbie Dream Camper Vehicle Playset by Mattel, Inc. Bluey Supermarket Playset by Moose Toys LLC Dōteki Multiplayer Battle Pack — Heatoru & Arctos by TOMY Hot Wheels Track Creator Triple Loop Speed Kit by Mattel, Inc. Monster Jam Smash & Bash Smashbot Playset by Spin Master Ltd. Star Tours StarSpeeder 1000 Vehicle Playset by Disney Consumer Products VTech Bluey Road Trip Playset by VTech Electronics North America LLC   PLUSH TOY OF THE YEARToys that are made of fabric and stuffed with soft filling, including plush playthings with interactive or electronic features. Again Friends Cow by Mary Meyer Corp. Care Bears x Wicked 2-Pack Boxed Set by Basic Fun! Disney Stitch Ultimate Stitch Interactive Feature Plush by Just Play LLC FurReal Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow by Just Play LLC GUND Disney Peek-a-Boo Winnie the Pooh Animated Plush by Spin Master Ltd. How to Train Your Dragon Toothless Puppetronic by Real FX by WOW! Stuff Hugarounds by Hugimals World   PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEARToys specifically developed for kids ages 3-5. Color Wonder Bluey Light Up Stamper by Crayola LLC Creative Play 3 in 1 Play Kitchen, Store & Workshop by HABA USA Fisher-Price Wooden Picnic Basket Set by Mattel, Inc. Little Tikes Creative Construction Power Cuts Set by MGA Entertainment MAGNA-TILES Pet Playhouse 50-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES Melissa & Doug Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set by Spin Master Ltd. Mini Farmstand Sorting Set by Learning Resources, Inc.   SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEARToys promoted and sold almost exclusively through independent retailers (neighborhood toy stores, museum shops, vacation destinations, and similar venues) or in limited quantities online. Voted on exclusively by specialty retailers through Astra. Anywhere Sports – Silent Basketball 9.5" Regulation Size by Thin Air Brands LLC Better Butter Thinking Putty by Crazy Aaron's Clixo Tiny & Mighty Space Magnetic Building Set by Toyish Labs, Inc. Magshuto Stunt Park by Fat Brain Toy Co. NeeDoh Nice Cube Swirl by Schylling Toys Pets 2 Love by Luki Lab Yes & Know Original Invisible Ink Trivia Game Books by Tree Town Toys   VEHICLE OF THE YEARToy cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles and ride-ons made exclusively for indoor use. Air-Power Turbo Racer by Thames & Kosmos LLC BRIO World Pull Back Train Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc. Flat 2 Fast Card Racers Speed by Luki Lab Hot Wheels Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter by Mattel, Inc. Hyper Burst Shockout Circuit by Goliath PAW Patrol Fire Rescue: Rapid Reload Fire Truck by Spin Master Ltd. Toy Story Moving Truck Vehicle Playset by Disney Consumer Products   For more information about the TOTY Awards voting and selection process, visit ToyAwards.org. The TOTY Awards gala, taking place Friday, February 13, 2026 in New York City, is open exclusively to toy industry professionals. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase on November 11; all TOTY proceeds are donated to The Toy Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies throughout the year to bring brand-new toys to children who are sick, at-risk, in foster care, impoverished, or otherwise in need. The TOTY celebration will kick off Toy Fair® 2026 (February 14 to 17) and include the induction of industry trailblazers into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame. About The Toy Foundation™ toyfoundation.org The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children's charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play. Thanks to the toy industry’s support, TTF has delivered play to more than 34 million children in need around the world. ### For Immediate Release Contact: Erin WrightThe Toy Foundation646.520.4851ewright@toyfoundation.org