Winners of the 2024 Play for Change awards
Have a look at the winners of the 2024 Play for Change awards, an exciting line up of toy makers going the extra mile when developing their toys.
Diversity & Inclusion
The diversity & inclusion award recognises activities and toys that break boundaries based on outdated ‘norms’ of social status, ability, sex, race or religion.
The new Generation of LEGO® Friends | The LEGO Group
The revamped LEGO® FRIENDS range introduces characters of various body types, abilities, and races, making it more reflective of the world children live in today. The jury highlighted the importance of an already popular toy line evolving in this way, with great potential to positively influence children's perception and how they embrace diversity. They also appreciated the careful attention to detail.
Playing Together Project, Miniland
Miniland's Playing Together initiative promotes inclusion and diversity by organising community events that bring together children of different abilities and backgrounds. By offering inclusive dolls and creating spaces for play and interaction, this project helps prepare children for life in a diverse society. The jury praised its exceptional representation, recognising that it can really improve childhood experiences for children with disabilities.
Mattel Games™ Colourblind Accessibility Initiative
Mattel has started updating its portfolio of games, including mobile versions, to ensure that children who cannot distinguish between colours can also play them. This initiative features popular titles like UNO and Blokus, with 80% of the Mattel Games portfolio planned to include these accessibility updates by the end of 2024. The jury welcomed this development, emphasising its importance for inclusivity, especially given the high prevalence of colour blindness.
Sustainability
The sustainability award is for initiatives and/or toys which aim to deliver an overall positive impact for the environment.
Wave Stacker, PlanToys
This multi-dimensional building and stacking toy is made from recycled rubberwood. By repurposing trees that no longer produce rubber, PlanToys helps prevent plantation burn-down and gives new life to the wood. The judges applauded this pioneering use of raw material and the company’s commitment to sustainability at every stage, recognising their ambition and progress towards becoming a carbon neutral company by 2025.
Fisher-Price® Planet Friends
The Fisher-Price Planet Friends line by Mattel prioritises sustainable materials. The fabrics are made from 80-95% post-consumer recycled plastics and the other components also crafted from eco-friendly materials. Through this line, Mattel has developed advanced chemical safety procedures for recycled materials suitable for young children. The jury commended Mattel, as an industry leader, for actively sharing these insights with the wider toy sector to establish safer, standardised practices across the sector.
Smoby Life - XL Slide, Smoby Toys
This large slide is crafted from plastic containing at least 70% recycled materials. The transition from virgin to recycled plastics, sourced from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, significantly reduces plastic waste and promotes recycling. The jury members applauded these efforts, recognising the challenges of using recycled materials in outdoor toys, which require high durability and safety standards.
Build the Change 2023 – Environmental Sustainability through Play, The LEGO Group
In 2023, the LEGO Group’s ‘Build the Change’ program focused on environmental sustainability engaging children in critical topics such as biodiversity and climate change through play. Through captivating classroom materials and virtual experiences, over 2 million children learned about human impact and explored ways to protect endangered animals and their habitats. The jury commended the initiative for its impact in engaging and educating children on sustainability and empowering young voices globally.
LIFE SKILLS
The life skills award recognises an initiative or product that prepares children for tomorrow’s world.
Binocular Camera, LeapFrog / VTech
VTech’s advanced binoculars blend traditional design with technology featuring a screen, built-in camera and rich educational content on wildlife including BBC videos. The jury appreciated how these binoculars offer children an interactive learning tool that encourages exploration and connection with nature, both outdoors and indoors.
My SvooryTales, SVOORA
My SvooryTales is a storytelling game that immerses children in the enchanting world of fairy tales through a unique book design. Comprised of three pages that represent the classic three-act structure—Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution—children use magnetic tokens to create countless plots and stories. The jury praised My SvooryTales for its innovative approach to helping young children develop reading and storytelling skills and for encouraging meaningful interactions with parents and caregivers.
ROBOTICS - Smart Robots Pro, fischertechnik
fischertechnik’s Smart Coding Pro prepares children for the 21st century through hands-on STEM learning. Equipped with sensors and moving parts, the kit allows young developers to build, program, and control 12 models, ranging from a driving robot with obstacle detection to a flashing carousel and a temperature-controlled fan with an alarm system. The jury applauded Smart Coding Pro for its well-rounded approach to equipping children with essential skills for future careers and encouraging tech-savviness.
