The Star Wars-themed 19^th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards celebrated toy inventors, designers, retailers, marketers and communications specialists 

People of Play revealed the winners of the 19^th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards during a ceremony held 6 November. The event honored the inventors, designers, suppliers, retailers, marketers, and PRteams whose creativity, passion, and collaboration continue to shape and inspire the global toy and game industry.Winners were determined by a public vote by consumers and the industry. 

This year’s event also brought attendees to a galaxy far, far away to kick off the 50^th anniversary of Star Wars. Themed The Force of Play, the evening was hosted by Ashley Eckstein, actress, entrepreneur, founder of Her Universe, and the original voice of beloved Star Wars character Ahsoka Tano. In recognition of the iconic franchise’s milestone anniversary in 2027, guests received specially created commemorative coins featuring the Star Wars 50th anniversary emblem and the TAGIE Awards logo.

The celebration also included a special video message from Dave Filoni, President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm Ltd., who thanked the toy industry for its years of support and for helping bring the Star Wars galaxy into the hands of fans around the world.

The 2026 TAGIE Award winners are: 

Honorees: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Pleasant Rowland, founder of American Girl

• Industry Game Changer Award: Elan Lee & Matthew Inman, co-founders of Exploding Kittens

Award Winners: 

• Toy Innovator of the Year – Ages 0 – 13: Alex Wilde, Cody Hampton, & Jessica Kaups for Disney: BatuuAdventure Buddies, Ewok

• Toy Innovator of the Year – Ages 13+: Goliath’s Clickeez Team for Clickeez Series 3: Bubble Pops

• Game Innovator of the Year – Ages 0 – 13: Joe Barron, Sophia Ricciardi, David Yakos, Brady Peterson, Danielle Standring, & Grant Lyon for Cross the Line

• Game Innovator of the Year – Ages 13+: The Spin Master Games Team with Inventors Don Ullman & Bob Driscoll for Murder Phone, Rubik’s Rush and Jumanji Ultimate Level Electronic Board Game

• Licensed Product Innovator of the Year: KAYOU for KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards

• Young Innovator of the Year: Bryce Mikolajczak for Cell Quest

• Most Innovative Designer of the Year – Art & Visuals: Matthew Inman & the Exploding Kittens Team for Dead Therapist

• Most Innovative PR & Marketing Team of the Year: Amanda Rubinos Luna & Ali Way for Disney Lorcana: Curator’s Collection, Heroines Edition — A Disney Park & Disney Store Exclusive

• Sales Innovator of the Year: Tyler Williams & the ZB Designs Sales Team for Wigglitz

• Most Innovative Partner of the Year: Bang Zoom Design Ltd. for Peekimo, Bitzee Interactive Aquarium, & PAW Patrol Megasaurus Dino Vehicle

“The TAGIE Awards are a celebration of the creativity, passion, and collaboration that make the toy and game industry so extraordinary,” said Robb LaFlamme, Director of Hardlines at Disney Parks Retail and Development and Chairman of the TAGIE Awards Committee.  

“This year’s theme, ‘The Force of Play,’ took on a special meaning as we kicked off the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, a franchise that has sparked imaginations and inspired generations through the power of storytelling and play. It’s a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact a single idea can have, and a fitting tribute to the innovators we honored. Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners!”