PAL Award Winners – Toys
Exceptional toys, games and books / media that encourage language, spark fun and invite creative play.
PAL Award Winners
Established by respected speech and language expert Sherry Artemenko MA, CCC-SLP, the PAL Award recognizes exceptional toys, games and books / media that, through their design, content, quality, and character, promote play that advances language. PAL winners in the hands of kids spark fun and creative play with lots of talk!

2024
Get Ready for Phonics™ Spin & Learn by LeapFrog
The Get Ready for Phonics™ Spin & Learn is designed to make early literacy fun for toddlers. With its colorful wheel, sounds, and melodies, this...
Music Jam with Ms. Sarah Jane by MindWare’s Peaceable Kingdom
The Music Jam with Ms. Sarah Jane Music Activity Set is a fun and interactive way to introduce children to the music and rhythm. It includes four...
Kinetic Sand Squish Motion Playset by Spin Master
The Kinetic Sand SquishMotion Playset is a fantastic hands-on toy that brings creativity, learning, and sensory fun together. The set includes...
Dino Temple Conquest by Schleich
The Dino Temple Conquest by Schleich is an action-packed playset that immerses children in a thrilling adventure with realistic dinosaur figures and...
GraviTrax Star Wars Death Star Action Set by Ravensburger
Star Wars fans will ogle over Ravensburger's newest GraviTrax Star Wars Action Set: Death Star. It's an innovative and educational toy that combines...
Sort & Discover Activity Wagon by VTech
The Sort & Discover Activity Wagon is a colorful and interactive toy designed to keep toddlers engaged in active and educational play. This...
My Little Artist Playset by GUND
The My Little Artist Playset by GUND is a sensory-rich toy for children to learn about our artistic world. This adorable set includes 4 plush...
Cat® Dig N’ Build Concrete Playset by Funrise
The Cat® Dig N' Build Concrete Playset is perfect for young builders, offering a hands-on construction experience. Designed for children who love to...
PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels Super Loop HQ Tower by Spin Master
The PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels Super Loop HQ Tower is an impressive 3.5 foot tall, interactive playset, designed for PAW Patrol fans everywhere. It...
2023
Emotional Support Fries by Relatable
The Emotional Support Fries are here to sizzle their way into homes and classrooms to blend playfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL). These...
Home Grown Growing Kit by MindWare
MindWare's Home Grown Growing Kit is for simultaneously nurturing plants and young minds. This kit blends gardening with valuable lessons in...
Go’s Spiral Drop by Squaregles
Go's Spiral Drop blends the fundamentals of construction and physics with the magic of imaginative storytelling and cooperative (or independent!)...
Silly Scents Smash Ups by Crayola
Our kids love all things Crayola! And creativity begins with basics with their crayons, colored pencils, and broad line and fine markers. Kids love...
Gabby’s Dollhouse Gabby Cat Friend Ship
Ahoy Cat Friends! Time to board the ship with Gabby and MerCat on Gabby Cat Friend Ship. This playset attaches perfectly to the second story of...
Oh So Fun! Cleaning Cart by MindWare
The Oh So Fun! Cleaning Cart is a perfectly crafted mobile cleaning station that nurtures classic pretend play. This rolling cart encourages role...
PAW Patrol The Mighty Movie: Skye’s Mighty Movie Jet by Spin Master
Skye’s Mighty Movie Jet from Spin Master's PAW Patrol The Mighty Movie brings everyone’s favorite pink pup to flight. This amazing jet offers a...
Oggsmore Keep: A Castle Saga by Squaregles
Enter the enchanting world of Oggsmore Keep, where creativity and learning take center stage. Oggsmore Keep by Squaregles, is a gateway to magnetic...
Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube by LeapFrog
Push, slide, spin and flip! LeapFrog’s Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube is the perfect educational toy that captivates toddlers and promotes...
2022
Wiltopia Research Station with Compass by PLAYMOBIL
A clear leader in the magic of pretend play, PLAYMOBIL launches their Wiltopia line - new for 2022. The Research Station with Compass is an...
Junior Marble Run by MindWare
Marble runs are known for their educational and STEM value. As children build, assess, and test their designs, they’re learning problem solving,...
“Gabby Girl” Dress-Up Closet by Spin Master
Everyone’s favorite kitty enthusiast, Gabby, from Gabby’s Dollhouse has a carry along closet where fans can dress her up and take her out. The set...
DJ Beat Boxer™ by VTech
VTech’s pawsome DJ Beat Boxer will be adored by music lovers, rhythm makers, and dance enthusiasts. This musical pup bops its head along to the...
Kinetic Sand Swirl N’ Surprise by Spin Master
Kinetic Sand’s newest creation tool is here. The Swirl N’ Surprise creates colorful discs of layered sand while the kid powered sand swirler spins...
DoodleJamz BrightBoard by Sky Castle
The awesome DoodleJamz, where kids squish, shape, and create is now available in BrightBoard. This is a light-up sensory drawing pad that allows for...
Deluxe Charcuterie Kit by MindWare
Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? Now kid chefs can help in the kitchen with this awesome Deluxe Charcuterie Kit. They’ll practice fine...
Squaregles Starter Set
Squaregles are the all-in-one play and learning experience. Kids are building language skills through pretend play. They’re working cognition skills...
My Pal Scout Smarty Paws by LeapFrog
Scout and Violet are back and joining the other learning pups with LeapFrog’s newest Smarty Paws edition. They’re cute, cuddly and customizable. It...
2021
Count Along Basket & Scanner by LeapFrog
Get ready shoppers! The Count Along Basket and Scanner is now available. Toddlers will love the pretend play value in the hand basket that...
Cool Maker Shimmer Me Body Art by Spin Master
Shimmer Me Body Art by Spin Master is a fun arts and crafts activity for children 8 and up. After following a set of directions to place temporary...
Cupstruction by MindWare
Cupstruction is a new and innovative way of building. Kids 3 and older can stack cups to create structures, designs, and even figures that will lead...
Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory by Spin Master
Kinetic Sand is an absolute kid and parent favorite. Kids get all the benefits of exploratory sensory art play and parents have less of the mess....
Touch and Learn Nature ABC Board by LeapFrog
Nature meets learning with LeapFrog’s Touch and Learn Nature ABC Board. It’s made from wood and reclaimed plastic that gives this learning board a...
Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot by LeapFrog
It’s time to head to the kitchen with everyone’s favorite kitchen tool. LeapFrog’s Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot is an interactive toy that promotes...
Paper Butterflies Science Kit by Crayola
Paper Butterflies are a 60-piece Science Kit that includes everything you need to make your own butterfly garden. Create and observe the incredible...
Dig It Up! Bubbling Volcano Discovery by MindWare
Future paleontologists, dinosaur enthusiasts, and science seekers will go wild for the Dig it Up! Bubbling Volcano. Making lava and watching an...
PAW Patrol Movie Chase’s Transforming City Cruiser by Spin Master
“Chase is on the case” and his new Transforming City Cruiser makes rescues even more fun during play time. This pup’s rescue car launches discs to...
2020
Purrfect Counting Purse by LeapFrog
Who wants to pretend they are a kitty with this cool counting cat purse? This purse says its owner has a big personality with the cute face on the...
Sparkling Friends Mia the Unicorn by VTech
Mia the Unicorn is a perfect friend for pretend play. As any beautiful unicorn she requires some care which kids lovingly give to her as they press...
Blues Clues & You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook by Leap Frog
Blues Clues and You! fans will love to have their very own Handy Dandy Notebook to engage with Blue and her friends, pressing buttons to start...
Speak & Learn Puppy by LeapFrog
When Leap Frog’s Speak and Learn Puppy first arrived at our toy testing laboratory, all of the kids were so intrigued, even the older ones! Bailey,...
Count & Win Sports Center by VTech
VTech's Count & Win Sports Center exercises little ones' minds and bodies as they shoot hoops and kick soccer goals while listening to...
Jiggle & Giggle Fishing Set by VTech
Kids drop their fishing line into the pretend pool of sea creatures and the jiggly, giggly fun begins. Catch a blue marlin, orange lobster, green...
Helping Heroes Fire Station by VTech
The Helping Heroes Fire Station by VTech is a dynamic fire truck that converts into a fire station for two brave firefighters. As my kiddo said,...
Go! Go! Cory Carson Cory’s Stay & Play Home by VTech
To accompany the popular Netflix series Go! Go! Cory Carson, VTech has brought us Cory’s Stay & Play Home. Cory’s house includes 2 levels, 6...
A Year of Kindness Calendar by MindWare
There's a lot of talk right now about kindness. I see little Be Kind messages on signs, Instagram and t-shirts. The "Year of Kindness Calendar"...
2019
LeapBuilders ABC Smart House by LeapFrog
LeapFrog continues to provide us with learning fun and has now introduced their new LeapBuilders system where kids learn while building. Kids got...
Myla the Magical Unicorn by VTech
Myla was so popular with kids in a four-year old preschool that kids were standing in line to play with her--boys and girls! Myla is truly magical...
Treasure Seekers Pirate Ship by VTech
Are you ready for a learning journey with our pirate and captain? "Ahoy there matey," says Captain Monty as kids place him on the front deck's...
Adventure Treehouse by Schleich
Schleich's new play sets continue to impress teachers, parents, grandparents and of course kids! Their beautiful hand painted people and props...
King George’s Castle by Bigjigs Toys
Parents immediately recognized the high quality of design and construction of King George's Castle. The pieces interlock precisely and the design is...
Mix & Match-a-Saurus by VTech
As a speech pathologist I love VTech's new Mix & Match-a-Saurus who kids can customize by characters, emotions and music style. The three light...
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Safari Oasis
Kids loved decorating Crayola's Scribble Scrubbie animals, the lion, elephant, monkey and giraffe, to prepare them for the safari. I'm not sure what...
Hape Double Fun Fishing Set
Kids love to fish and can't get enough of bath play so get ready for some sea loving fun. These adorable chunky water creatures have cute...
Hape Cook ‘n Serve Kitchen
My little preschooler was immediately drawn to Hape's Cook 'n Serve Kitchen and got right to work mixing and baking cupcakes for Mom, Grandma and...
2018
Silly Street Character Builders by Mindware
Little actors can stretch their story-telling skills as they prepare and learn the elements of a good story. First create their characters with the...
Builder Box: House by Mindware
Building a story is so much about the accessories to send the story in different directions and thereby build speech and language skills. This...
Foozlephone by Mindware
This wacky Foozlephone makes me laugh just listening to the descriptive names for its parts--Crinkle Coils that stretch to 9 feet long, a "Jibbity...
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets
Crayola's Scribble Scrubbie Pets were a huge hit in the preschool classroom I visited. Kids were lined up for a turn to color their doggy or kitten...
Crayola Silly Scents Sticker Maker
Kids love to personalize their backpacks, books and personal items and the "Silly Scents Sticker Maker" is ready to help. Simply choose one of the...
Crayola Ultimate Light Board
Kids love to draw so now they can create original art, write a message, or trace a favorite picture with the Mini Gel FX Markers (included), turn on...
Touch & Discover Sensory Turtle by VTech
There's a whole lot of fun learning packed into this delightful turtle whose face makes you want to give him a hug! VTech's new Baby products are...
Mojo Dino Back Pack Set
Who doesn't like to take his play on the road? Moms and kids love take along play for travel or just moving from room to room. This backpack has the...
Reindeer in Here
How can a little reindeer bring joy and fun to the Christmas season? My little friends loved hearing his story in the accompanying book, "Reindeer...
2017
Luvabella by Spin Master
"Love comes to life," surely describes this life-like doll who interacts with little ones. Parents and kids were fascinated with Luvabella's facial...
Pet Place by Wonderhood
I love when I visit a first grade class and they recognize the Wonderhood box and beg to play with me! Their teacher and class choose the Wonderhood...
Town House by Wonderhood
When I walked into a first grade classroom with Wonderhood's 2 newest playsets the kids begged me to pick them for their "smart play" time! Boys and...
Go! Go! Smart Friends Shimmering Seashell Castle by VTech
Pearl and friends rule this 2 1/2 foot wide castle including a sea slide, swing, ballroom, opening seashell and carousel. Mermaid Pearl comes...
LeapStart by LeapFrog
This popular kids' interactive learning system has now expanded its content to be applicable through first grade subjects. LeapStart comes with a...
2-in-1 LeapTop Touch by LeapFrog
This kids' laptop/tablet is twice the fun with five modes for smart play--ABC, 123, Messages, Games and Music. Puppies Scout and Violet tell kids to...
4-in-1 Stroll & Grow Tek Trike by VTech
This cool tech savvy trike takes your child through 4 stages of riding from 9 months to 6 years, from a parent steering the stroller, to training,...
World’s Greatest Magic Show by Thames & Kosmos
Kids 8 and up can indeed put on the world's greatest magic show by following the easy instructions with photographs, adding a little practice and...
Silly Scents Bundle by Crayola
Want to delight your child with a bundle of creative fun? Crayola's Silly Scents wedge and fine markers and twistable crayons and colored pencils...
2016
Care for Me Learning Carrier by VTech
Kids love pets so now they can transport their little plush doggie in this interactive pet carrier with light up learning features. Open the door to...
Ark by Hape
The story of animals boarding Noah's ark, two by two is fascinating as is this beautifully designed and crafted puzzle by George Luck. Are there 2...
Crayola Jewel Maker
As a little girl, I loved an art project so I am drawn to Crayola's Jewel Maker to share with young designers. This kit has plenty of materials to...
Crayola Emoji Maker
Crayola's new Emoji Maker is part science experiment, art project and messaging activity! Kids assemble the marker, use the color mixing guide to...
Crayola Crayon Factory
Moms love that kids can re-purpose broken crayons, and kids love to create a car, dog or heart character from melted crayons! Place your crayon or...
Crayola Air Marker Sprayer
Set up for this fun was so quick and although you should protect your surface, if you follow the directions and keep the nozzle close to your paper,...
My First Crayola Mess Free Sand Scribbler
Little ones can grab the round ball stylus and have fun in the sand with no mess to clean up! The magnetic ball quickly connects to the circle in...
Officially Licensed Little House on the Prairie 18″ Laura Ingalls Doll and Accessories by The Queen’s Treasures
The Queen's Treasures, who has inspired kids to bring history alive with its 18" doll accessories, has now given us their first doll, Laura Ingalls,...
Janod Zigolos Elk and Fox Looping Stacker and Rocker
This is one busy elk and fox! Beautifully made, combining wood stacking pieces, moving balls and felt ears, tails and antlers, this rocker will keep...
2015
Smart Max Click and Roll by Smart Toys and Games
Hands got busy when we opened the box for Click and Roll. "Oh let's make a giant marble run," was my friend's first impression but quickly his...
Unbored Disguises by MindWare
Kids surely weren't bored when they opened the box of disguises and The Field Guide to Going Incognito. Minds were in high gear as they assembled...
Baby Amaze Learn to Talk and Read Baby Doll by VTech
It was truly amazing to see how my little girl friend knew just what to do with Baby Amaze, cradling her in her arms, feeding her the bottle and...
Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train by VTech
Toddlers are one the move with VTech's new Ultimate Alphabet Train, designed to grow with your child from floor play to riding toy, walker and pull...
Crayola Color Wonder Light Up Stamper
"It's awesome, let me do it again," was my little friend's reaction to his first light-up stamping experience, starting his picture of sea animals....
Ambi’s Fishing Boat by Galt Toys
Our fishing boat was first launched in the bath tub but a kiddie pool or beach would work too. Kids from 2-6 years of age had fun with this compact...
Ambi’s One Man Band by Galt Toys
The One Man Band needed no introduction to my 2 year-old friends who "borrowed" his horn and blew into it. Immediate uncontrollable giggles burst...
Go! Go! Smart Animals Grow and Learn Farm by VTech
VTech's Go! Go! Smart family has just added a new member, Go! Go! Smart Animals Grow and Learn Farm. Kids got right into exploring the farm set with...
French Cocotte Trolley Cooker by Janod
Toddlers and preschoolers are on constantly on the move and Janod's new Cocotte Trolley Cooker enables them to serve up your eggs, sunny side...
2014
Tubby Table by Tubby Table Toys
Want to add a little playful learning to tub time? Just press Tubby Table down to adhere to the tub floor and watch kids bring on the play. Filling,...
Grocery Store/ Puppet TheaterTent by Pacific Play Tents, Inc.
Kids raced to enter the Theater flap to start the play in their new tent. Parents loved the easy set-up and light weight tent with velcro closures....
Doll Shona by HABA USA
Every little girl had the same reaction when she opened the suitcase and saw Shona, "Wow, I wanna hold her" and they immediately picked her up to...
Doorway Puppet Theatre by HABA USA
Set the stage for easy set up and creative play as you simply place the adjustable extension rod in a doorway to hang HABA's new "Doorway Puppet...
Balancing Circus by Lilliputiens
Introduce your baby to the circus as the elephant, cat and rabbit balance, forming a pyramid of fun. Tip to the front, back or side but no one falls...
Shadow FX Color Projector by Crayola
Open the box of Crayola’s new Shadow FX Color Projector and the contents look simple--a clear drawing panel with gel FX markers, a shadow shapes...
The Multiples Early Year Set
Kids get ready to meet the Multiples as you sip your milk, down your cereal or have a sandwich! Our mom said, "Cute" while her son said, "Wow," when...
Air+ Water Power PLUS by Thames and Kosmos
Thames & Kosmos "Air+Water Power Plus" is a creative combination of vehicle/machine building kit AND science experiment. At it's core are a pair...
Write and Learn Touch Tablet by VTech
VTech's Write and Learn Touch Tablet has a focused mission of teaching 3 to 6'ers number and letter formation. It succeeds. It's effective, fun,...
2013
Grow-With-Me Activity Gym and Ball Pit by Infantino
Keep the Grow-With-Me Activity Gym and Ball Pit in the playroom for your infant to toddler stage as it transforms from a turtle of overhead...
Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Activity Gym by Infantino
Wonder Whale brings on the kicks and giggles as infants activate the fun! Moms appreciate Infantino's baby products designed for multiple learning...
Touch and Feel Critter Ball Set by Infantino
Kids at 6 months old can have their very own ball set with cute animal faces of a cat, dog, bunny and bear to chew on or grab, drop and throw. These...
Sensory Pals by Infantino
Infants 3 months and up have a gang of pals ready to play, providing 5 different sensory experiences including a spike hedgehog, rippled fish, and...
Santa’s Workshop Puzzle by Ravensburger
Make sure you have been good so Santa can list you in his brown leather book. Elves are busy loading his sleigh with teddy bears, soccer balls, toy...
NYC Christmas Puzzle by Ravensburger
What could be more fun than gathering around the table at Christmas time with the family and assembling Ravensburger's new 1000 piece "NYC...
Fire Station by Hape
Kids can be entertained for hours with Hape's new tri-level Fire Station, whether their little fire fighter is working out on the treadmill, doing...
Walk-Along-Snail by Hape
This goofy snail with the wiggly, buggy eyes is a happy companion to any toddler as he tags along, rotating his shell of colored blocks. Flexibility...
Mighty Mini Band by Hape
Kids loved getting the beat going with this all-in-one band including a drum, cymbal, xylophone, guiro and clapper. The drumsticks and clapper store...
2012
Cake Set by Plan Toys
Who wouldn't want a slice of cake served up by a little friend from this Cake Set? As I was assembling my dessert with my little tester , I asked if...
Tea Set by Plan Toys
This tea set invites conversation, as friends settle in for a chat around the table. Little ones loved the sturdy, easy-to-grab containers with...
Pull-Along Snail by Plan Toys
This tag along snail was such a hit with the toddler set that even older siblings waited in line for a turn. Made from Plan Toy's new eco-friendly...
Stacking Bear by Plan Toys
A lot of learning is packed into Plan Toys' new Stacking Bear. In place of a traditional stacking toy with rings on a rod, this bear is supported...
Play House by Plan Toys
The fun started with the set up of Plan Toys' new Play House as our little testers arranged and rearranged the props and furniture. "That's the...
CuddleUppets by CuddleUppets
CuddleUppets lived up to their names when my little tester immediately put her hand in the doggie face and wrapped herself up in the incredibly soft...
Block Crayon Color and Stow Farm by Wooky Entertainment
This barn invites learning as kids color and create while learning letters, numbers and animals. Grab a single crayon or double pointed crayon for...
Olivia’s Tree House by Lego
Olivia's Tree House is part of a village of sets inviting young girls to construct and play with themes relevant to their experiences--a tree house,...
Tinkertoy Transit Set by K’NEX
I still have an old tube of Tinkertoys from my youth with the wooden slotted stick pieces and worn green cardboard flag-shaped pieces and they...
2011
Arc-a-teks by WABA Fun LLC
Say hello to Arc-a-teks, the newest members in the popular Superstrucks family. Pairs of friendly characters from the earth, sea and sky arrive in...
Play ‘n Learn Cash Register by Kidoozie
A good cash register is hard to find! That's why I was so excited to see Kidoozie's new Play 'n Learn Cash Register for checkout at the grocery...
Light and Sounds Vroomin’ Vehicles by International Playthings
Since toddlers want to be in charge of their play, Light and Sounds Vroomin' Vehicles are just the right venue for independent, exploratory play....
Peek-A-Boo Blanket Rub-A-Cub by Taggies
The best baby toys teach through play and provide many opportunities for parents to describe features and actions of the toy while their baby...
My Take Along 1.2.3 Noah’s Ark by Playmobil
Hurry and board the ark with your animals, two by two. Clever ridges on the ramp allow the animals to step their way up to the deck and join their...
Write Me a Story, Fairytale Mix-Ups by eeboo
Sometimes getting kids to write can be like pulling hair--not so with eeboo's fairytale mix-up picture stickers to encourage young authors to get...
BLIMEY Pirate Puppet by Folkmanis
When this pirate looks you in the eye, (that would be his one eye since the other is under a patch!) you know he means business. His random teeth,...
Tasty Treat Shop by Alex Toys
Come on in, the Tasty Treat Shop is open for business. Set up the bakery in about a minute and then assemble your goodies and ingredients--cake,...
3D Shape Sorter by Rubbabu
Kids love the tactile experience of handling the fuzzy, firm but slightly squeezable animals as they press them into their molds or stand them up to...
2010
Hug-A-Puzzle by Alex Jr.
Alex toys is pretty new at baby toddler toys, introducing Alex Jr. in 2008, but they have positioned themselves as a leader in launching innovative...
Sensory Gloworm by Playskool
Watch baby's face light up when he sees the newest touchy-feely Gloworm. With added sensory activities, this playmate offers a perfect-sized teether...
Pirate Play Set by Yookidoo
Ahoy mateys! The pirates have invaded the crib with Yookidoo's newest addition to baby's fun, "Pirate Play Set."Little one's hands fit easily around...

About The Award
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