Miniland’s Sensory Coral Reef Plush: A North American TOTY Finalist from Onil, Spain
Miniland, a toy manufacturer based in Alicante with its headquarters in Onil, earned a finalist spot in the North American Toy of the Year 2023 awards, widely regarded as the industry’s Oscar in the United States. The TOTY honors an infant toy that recreates a reef environment to stimulate the senses of babies from birth to 18 months.
Designed to engage multiple senses, the plush integrates varied textures to refine tactile perception, teething elements to support gum development, and a removable rattle to captivate auditory exploration. It also features sea creatures and water-life visuals in bold color contrasts, plus a mirror to encourage visual tracking and self-discovery.
Onil’s team highlights that this marks a second straight nomination, making Miniland the only Spanish brand shortlisted by the United States Toy Foundation. The nomination sits in the Early Childhood category, with products suitable for children up to age three.
Miniland’s Sensory Coral Reef Plush sits among 122 toys and games selected from around the world, all competing for the TOTY crown. The final decision is announced at a New York gala, with the event spanning 17 award categories and taking place on the scheduled date in late September.
Educational toys and inclusive dolls drive Miniland’s growth in 2021
Victoria Orruño, Miniland’s Marketing Director, called the nomination a meaningful recognition, noting it signals appreciation from the American toy market for work aimed at early childhood development. In the previous year, the company reached the finals with a doll featuring Down syndrome, contributing to an inclusive collection that earned the Best Toy of the Year award in Spain and first place in the Reinforcement category at the 2021 European Play for Change Awards.
Miniland’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, sensory-rich products aligns with families across North America and beyond, supporting early learning and developmental milestones through play.