The Toy Association plans to honor seven innovators next year through induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
The 2025 inductees include Maxine Clark, founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sharon DiMinico, founder and chairman of Learning Express Toys, and Erno Rubik, inventor of the Magic Cube. The Toy Association will posthumously honor ES Lowe and Company founder Edwin S. Lowe, Toy Tinker Company founder and Tinkertoy inventor Charles Pajeau; Illco Toy CEO and Tyco-Preschool president Marty Scheman and doll maker and inventor Izannah Walker.
“When you look at the legacy these three toy giants have created, from sparking the global puzzle craze to unleashing children’s imaginations by making their own teddy bears to empowering neighborhood toy store owners, Maxine Clark (Maxine Clark), Sharon DiMinico (Sharon DiMinico) and Erno Rubik (Erno Rubik) each have eternal wealth.
The Toy Industry Hall of Fame was established in 1984 to honor the people and toys that make this industry a more exciting place. Hundreds of industry members, from retailers to inventors, are nominated each year. Nominees are voted on by the Hall of Fame Committee and approved by the Toy Association’s Board of Directors. The posthumous inductees honor previously overlooked industry veterans who have contributed to the toy industry since 1800.
“The Toy Association is proud to posthumously honor Edwin S. Lowe, Charles Paje, Marty Sherman and Izanna Walker,” Ahearn said. “We salute their lasting legacy, iconic creations and extraordinary achievements. May their contributions continue to inspire future generations of toy inventors, designers and dreamers.
This year’s inductees will include Walt Disney, Ruth and Elliot Handler, Jim Henson, Stanley and others. They will be unveiled at the 25th Annual Toys of the Year (TOTY) Awards in February.
Please pay attention to the TOTY Award special issue of “Toy Book”, which will be mailed to your mailbox next month.
