games Archives - NAPPA Awards

July 12, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

GeoSafari Jr. My First Walkie Talkies

Encourage exploration, communication and build confidence. Features a single button for easy use, a secure kid-to-kid radio channel, wrist strap, 90-meter range and durable design. $21.99, ages 4+, educationalinsights.com

Cry Babies Minnie Mouse

Meet the adorable toy that cries real tears just like a real baby. The newest addition comes dressed inspired by one of Disney’s most beloved characters – Minnie Mouse, complete with her classic polkadot dress and iconic mouse ears. When she’s crying, put her pacifier in her mouth and watch as she magically stops crying. $24.99, ages birth-24 months, target.com

Cry Babies Tiny Cuddles Disney

The softest version of these popular dolls now have a magical makeover as Disney inspired characters. Feature Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Daisy Duck and Winnie the Pooh. Each one comes with a matching pacifier and cries real tears. $12.99, ages birth-24 months, target.com

Kidscleancar

Features a unique detachable mop attachment that allows children to help clean the floor while they play. Can be installed and removed in just two seconds. The design is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. Includes a variable speed feature with a rotary button that allows parents to set speed limits. $199, ages 3-8 years, henrytoybox.com

Tamagotchi Uni Sanrio Characters

This device integrates two iconic and beloved brands. Users can collect Sanrio accessories and items for their character alongside innovative Tamagotchi gameplay. Players can pamper their character with Sanrio-inspired treats, adorn them with adorable accessories including the iconic bow, and engage in interactive games that capture the essence of Sanrio’s celebrated spirit. $79.99, ages 6+, bandai.com

Tamagotchi Connection

A cultural phenomenon. The next chapter in the Tamagotchi legacy, bringing back treasured elements from the past for today’s fans. Boasts an array of features designed to delight users of all ages. With pixelated technology, each virtual pet comes to life in great detail, offering an interactive companionship experience. $29.99, ages 6+, bandai.com

Hello Kitty Tamagotchi Nano

Brings together the timeless charm of Hello Kitty with the gameplay of the classic Tamagotchi. With adorable Hello Kitty-themed graphics and mini-games, fans of the beloved character can nurture their characters in true Tamagotchi style. If you take good care of your Tamagotchi character, it will go on a journey to London with Hello Kitty. $19.99, ages 8+, bandai.com

Aphmau 11” Classic Mystery Plush

These new 11” plushies are the latest official Aphmau release, including 8 different MeeMeows to collect. Each comes in a blind bag for surprise unboxing fun with super soft fur, squishy bodies and signature happy faces. $19.99, ages 3-8, bonkertoys.com

LankyBox Golden Mystery Boxy

This all-new set is filled with awesome collectibles, making it the ultimate surprise unboxing experience. Includes micro figures, a pop-it, a lanyard with charm, and stickers, all in a special gold color. $19.99, ages 3+, bonkertoys.com

July 11, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

ChatterTime On-the-Go

Start conversations that create moments of together time in a lighthearted and playful way. With six question categories, the sky’s the limit for everyone to share memories, dreams for the future, silly moments and much more. To get started, pick a card and read it out loud. Take turns sharing your answer. $9.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com

mediTATE

Build your child’s mental fitness through meditation stories & activities played through a multi-sensory, plush toy. Equipped with a child-friendly, Bluetooth speaker that, when connected to the audio library, delivers a magical experience of meditation, mindfulness and calm. $89.99, ages 4+, miindfully.com

Mix It Up On-the-Go

Turn your on-the-go time into meaningful family time. Pick a card, add a sprinkle of time, and voila! Instant fun for all ages. Whether you’re smiling, playing, creating, learning, or caring, there’s something for everyone. No need to plan ahead – most activities require nothing extra. $9.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com

Mix It Up Activity Box

Create cherished family time effortlessly. Featuring 125 activity cards that transform even a brief bit of time into lasting memories. Whether it’s 10 minutes before soccer practice, an hour before dinner, 30 minutes in transit, or a leisurely weekend afternoon, the versatile cards fit any occasion. Simply gather your loved ones, a spark of inspiration, and let the together time begin. $29.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com

FrameTheFun Family Bucket List

It’s time to go on fun family adventures and capture it all in this keepsake frame. Choose from a selection of 30 adventure cards. Capture your together time with a photo and replace the adventure card with your family in action. $34.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com

Dreamland: Relax & Imagine

The third family album from Boulder, Colorado’s award-winning singer-songwriter Jenn Cleary. Offering nine soothing and enchanting songs to help kids unwind, plus a special guided relaxation exercise. Perfect for bedtime or quiet moments. Makes it easy for kids and adults alike to breathe deeply, smile, imagine, and dream. $15, jenncleary.com

“Back Home”

An album with songs dedicated to self-love and freedom. A follow-up to Wendy and DB’s successful “Into The Little Blue House”. A collection of acoustic performances celebrating traditional blues roots music through originally crafted songs for young souls and anyone who enjoys learning about blues and its traditions. $20, wendyanddb.com

May 2, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

Run Beaver Run

Full of excitement and anticipation with each roll. For 2 to 4 players. Includes 4 beaver playing pieces, 1 fold-up gameboard case for easy, on-the-go play, 2 dice, 1 log, 1 log release lever and instructions. $29.99, ages 5+, lukilab.com

Mycelia

An enchanting introduction to deck-building games, players assemble a team of wondrous mushroom folk to help you on your mission to collect the magical dewdrops from your forest to the Shrine of Life. Play solo or with up to four players. $39.99, ages 9+, amazon.com

Sudoku 5×5

Elevate your puzzle-solving experience with this colorful and shapely sudoku magnetic travel game. Arrange the colors, numbers, and shapes to solve each puzzle. With 40 challenges with progressive difficulty, the game is perfect for new gamers or seasoned Sudoku players. $14.99, ages 8+, thinkfun.com

Marvel WordARound

A fast-paced card game that challenges players to see who can read the word-wheel the quickest. From Spider-Man to Captain Marvel to the mighty Thanos, you’ll have to use your Marvel trivia knowledge to recognize the words and call them out first. $14.99, ages 10+, amazon.com

Trio

A clever card game that’s full of surprises. Can you find three of a kind? Reveal two cards – either from the middle, or by asking any player for their lowest or highest card. If you find a pair, keep playing. Get three of a kind and collect the trio. $14.99, ages 8+, happycamper.games

February 6, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

Games can enhance connection, build social skills, support critical reasoning skills and simply add more fun to our daily family activities.

Congratulations to these recent NAPPA Award winners:

Smart Sudoku

A hand-held game featuring 2500 paperless puzzles across 5 difficulty levels. The interactive grid provides instant answer checking, auto-timing and connective battle functions to enhance the puzzle-solving experience. $56, ages 4-adults, giiker.com

Waffle Time

Draft combinations of fruit toppings and whipped cream to load up your waffle. Create patterns to spread syrup for scoring points. What you draft not only affects your score, but also your turn order and how much syrup you can use. $39.99, ages 10+, alderac.com

Prickly Path

Join the coyote for a stroll through the desert to admire the beautiful groups of wild cacti in bloom. A fun family strategy and decision-making game that can be played in 20 minutes. $36, ages 8+, simplyfun.com

My Mine

Eureka, you have struck gold! Try to mine as many nuggets as you can in this board game, but beware—the other miners will also be trying to stake their claim and may even try to take some of yours. $30, ages 6+, simplyfun.com

Nanodoodle Doodle Board

Make up your own games with this portable LCD writing tablet that can be attached anywhere—clip to school bags or suitcases and take creativity on the road. Parents can also use it as a memo note for shopping lists. $19.99, ages 5+, mytekfun.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com.

October 29, 2023 by

We’re thrilled to chat with Bill Nichols and Peter Cmiel of Blip’s Toys, who have won NAPPA Awards several times.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.

1. Please tell us a little about your company’s mission.

Our mission is to offer innovative toys at reasonable prices. We think of ourselves as a speedboat among cruises ships as compared to the large toy companies, bringing new products into the market in a matter of months versus years. One example of this was the Zoom-o disc launcher. Back in the mid 2000’s we showed Target stores a working prototype in February and they loved it. The challenge was they wanted it in stores for summer that year! We challenged our operations team and we were able to build the tooling, complete production and ship it in under 90 days, making it in store by June. That item has sold millions to date and is still being sold today.

2. What made you want to start this company?

Bill: While working in the toy industry as a frustrated salesperson I saw many opportunities left unanswered. Very few companies actually listened to retailers’ needs so I thought what a great opportunity to actually listen and develop for actual opportunities on shelf. So, starting Blip allowed me to pursue new products and categories in the marketplace with instant support.

Peter: Prior to forming Blip, I worked as a toy inventor and became frustrated in getting manufacturers to bring my ideas to market. With the creation of Blip, I was able bring those ideas from concept to production and into the hands of consumers. Part of that process is not only seeing that item make it to the market, but being in control of the process to ensure that its outcomes match my original vision.

3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

Bill: I’ve been very Lucky. I had many mentors, in all areas, toy sales, design, retail merchandising, product development. It’s important to listen and play out of your comfort zone.

Peter: One of my key mentors was my first employer out of college. He was an ex-Tonka toys executive and introduced me to the complex toy world. When I first started, I asked him what my job description was and he said, “anything I don’t want to do”. Our main focus was toy inventors and were able to successfully license various products. My time spent with him was invaluable as he included me in all steps of the process. One of my favorite memories during that time was when we travelled to the London Toy show. It was my first toy show and trip overseas.

4. Best life advice you received growing up?

Bill: you get to choose every day, good day, or bad day when you start, choose good!

Peter: As it relates to one’s professional career, I was told people want to work with people they like. While simplistic, it helped me keep understand the benefit of working in a team and staying out of the politics and drama as much as possible.

5. How has parenthood changed you?

Bill: I have three adult children and one grandchild. The benefits of having children and being in the toy industry is invaluable. It forces you to use your own experiences when developing products. My 3 kids would give a very different answer, they would talk about how many of their toys went missing and never came back. “dad” was always watching how they played with them and then the ones they played with the most would disappear. Later they realized I was like “Sid” from Toy story and was always recreating / designing new toys from old.

Peter: I have two teens (16 & 18) and they provided a tremendous amount of insight into toy design at their various stages of their development. We spent a lot of time together playing with our new toys learning what works and what doesn’t. It was interesting to see what they gravitated towards and as a toy maker I tried not to influence them with things I brought home as I really wanted genuine feedback. In my experience kids want to please you and will tell you they like something if they think you do as well. My children were at a great age, 3 &5 when our big hit toy brand Squinkies came to market, and they were an instant hit with them! The industry had never seen a toy IN a capsule, so Squinkies was a pretty big innovation in the market. They loved the collectability aspect and their squishy tactile feel. And having all of our kids be able to play test it and give us feedback on the tiny characters was just invaluable.

6. When not working, where will we find you?

Bill: sadly, at retail walking thru ALL the aisles looking for new and innovative ways to merchandise. For total relaxation, boating with family on the lake.

Peter: I’m often in my shop tinkering with new ideas. My day is filled with meetings or emails leaving me with a desire to use my hands. I find it satisfying to build something tangible that has a purpose. Sometimes it’s a simple shelf system for the home or a crude mockup of a new toy idea that helps define a designs shape or scale. My background as an industrial designer laid the foundation of the various steps of product development, ideating, drawing, prototyping, etc. that I enjoy to this day with all my projects.

October 19, 2023 by Elena Epstein

Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.

1. Please tell us a little about your career path and how you ended up in the toy industry?

I’d worked in many different industries before finding the toy industry – my tribe. A friend was working at Western Publishing (later purchased by Hasbro). He would share stories about toy and game inventors and their inventions, and I thought I want to do that. Then I fell in love with everything about the toy industry – the people, the products, the stories. I continued in my day job in real estate while inventing toys and games as my side hustle and attending all the Fairs. More than 10 years passed before I could leave real estate behind and work in our industry full time.

2. How does it feel to be honored in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame?

It is beyond humbling. I still can’t believe it happened… and it would not have without Nancy Zwiers and Gene Murtha championing and rallying the community to support my nomination. They are amazing prominent leaders in our industry who work tirelessly in our industry and beyond to make the world a better place.

3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

My first mentor was my mom. She was a tinkerer and loved to make toys, doll houses, barns and more for her children and grandchildren. We didn’t have a lot growing up with six kids, but she made sure we received top educations and most of us even have master’s degrees. After raising us, she went back and earned her college degree in her 60’s because she believed in the importance of education and that no one could ever take that away from you. She supported all of our endeavors and taught us persistence. When I started our Chicago Toy and Game Fair in 2003 she and her two sisters, my aunts, manned our registration area and more. She’d be proud to see how all our events have grown if she was still with us.

4. Best life advice you received growing up?

My mom often reminded us to watch what we say because once we say it, you can never take it back. And that was before social media!

5. Tell us a little about the power of play and why it’s so important.

When my kids were growing up, they would share a lot of what was happening in their lives over a game or a puzzle. It relaxed them and they were more willing to open up and share their lives. Families that attend our Chicago Toy & Game Fair often tell me the same thing. You would love the letters we have received over the years from families and from teachers. Teachers have shared how their students learn that they had more in common than not when playing games. This is one of the reasons we started our PlayinEducation.com website and quarterly newsletter. In addition, we’re so proud to have started the Young Inventors Challenge more than 18 years ago where kids under 18 can enter their toy invention to win prizes and possibly even get a toy deal and see their products on the shelf – real-life Shark Tank for KIDS!

6. What three things have you learned about what makes a company or a toy successful in this industry?

The most important thing I learned is that one needs to build partnerships to be successful. Similarly, is to ask for help and be sure you are open to what they have to tell you. You can get in weeds and not see the big picture. Lastly, persistence is key. Calvin Coolidge has a famous quote about persistence. I have it printed out and on my desk.

7. When not working, where will we find you?

Maybe it was the Easy Bake Oven I had when I was a kid, but I love to bake bread, cookies, cakes… you name it! And, I can get lost in a good book. I used to love puzzles, but I can’t seem to finish one that I have now with too many of the same colored pieces and it is dampening my enthusiasm a bit. I can’t bring myself to just give up and start one that I might enjoy. Maybe persistence does not pay off in this case!!!

8. What would you tell your middle school self?

Life gets better – just keep showing up.

9. Best advice on creating and running a business focused on families and kids having fun and connecting?

For our Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) that’s held every year in Chicago in November, we work to make sure there is something for everyone and plenty of kid-sized activities. We have a lot of activities that are multi-generational. We even have a Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents get in free if they bring their grandchildren. When I started this venture, I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I found partners that have helped me grow and expand over all these years, including long lasting friends at Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Spin Master and so many more.

March 15, 2023 by

Learn to be unique with these NAPPA Award Winners. Lots of games and toys to help kids learn in new, exciting ways.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies

A unique children’s movement and play deck, featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4-8 years, shambhala.com

LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)

Writing is easier and more fun. Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. Replies from grandparents are quick because a perforated reply postcard is included with the child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5+, lollipost.com

Epic

Encourage kids to explore their interests & learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2-12 years, getepic.com

LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game

This is no ordinary scavenger hunt game. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties & classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative & stay active. $34.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

Bebi Toddlers

Educational games & puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines, written formulas, and rammed materials. It is fun to play games and those games affect our brains back – how to improve our logical thinking, fine motor skills, and such more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2-5 years, bebi.family

Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers

It’s jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschooler skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals, and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Kids can enjoy the original classic puzzles, turn the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin the columns to find the picture, or put the scattered parts in place. FREE, ages 2-4 years, apps.apple.com

bekids Reading

Engaging stories for young readers to learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful songs. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

bekids Coding

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures, and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, bekids.com

bekids Science

A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

February 14, 2023 by

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are BEST for Baby, Mom, and Toddlers!

Alphapals Sets

A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com

Momcozy Video Baby Monitor

Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com

Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer

Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles, and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com

Hubble Connected Guardian+

Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com

Farm Animals

Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com

LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision

A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com

Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress

Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com

Hubble Connected Eclipse+

A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com

February 9, 2023 by By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are full of Kindness and Positivity!

Sing A Song of Kindness

Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms

A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com

Work, Parent, Thrive

Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com

“I’m a Great Recycler”

Sing along with your little one on how you can help save the earth by recycling, composting and donating. Catchy tune with a positive message. 99 cents, ages birth+, debiderryberry.com

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams

Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com

More Than Affirmations: Inspiring Affirmation Cards, Reflection Prompts and Activities for Kids

Features 30 positive affirmation cards for kids with different and unique reflection prompts, mindful activities and exercises. Promotes confidence, positivity and self-reflection. $19.99, ages 4-11, meditationfairy.com

‘The Moon is Broken’

A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com

We Listen to Our Bodies

Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com

Be Bright Lulu Doll

Help your child discover their strength and courage with this unique doll whose lilac hair has a UV activated blonde streak that turns pink in the sun. Kids can join five animal guardians and use their spirit to be confident, dream big and change the world. $49.99, ages 3+, adora.com

Care Bears Dare to Care Bear

A new friend whose all about kindness, compassion and acceptance to all around her. This multicolored plush wants everyone to know that “it’s cool to be kind!” $14.99, ages 4+, basicfun.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

October 25, 2022 by Elena Epstein

Curtis McGill and Scott Houdashell are the co-owners/founders of Hey Buddy Hey Pal, maker of the NAPPA Award Winning Product, the Cake-N-Bake Challenge game. They started at the kitchen table, where they hatched a fan-favorite idea about coloring Easter Eggs. Now introducing their first-ever game, we got the chance to chat with them about the process, their career as year-round toy makers, and fatherhood.

You both have had different careers before becoming toy inventors. Please share with our readers what you most enjoy about being in the toy business.

Curtis McGill: Honestly there are many things that I enjoy about the toy industry. From inventing new and fun ways for children to create and come back to the kitchen table, to the toy shows and seeing what new and how different companies connect with their customers and the kids of the world. Of all the businesses I have had the opportunity to be a part of, I always say the Toy Biz is the most fun. On top of that I work with my Best Friend Scott, and we have a great team that keep us straight and keep the wheels turning at the “Eggquarters.”

Scott Houdashell: You both have had different careers before becoming toy inventors. Please share with our readers what you most enjoy about being in the toy business.

What does a typical day look like for you?

CM: Every day is different, but all days consist of trying to meet our mission of bringing toys to market that bring the family back to the kitchen table and to create and play together. From talking to our team in Hong Kong on late night (US time) morning Hong Kong time, to tracking containers, PR Meetings, managing inventory. We wear a lot of hats, but that keeps it Egg-citing I guess.

You are both dads, in addition to being entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite activity with your own kids? Please tell us how many kids you have and what ages they are.

CM: 3 kids. Two 19-year-olds who are in their freshmen years at college and a 16-year-old Junior in High School. We are kind of in the “becoming better friends and advisor stage” of parenting. Toys aren’t on their list anymore. We are enjoying traveling together, playing with our 2 dogs, and talking about their plans and where they want to end up in the next 10 years. They do help give us advise on our new toys, most of the time they still laugh at my stupid egg puns. All 3 of my kids got to go to Shark Tank with us and be on the show – and watch us land a deal with Lori Greiner! It was really great to share that egg-perience (last one I promise). The memories we make together are what dad enjoys most,

Why is play important?

CM: What is the world without play. NO FUN! We enjoy having fun and bringing families together, friends together, kids together. We need each other in this crazy world.

SH: Children’s minds are full of imagination. Play is important because it stimulates creativity which is what we hope to provide with each new idea and product we develop.

What was your favorite toy or activity as a child?

CM: Favorite toy was GI Joe. I had 4 sisters, so I got to save a lot of Barbies. Favorite Game, UNO. Activity was anything involving sports. My mom had a day care while I was growing up, we had a ton of crafts that we made. Those memories stand out and some of the Christmas Ornaments we made there still hang on our family tree today.

SH: Growing up I have fond memories of playing outside in the dirt with toy tractors and my big yellow Tonka Dump truck. I still have these childhood toys which I proudly display at “The Egg-quarters.”

When not working, where will we find you?

CM: Traveling with family and friends. It is rare for us to take a trip without Uncle Scott (Houdashell). We all typically travel together and have made great memories and look to make many more.

SH: You will find me at my shop most of the time. I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I still enjoy working with wood and metal. Turning wrenches and working on my vintage cars is also a passion of mine.

Best advice you have received since becoming a dad?

CM: Listen to your kids.

How has parenthood changed you?

CM: I asked my wife the other day if we could adopt a baby. All of our kids are about gone or are gone and the old Curtis before kids has disappeared. Being a parent is who I am, and I like to think that I am good at it. She politely told me to wait for grandkids. I may just show up with a baby like she does dogs someday and we will see if she makes me take it back.

What would you tell your middle school self?

CM: Have fun always. Don’t be too serious. Life is a gift. SMILE and always make room for Nachos!

SH: Be patient and don’t be afraid to talk to the popular girl.

What are you most proud of since launching Hey Buddy Hey Pal?

CM:We have had so many successes in such a short time. But our charitable giving with Saint Jude and Make-A-Wish top the list for me. Before Covid we would go to the Children’s Hospital and Scott would put on the Bunny Suit and our kids and friends would decorate with the kids and families there and give them Eggmazing Egg Decorators for their house. Those are the things I am most proud of, and this toy company has allowed us to that!!!

SH: When I came up with the Eggmazing Egg Decorator concept — by accident decorating with my kids— I had no idea that this crazy concept from spinning an egg with an electric screwdriver with a marker on an egg would turn into a full-time career in the toy business! It’s really quite amazing. I’m so proud that I was able not just to come up with an item, but together with my partner Curtis, and a team of awesome “eggs” at the office, turn this little idea into a full-time, year-round business. Now, we’re a toy company that today sells seasonal items like a variety of Eggmazing Decorators, Tremendous Ornament Decorators, Halloween’s Stack-O-Lanterns and now our first game, the Cake-N-Bake Challenge! We’re all truly blessed to have so much fun at our day jobs and make kids and families happy with our products too!