Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY; www.spinmaster.com) a leading global children’s entertainment company, took home top honors for its innovative products at the Toy Industry Awards presented by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and the Toy Retailers Association on January 22, 2019. The Company won two coveted UK Toy and Supplier of the Year Awards: Game of the Year – Jumanji Board Game and Preschool Range of the Year – PAW Patrol®. Additionally, PAW Patrol® Ultimate Construction Vehicle was named one of Toy Fair’s Hero Toys. Decided by an independent panel of industry judges and the BTHA, The Toy Fair Hero Toys seeks to recognize the 25 most exciting and creative toys launched at Toy Fair.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive these awards and a reflection on our team’s ongoing hard work and dedication,” said Ben Gadbois, Spin Master’s Global President and COO. “Spin Master is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity and these three awards are a testament to our efforts.”
“We’re so thrilled to receive these three amazing awards at such a prestigious industry event,” said Hedley Barnes, General Manager Northern Europe. “Our steadfast focus is on bringing innovative toys, games and entertainment to kids to inspire creativity and fun.”
This year’s awards follow Spin Master’s 2018 UK Toy of the Year wins for: Collectible of the Year – Hatchimals CollEGGtibles™, Doll of the Year – Luvabella™, Pre-School Toy of the Year – PAW Patrol® Basic Vehicle and the illustrious Supplier of the Year Award.
These awards come just weeks before the North American Toy Fair, which takes place in New York February 16-19, 2019. Spin Master has been nominated for seven Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards from the US Toy Industry Association and seven Women in Toys (WIT) Wonder Woman Awards.
One thing we can say for sure is this; it’s awesome that Jumanji hasn’t fallen into the ‘cursed haunted board game’ category much in the way the Ouji Board has. Trust me– to this day, you if you approach a group of party goers (of all ages) you’ll find people reluctant to play Ouji. So, why do I bring this up? What do Ouji and Jumanji even have in common? Well, sure, nothing. Because all of Jumanji’s ‘curses’ are purely fantasy. But for people who were children when the 1995 film starring beloved and departed actor Robin Williams came out, the words ‘In the jungle you shall wait, until the dice read five or eight’ was a literal curse.
On a side note, I think it’s also super interesting that Jumanji, to this day, doesn’t run on batteries to make those little haunted hologram messages come up in the middle. But when it does, call me. I’m ready for my curse.
SOURCE: Spin Master