May 18, 2026 | The Toy Association™ announced that nominations are now open to submit candidates for induction into the 2027 Toy Industry Hall of Fame, inviting the global toy community to recognize the visionary leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have made a lasting impact on the industry. Nominations may be submitted online through Friday, June 26.

Consideration for the Hall of Fame is open to individuals who have made outstanding contributions and/or provided impactful service to the toy industry and The Toy Association throughout their careers. Candidates may be nominated by any stakeholder in the toy industry (Toy Association membership is not required); however, voting to select the 2027 inductees is restricted to members only.

Detailed nomination criteria and information about the selection process is available here. If a candidate nominated last year was not selected, their nomination will automatically carry forward for one additional year; no re-nomination is required. Click here to view the candidates automatically carried over for 2026.

The Hall of Fame Subcommittee on Posthumous Selection will nominate posthumous candidates for review and approval by the Toy Industry Hall of Fame Committee. In selecting nominees, the subcommittee will consider diversity across company affiliation, contribution area, ethnicity, gender, and lasting industry impact.

The 2027 inductees will be honored at the annual Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards on Friday, February 19, 2027.

The Toy Industry Hall of Fame was established in 1984, and every year since, members of the industry have proudly nominated hundreds of people who have made their mark on the industry and created a love of play in the hearts of children of all ages. All past inductees can be viewed on The Toy Association website.

Questions about the Toy Industry Hall of Fame may be directed to The Toy Association’s Janis Zegman.