industry news To mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Miniland Educational toy company partnered with online boutique retailer Little Wonder & Co in October to support Ruby’s Rainbow – a nonprofit that helps students with Down syndrome achieve their goals of higher education and independence.
Little Wonder – a natural and sustainable Children’s store that carries inclusive, diverse products – donated 10 percent of its sales of Miniland’s limited-edition “Ruby Doll with Down Syndrome” to Ruby’s Rainbow scholarships. They fund enrichment or vocational classes for students with Down syndrome. The amount was matched by Miniland. The 15-inch baby doll with strawberry blonde hair features the sweet facial characteristics of babies with Down syndrome in a realistic and respectful way. Her design was inspired by a “real” Ruby who was born with an unexpected 21st chromosome. “Nothing compares to the joy and wonder on a child’s face when they recognize themselves in their doll,” said Clara Roque, U.S. sales manager for Miniland USA. “Miniland’s sole mission has always been to inspire kindness and acceptance, regardless
of a person’s condition, race, gender or background. Being able to provide an opportunity to help other students like Ruby gain access to the many opportunities they deserve is something our company is extremely proud of.” Ann Williams Group, acquired by PlayMonster last year, received 15 different awards in 2021, including a 2022 TOTY nomination in the specialty toy category. Its products were honored by Autism Live, Creative Child Magazine, Happy Kid, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and Toy Insider. In addition, the Loopdedoo Deluxe is vying for a Toy of Year Award from The Toy Association. It combines two patented methods of making jewelry, and was created by Sheila Wright, founder of Ann Williams Group. “Every product under the Ann Williams brand offers a unique way for fans of all ages to explore new creative possibilities, learn new skills and express themselves in new and magical ways,” noted Wendy Hartling, activities brand manager at PlayMonster.
American Girl Dolls, the board game Risk, and “sand” were recently inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The honorees, unveiled during a special ceremony at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, were chosen from a field of 12 finalists that also included Battleship, billiards, Cabbage Patch Kids, the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Mahjong, Masters of the Universe, the piñata, Settlers of Catan, and the toy fire engine. Created in 1986 by educator Pleasant Rowland, the 18inch American Girl dolls and their accompanying books explore America’s social and cultural history. Says Curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer, “Rowland’s formula for combining doll play with history lessons worked, in her words, like ‘chocolate cake with vitamins.’ In an era when some education experts claimed that school curriculums paid little attention
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