Over my last 13 years in the toy industry, I’ve had the opportunity to attend some awesome events, while continually searching to feature the best toys, games and activities for all ages that could help children improve their development through play.
3 years ago, my search expanded to a global stage, when for the first time I was asked to attend Spielwarenmesse. Spielwarenemesse is the largest international toy and game trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, where for the last 74 years, companies and individuals have exhibited their beautiful toys, games and play items to retailers and media from all over the world.
One of the highlights of Spielwarenmesse is that companies can enter their products to be considered for the prestigious ToyAward. A panel of experts serves on a jury and rates the submissions, narrowing it down to the best items that are fun, original, safe, have good workmanship and detail, impress others at retail, and offer a comprehensive concept.
This was our 3rd year to participate in Spielwarenmesse, and my most favorite year to date. We attended in 2019, and 2020, but unfortunately due to the pandemic, in-person events were postponed until 2023.
Attending shows in person allows me to see, touch, hear and experience toys and games in a way that just isn’t the same in a press release, photo or video.
This year I was honored to serve on the panel of judges who are asked to use their expertise to rate hundreds of ToyAward submissions.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links, where I might receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase it. Some items may not be available in the United States.
Meet the winners of the 2023 Spielwarenmesse ToyAward!
Baby & Infant Category (0-3 years) ToyAward Winner
A beautiful infant and toddler activity toy with a space theme that works on fine motor skills.
Preschool Category (3-6 years)
Learn simple addition and subtraction by placing weighted cupcakes on a scale, then choosing the correct number in order to place on the opposite side to balance it.
SchoolKids Category (6-10 years)
- History of Life on Earth – Clementoni S.p.A.
Learn about the history of evolution with physical, augmented and Virtual Reality experiments.
Teenager & Adults Category (10+ years)
- Miika K.I. Robot -Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co KG)
Train this adorable robot to complete simple commands like talking moving and gesturing using an app.
Startup Category
Put on tattoos or stickers, then watch them come to life insdie an app.
Sustainability Category
- Creative Building Blocks – BAVVIC sp. z o.o.
Using silicone connectors, the STEM learning toy helps kids of all ages and abilities to create unique creations.
What I love about Spielwarenmesse, is that many of these companies value different aspects of play, and have created so many toys I’ve never seen before. I have also found that European companies value sustainability, and this year more than ever, there were many unique toys created from natural materials.
Here is a reel of all the winners of the ToyAward on Instagram!
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A post shared by Keriann Wilmot – ToyQueen.com (@keri_wilmot)
Check out my Instagram Stories that shows all of the exciting toys we saw at Spielwarenmesse!