Spielwarenmesse ToyAward: submissions open soon
The Spielwarenmesse ToyAward is one of the most important awards in the international industry and is also highly regarded in the retail sector. Every year on the Wednesday of the fair, six outstanding new products are honoured in the categories Baby & Infant, PreSchool, SchoolKids, Teenager & Adult, Startup, and Sustainability. This year, the award-winning participants benefited greatly from their win and resulting presence at the trade fair and in the retail sector. In 2026, exhibitors will once again have the opportunity to submit their products for the ToyAward and take advantage of the international attention. Registration starts on 15 September.
Award with international appeal
“This award is a tremendous endorsement of our innovative spirit and reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of toy design,” says Peter Cheng, founder of ABFUN. The first-time exhibitor from the USA won this year's Teenager & Adult category with its ‘Moon Acrylic Jigsaw Puzzle’. Winning the ToyAward at the beginning of the year marked the ideal time for the company to expand into the European market. ABFUN intends to continue using the Spielwarenmesse as a platform for networking and discussions in the future. ImagiNew Playhome's ‘Stickflip’ proves that a nomination alone can be a real catalyst for success.
Selection criteria and potential applications
The ToyAward ceremony is preceded by a demanding selection process. An international jury of experts from the fields of retail, industry, market research, toy safety, sustainability and education evaluates the innovations according to criteria such as originality, safety, play value, potential for success, comprehensibility and quality. In 2025, 629 products were submitted for evaluation.
Further information about the Innovation Award and previous winners can be found on the official website:www.toyaward.de/en