The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)—a nonprofit trade org that supports independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives—has announced the winners of its 2024 Play Awards.

At a gala that took place during ASTRA’s annual market this week in St. Louis, Missouri, Fat Brain Toys’ air-powered STEM building toy Air Toobz (pictured) won the Play Award for best science product. And the TOMY-owned manufacturer was also triumphant in the pretend play category with its portable Pretendables School Set for preschoolers. 

Meanwhile, Mayhem on the Moon from German game developer Ravensburger was selected as the year’s best puzzle, and LEGO’s Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds came out on top in the kidult category.

Other notable winners included Tiny Easel from Painter Box (arts & crafts); multi-dimensional stacking toy Wave Stacker from PlanToys (eco-friendly); foam toy rocket launcher NASA Collection from Stomp Rocket (outdoor play); Douglas Hugs Baby Fox from Douglas Company (plush); and tactile toy Furry Fidget Friends from Tangle (sensory).

A shortlist of 18 finalists was selected by a committee of ASTRA members from more than 600 nominated products. The winning toys were judged on their uniqueness (either an original concept or a significant new rendition), availability (ready to ship by September 2024), significance (thought-provoking or groundbreaking) and newness (available to the general retail market between September 2022 and September 2024).

Previously called the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Awards, the Play Awards were renamed to better align with the org’s mission of supporting products that foster good play for all ages.

A full list of winners is available on ASTRA’s website.