It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Let’s gift joy, laughter, learning and imagination with these unique finds. Our Jingle Holiday Gift Guide is filled with toys, games, books and much more.
We know you’ll love these NAPPA Award-winning products as much as we do.
Happy Gifting!
Give the gift of imagination and fun with these NAPPA Award winning toys, games and more.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.
1. Please tell us a little about your career path and how you ended up in the toy industry?
I’d worked in many different industries before finding the toy industry – my tribe. A friend was working at Western Publishing (later purchased by Hasbro). He would share stories about toy and game inventors and their inventions, and I thought I want to do that. Then I fell in love with everything about the toy industry – the people, the products, the stories. I continued in my day job in real estate while inventing toys and games as my side hustle and attending all the Fairs. More than 10 years passed before I could leave real estate behind and work in our industry full time.
2. How does it feel to be honored in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame?
It is beyond humbling. I still can’t believe it happened… and it would not have without Nancy Zwiers and Gene Murtha championing and rallying the community to support my nomination. They are amazing prominent leaders in our industry who work tirelessly in our industry and beyond to make the world a better place.
3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?
My first mentor was my mom. She was a tinkerer and loved to make toys, doll houses, barns and more for her children and grandchildren. We didn’t have a lot growing up with six kids, but she made sure we received top educations and most of us even have master’s degrees. After raising us, she went back and earned her college degree in her 60’s because she believed in the importance of education and that no one could ever take that away from you. She supported all of our endeavors and taught us persistence. When I started our Chicago Toy and Game Fair in 2003 she and her two sisters, my aunts, manned our registration area and more. She’d be proud to see how all our events have grown if she was still with us.
4. Best life advice you received growing up?
My mom often reminded us to watch what we say because once we say it, you can never take it back. And that was before social media!
5. Tell us a little about the power of play and why it’s so important.
When my kids were growing up, they would share a lot of what was happening in their lives over a game or a puzzle. It relaxed them and they were more willing to open up and share their lives. Families that attend our Chicago Toy & Game Fair often tell me the same thing. You would love the letters we have received over the years from families and from teachers. Teachers have shared how their students learn that they had more in common than not when playing games. This is one of the reasons we started our PlayinEducation.com website and quarterly newsletter. In addition, we’re so proud to have started the Young Inventors Challenge more than 18 years ago where kids under 18 can enter their toy invention to win prizes and possibly even get a toy deal and see their products on the shelf – real-life Shark Tank for KIDS!
6. What three things have you learned about what makes a company or a toy successful in this industry?
The most important thing I learned is that one needs to build partnerships to be successful. Similarly, is to ask for help and be sure you are open to what they have to tell you. You can get in weeds and not see the big picture. Lastly, persistence is key. Calvin Coolidge has a famous quote about persistence. I have it printed out and on my desk.
7. When not working, where will we find you?
Maybe it was the Easy Bake Oven I had when I was a kid, but I love to bake bread, cookies, cakes… you name it! And, I can get lost in a good book. I used to love puzzles, but I can’t seem to finish one that I have now with too many of the same colored pieces and it is dampening my enthusiasm a bit. I can’t bring myself to just give up and start one that I might enjoy. Maybe persistence does not pay off in this case!!!
8. What would you tell your middle school self?
Life gets better – just keep showing up.
9. Best advice on creating and running a business focused on families and kids having fun and connecting?
For our Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) that’s held every year in Chicago in November, we work to make sure there is something for everyone and plenty of kid-sized activities. We have a lot of activities that are multi-generational. We even have a Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents get in free if they bring their grandchildren. When I started this venture, I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I found partners that have helped me grow and expand over all these years, including long lasting friends at Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Spin Master and so many more.
We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award Winners just for Baby + Fam. Check out all the great products featured below.
Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress
It’s the mattress that truly checks all the boxes. It combines organic materials and chemical safety with waterproof protection, breathability, and flexibility. The washable cover provides excellent airflow should baby turn face down while the underlying mattress is firm, waterproof, and provides excellent edge support. No flame retardants whatsoever or other questionable materials. $399, ages birth-2 years, naturepedic.com
Snuggleluvs
These soft and whimsical stuffed animals are oversized and super fun with long fluffy hair. They make any child smile and are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. With their added weight, extra softness, and optimal cuddling size, Snuggleluvs are a stress-relieving companion for all ages. $50, all ages, wildrepublic.com
Premium Contoured Changing Pad
Designed to make changing your baby a clean, easy, and secure process. Made of a durable water-resistant material that’s easy to wipe clean after changing your baby. For extra security, it features contoured walls and a safety belt that has an ultra-soft, luxurious, comfortable buckle cover. Also includes two straps to secure it to your changing surface, as well as a non-skid bottom to help keep the changing pad in place. $29.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com
Hoop™ Glider & Ottoman
A complete two-piece nursery set. Comfortable, padded arm cushions with pockets for added storage convenience. Enclosed metal ball bearings make for a smooth and gentle nursery gliding experience. Durable, easy-to-clean polyester material. $229.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com
SplashEZ Mold Free Bath Toys
Make water play wildly fun with these no mold bath toys. Your baby bath set includes 5 adorable animal friends——Tony Tiger, Leo Lion, Quentin Quail, Freddy Frog, and Uma Unicorn. BPA-free with hole-less design means no water seeps in. After bathtime, the toys dry off and stay odor, slime, mold free. $9.99, ages birth-2 years, amazon.com
Papablic Baby Bottles Sterilizer and Dryer
When feeding with a baby bottle, it can be difficult to keep bottles clean and 100% safe, even if washed thoroughly after every use. This cleans your bottles with penetrating steam that is hotter than the dishwasher and dry the safe way with hot air. Completely clean your baby bottles in 8 minutes. $79.95, for Parents with kids 0-24 months, papablic.com
We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are BEST for Baby, Mom, and Toddlers!
Alphapals Sets
A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com
Momcozy Video Baby Monitor
Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com
Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer
Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles, and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com
Hubble Connected Guardian+
Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com
Farm Animals
Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com
LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision
A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com
Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress
Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com
Hubble Connected Eclipse+
A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com
Having a baby is a magical, special time. But it’s also a time of sleepless nights, endless laundry and new responsibilities. It’s amazing how everything changes – our emotions, our relationships and all the stuff we now need. We know this process well. For 30 years, we have been testing and evaluating family products to bring you the very best. We are thrilled to share this year’s Bundle: Baby, Toddler and New Mom Gift Guide.
The guide is filled with more than 100 gift ideas. Take a look inside where you’ll find perfect gifts for moms — everything from cozy robes to pregnancy earbuds. You’ll also find unique and plush gifts, items for your home and car, plus baby essentials like monitors, bottles, strollers, skin care products, high chairs and more. And of course – toys! Lots of fun and colorful items to engage babies and toddlers’ natural sense of curiosity and exploration.
We know how special Baby’s first holiday season is and we have lots of award-winning toys to spark imagination and build creativity for the special little one in your life.
5 vibrant silicone bubbles in varying sizes and colors provide a sensory adventure. $12.95, 6+ months, www.fatbraintoyco.com
Includes three play modes that introduce colors, numbers and music in English and Spanish. $14.99. 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com
A stylish, handcrafted doll with a big impact. Each doll provides 10 meals to children in need. $70, www.ca.cuddleandkind.com
Thoughtfully designed by child development experts to provide years of learning fun. $140, Birth-2 years, www.loveverybaby.com
An innovative early childhood subscription learning program delivering staged-based developmental toys to your door. Starting at $36/per month, Birth-24 months, www.lovevery.com
Features upbeat music and playful sing-along songs. $14.9, Birth+, www.vtechkids.com
Capture baby’s attention with spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors. $9.99, 6+ Months, www.target.com
Create a story by pressing colorful icons from various sections such as “hero”, “adventure” and “happy ending.” $29.99, 12+ Months, www.amazon.com
Forward and backward motion activates popping action. $24.99, 1-3, www.jakks.com
Flip the switch to go from piano tones to hearing fun sound effects. $29.99, 12+ Months, www.playmonster.com
Shake, dance and spin around to the music while learning numbers and letters. $34.99, 9+ Months, www.leapfrog.com
Kleynimals Toy Keys
Innovative stainless steel toy keys that are eco-friendly, non-toxic and American-made. Can be personalized. $35.00, Birth+, www.kleynimals.com
A chic black & white design with adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental stages. $47.99, Birth-12 Months, www.tinylove.com
Buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. $17.99, Birth+, www.leapfrog.com
Dance along to three fun melodies. $9.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com
Learn rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers with Scout or Violet. $14.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com
Easy to grab featuring a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com
Hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Includes Spanish, music and weather channels. $12.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com
For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #giftguide #playlearnconnect
We are so excited for our 2019 NAPPA Award winners showcased in Bundle: Baby, Toddler & New Mom Gift Guide. We have the best products, all tested and evaluated. Flip the pages to find the perfect holiday gift including toys, accessories, books, strollers and other baby, toddler and new mom must-haves.
Watching babies discover and explore new sounds and textures is so rewarding. These NAPPA-Award winning toys are perfect for enhancing your babies development and they are super fun!
Lights & Stripes Zebra
Dance all day with the Lights & Stripes Zebra™. Upbeat music and playful sing-along songs encourage your baby to move and groove. This zippy plush zebra features bold black and white stripes, colorful patterned fabric and a variety of textures to enhance tactile awareness. The friendly zebra’s tummy plays endearing phrases and introduces colors through catchy songs while glowing in five different colors. The plush zebra has a washable surface with removable electronics. This snuggly striped sidekick is perfectly sized for your little one to hug and bring on-the-go! $14.99, ages birth+
My First Farm
My First Farm is a farm set for toddlers, which playfully introduces them into the BRIO wooden railway system. This frustration-free play set will give small children hours of fun and help teach them about farmyard animals. The five wooden animals fit into the animal wagon ready to be transported by train to the farm. Each animal also comes with three distinct sounds, which are activated automatically when placed in the farm meadow. Learning about animals has never been so much fun! $59.99, ages 18 + months
Butterfly Counting Pal
Enjoy a flutter of color with the Butterfly Counting Pal™ plush learning toy. Five colorful number buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. A kaleidoscope of color, Butterfly’s light-up wing shows the colors of the rainbow. She also helps your baby fall asleep with soft, classical melodies. Each segment of this on-the-go toy features a dangling toy that rattles, squeaks, turns or crinkles to help develop fine motor skills. Learn at home or on the fly by using the included straps to secure the butterfly to infant carriers and strollers. $17.99, ages birth+
Lalaboom Educational Beads
Lalaboom Educational Beads are designed for exploration and learning. Featuring vivid colors, unisex patters and soft texture. These beads are designed to guide children through their developmental learning curve based on the Montessori educational approach. Children will be able to explore five developmental functions by manipulating the beads at their own pace. All beads can be easily washed and cleaned.
10-15 months: Explore Colors, textures & shapes with basic POP IT action.
15-18 months: TWIST IT.
18-24 month: MIX IT.
24-36+: STACK IT!
36+: LACE IT! $5.99 to 29.99, ages 10 to 36+ months
Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy
Capture baby’s attention with the spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors of the Whimsical Wheel! The spinning wheels encourage baby to reach, tug, and bat, strengthening hand-eye coordination. Trapped within the clear structure are colorful beads, which help baby connect the sound to sight. One wheel features a mirror, which is perfect for self-discovery. Plus, the suction cup base attaches to flat surfaces such as high chairs and table tops for frustration-free play. $9.99, ages 6+ months
My Peek-a-Boo LapPup
Learning is important business with My Peek-a-Boo LapPup™! Open the toy laptop and say hello to Scout or Violet before getting to work on learning about rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers. Press Scout’s or Violet’s name tag button to move their paws in front of their eyes and hear cute peek-a-boo phrases. Five crayon buttons light up while playing phrases and songs about colors. Shape buttons play rhymes about shapes, colors and numbers. Slide the clicking mouse up and down for additional imitative play. Close the lid and say goodbye! Available in Scout or Violet. $14.99, ages 6+ months
Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes
Dance along to three fun melodies on the Do-Re-Mi Musical Toy, teaching baby cause-and-effect by pushing the buttons to hear each song. At the bottom are soft, textured surfaces that encourage mouthing, aiding in the development of communication skills. The easy-to-grasp handle has a black & white pattern and click-clack rings to stimulate baby’s vision and auditory awareness. A great toy for playtime on-the-go! $9.99, ages Birth- 24 months
Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe
Learning is on every channel with Scout’s Learning Lights Remote™ role-play toy. Explore all 17 buttons on the learning remote to hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Flip between modes for role-play excitement or learning activities that introduce numbers and letters. Silly pretend channels inspire imaginative play. Switch to the Spanish channel to hear common Spanish phrases, listen and dance to three different music styles on the music channel and hear rain, snow and wind sound effects on the weather channel.$12.99, ages 6+ months
Whether at home or on-the-go, keep your little one entertained with the Sassy Spin & Chew Flexible Ring Rattle. Perfectly-sized for little hands, this rattle is easy to grab and features a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99For Ages: Birth to 24 months
Sassy Baby’s Bend & Twist Rattle is soft and squishy — perfect for baby. The bright colors, different materials and variety of surfaces help stimulate baby. Rattle beads and click-clack rings stimulate baby’s developing vision and awaken auditory awareness. The soft, squishy material is perfect for baby’s environment. Dishwasher safe. $6.99, ages birth-24 months.
For more all things baby, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect