The Toy Association plans to honor seven innovators next year through induction to The Toy Industry Hall of Fame. 

The 2025 inductees are Maxine Clark, Founder and former Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sharon DiMinico, Founder and Chair of Learning Express Toys, and Erno Rubik, Inventor of the Rubik’s Cube. The Toy Association will posthumously induct Edwin S. Lowe, Founder of the E.S. Lowe and Company, Charles Pajeau, Founder of the Toy Tinker Company and Inventor of Tinkertoy; Marty Scheman, CEO of Illco Toy and President of Tyco-Preschool, and Izannah Walker, dollmaker and inventor.

“When you look at the legacies these three toy giants have created, from sparking a global puzzle craze to unlocking a child’s imagination by making their very own teddy bear and empowering neighborhood toy store owners, Maxine Clark, Sharon DiMinico and Erno Rubik respectively have forever transformed our industry through their shared vision and passion for toys, innovation, and the joy of learning,” said Greg Ahearn, President and CEO of The Toy Association.

The Toy Industry Hall of Fame was established in 1984 with the purpose of recognizing the people and toys that make the industry more wonderful. Hundreds of industry members are nominated annually, from retailers to inventors. Nominees are voted on by the Hall of Fame Committee and approved by The Toy Association Board of Directors. Posthumous inductees are meant to recognize previously overlooked industry veterans who have contributed to the toy landscape since 1800.

“The Toy Association is proud to posthumously induct Edwin S. Lowe, Charles Pajeau, Marty Scheman, and Izannah Walker,” Ahearn said. “We honor their lasting legacies, iconic creations, and extraordinary achievements. May their contributions continue to inspire future generations of toy inventors, designers, and visionaries.”

This year’s inductees will join Walt Disney, Ruth and Elliot Handler, Jim Henson, Stanley, and many more. They will be inducted in February at the 25th Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.

Look for The Toy Book’s special TOTY Awards issue, hitting mailboxes next month.