Pokémon Squishmallows win 2023 Collectable of the Year from The Toy Foundation, voting continues for People’s Choice Toy of the Year

The 2023 Toy of the Year Awards, hosted by charitable organization The Toy Foundation, has announced their individual category winners for the year. Pokémon products were nominated in three categories in 2023; Collectable, Construction Toy, and Action Figure Toy of the Year. Pokémon Squishmallows took the crown for Collectable of the Year, beating out competitors such as LEGO Disney, Monster High, and Furby. The collection of plushies is manufactured by longtime partner of The Pokémon Company International, Jazwares. The 16” version of Squishmallows also won for 2023 Plush Toy of the Year, and even won in 2022 for Overall Toy of the Year, while the Pokémon brand itself won in 2022 for License of the Year.

The Toy Foundation announced that approximately $800,000 USD was raised in cash donations during this year’s award season from sponsors such as Mattel, Spin Master, and The Pokémon Company International, which donated $90,000 in cash and $3.7 million worth of cards and other merchandise. These donations support The Toy Foundation’s mission to provide “the healing power of play” to children’s hospitals and to children in vulnerable situations, such as the foster care system and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The Toy Foundation reports that they have provided over $284 million worth of toys to more than 31 million children worldwide since their founding in 2003.

“Congratulations to our award winners and luminaries who are moving the industry forward…” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Together we are making a difference through play in the lives of children in need.” Voting for People’s Choice Toy of the Year is open to the public until November 10th, for which the winners will be announced November 20th. The Overall Toy of the Year will be selected by a panel of judges, also to be announced on November 20th.