SANTORO is celebrating a major milestone after taking home two medals at the 2026 Independent Toy Awards, including Gold in the Educational category for its Solar System Pop & Build.
The win marks the third consecutive year that SANTORO’s Pop & Build collection has received the competition’s highest honour, underlining the continued appeal of the company’s combination of creative design, construction and educational play.
The Solar System Pop & Build allows children to construct an interactive 3D solar system while discovering facts about the planets. Featuring SANTORO’s signature paper engineering, gold foil detailing, orbiting elements and illustrated artwork, the product combines STEM learning with hands-on, screen-free play.
The company also secured recognition for its new Harmonie Lane brand, with its Candy-Shaped Highlighter Set receiving a medal in the Pocket Money category.
Launched earlier this year, Harmonie Lane has been designed around creativity, friendship and self-expression, with colourful, personality led products aimed at encouraging children to engage in screen free activities.
Tara Strickland, Head of Design at SANTORO, said the recognition was particularly meaningful as a British company and highlighted the important role independent retailers play in supporting original products and giving new ideas an opportunity to succeed.
The awards add further momentum for both collections as they continue to expand throughout 2026.
For SANTORO, the double recognition also reflects the growing consumer and retailer interest in products that combine creativity and meaningful play, particularly at a time when screen free activities, educational value and hands-on experiences are becoming increasingly important considerations for families.
With Pop & Build continuing its award-winning run and Harmonie Lane gaining its first industry recognition, SANTORO says it remains focused on developing innovative products that offer children opportunities to create, discover and play.
