Jul 21, 2014

Play Visions Received Two Top Awards For Sands Alive! Deluxe Set

Play Visions announced today that its Sands Alive! Deluxe Indoor sand set is the recipient of both the 2014 Best Toys for Kids Award awarded by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), as well as 2014 Toy of the Year presented by Learning Express Toys, the nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by these highly respected organizations,” says Mark Chernick, CEO of Play Visions, which distributes Sands Alive worldwide. “It’s very exciting for us to see such tremendous success so soon after launching this product in the U.S.”

Learning Express Toys, a franchisor of more than 120 retail outlets dedicated to educational learning, named Sands Alive! 2014 Best Toy of the Year at its annual convention which this year took place in Palm Springs, CA. “We recognized Sands Alive! for its originality, creativity, and design, said Lisa Visco, Vice President of Merchandising. “We are delighted to work with Play Visions because they understand our commitment to educational toys that are just plain fun.”

ASTRA selected Sands Alive! based on observations of its national retail members who watched children play in their stores, as well as garnered feedback from parents about toys that sustain children’s attention. Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA said, “Sands Alive! Deluxe Set, along with the others on the Best Toys for Kids Award list, goes beyond the pre-programmed, ho-hum play of so many heavily advertised toys, and gives kids a way to play that truly challenges their imagination and creative skills.”

Laura Brewer, V.P of Marketing for Play Visions says that what makes Sands Alive! unique is its texture. “It offers such an intriguing sensation, that you simply cannot stop playing with it. Rather than scripting play patterns, Sands Alive! Deluxe Set encourages creativity, and even enhances storytelling skills,” notes Brewer.

Sands Alive is recommended for ages 3 and up and is available at specialty retail stores.

About Play Visions Inc.

Play Visions, an innovator in truly engaging toys, specializes in awesomely addictive novelties and playthings with that ‘little something ‘extra’ that kids truly want. Based in the Seattle area, Play Visions was started by three life-long friends who bring a healthy dose of fun and frolic to the company, which has become an international powerhouse in the toy industry. For more information, please visit www.playvisions.com

About Learning Express Toys

Learning Express Toys is the nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores. To date, there are more than 120 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. These local stores are dedicated to providing quality toys, expert staff, exceptional customer service, and community support through fundraising—the keystones of the Learning Express brand. For more information, please visit www.learningexpress.com.

About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)

With more than 1600 members, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children’s products arenas. ASTRA and its member companies promote the growth of the toy industry by delivering products that serve children’s best interests. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org. Because Community Matters, ASTRA members thank you for shopping locally.

Media Contact:

Lauri Aibel

LA Communications

212-628-8396 or 917-968-9876

Lauri@LACommunicationspr.com