In an eleventh-hour, stage-and-screen-worthy plot twist, NEURODIVERGENT VOICES IN PLAY (N-VIP) elatedly announces its judgeship for the second annual Kidult Awards. N-VIP — GLOBAL TOY NEWS’ monthly column from the unconventional brain trust of Rubber Ninja Vadim Govorov, Pink Poodle Marlene Sharp, and collaborators on the autism spectrum — brings childlike innocence, grown-up brainpower, and sassy opinions to the existing Kidult prize evaluation panel, which primarily consists of British toy industry heavyweights.
The Kidult Awards, a creation of visionary journalist and plaything thought leader Peter Jenkinson, aims to recognize the very best that the toy business offers. This year’s event delves further into the heart of play, highlighting classic franchises on the comeback trail, plus a broadened array of collectibles that appeal to the over-18 set, whom the media affectionately calls kidults. While characters from yesteryear return and Hollywood remakes transport adults back to their youth, there is no more appropriate time to be a proverbial Peter (or Petronilla) Pan. In other words, now may be the best era in history for grown-ups who, well, refuse to grow up.
Peter Jenkinson himself expresses the significance of including neurodivergent individuals in this year’s product evaluations. He states, “Having NEURODIVERGENT VOICES IN PLAY as part of our team is invaluable. Their uncanny observations not only diversify the conversation around play, but also enhance our understanding of what makes toys impactful in the lives of all individuals, regardless of age or background. I am grateful for the fresh insights that they bring to our selection process.”
This year’s honorees showcase a variety of categories, including Tech Toy, Collectibles, and a new category: Publishing. Other categories include Film and TV Merch, Figures, Plush and Dolls, and Retro Reboot/Reimagined Returns, among others. The hands-on product analysis is in full swing, with results set to debut during a livestreamed ceremony on National Kidult Day, October 13. Adjudicators consist of a mix of returnees and newcomers, including experts such as Martine Roberts, Jason Bradbury, and Andy Bush, along with the mystery additions of an ’80s pop icon and a BBC TV personality. Stand by for these big revelations . . .
The entry period remains open through September 30. Creators and innovators can still submit their retail offerings for consideration. To participate, please request an entry form and additional details at peter@the-kidults.com. As one might expect, the Kidult Awards promise a celebration of ingenuity and nostalgia that welcomes a multigenerational wave of shared experiences!
P.S. September 14–25 marks the official toy industry 2026 Los Angeles Fall Preview; why not get in the spirit with your product’s audition for a Kidult Award? Visit Kidult headquarters at the-kidults.com.
