Jasey’s Toy Chest wins 11 awards in first year

Jasey’s Toy Chest, the family-owned toy company founded by Brian and Lauren Bernstein in Westport, Connecticut, has collected 11 national awards just months after launch. The momentum gives the screen-free toy brand more retail and consumer visibility while advancing its youth mental health mission.

Why it matters: - Jasey’s Toy Chest says its award run validates a launch strategy built around developmental, screen-free toys and a youth mental health mission. - The company’s early recognition from toy judges and consumer media can help expand awareness as it scales distribution and retail sales. - The brand also ties product development to its family story and nonprofit partnerships, which sets it apart in a crowded toy market.

What happened: - Jasey’s Toy Chest won 11 national awards in its inaugural year after debuting only months ago. - Brian and Lauren Bernstein founded the Westport, Connecticut-based company in honor of their late son, Jason “Jasey” Bernstein. - The company builds wooden toys designed to support early skills through screen-free play. - The company says all products are available in its Amazon Storefront and through retail partners.

The details: - Oppenheim Toy Portfolio gave six Jasey’s Toy Chest products its Gold Seal Award, one of the portfolio’s top honors. - Stephanie Oppenheim called the new wooden toy collection “a much needed and welcome addition to toyland.” - Honored Oppenheim products included the Wooden Vehicles Puzzle & Play Pieces and Wooden Farm Puzzle & Play Pieces, both priced at $14.99 for ages 12 months and up. - Oppenheim testers praised the vehicle puzzle for its play versatility and noted that the pieces can be used for dramatic play or block play. - The Wooden Farm Easy-Grasp Peg Puzzle, priced at $17.99 for ages 18 months and up, was recognized for its fine-motor benefits and storybook-style illustrations. - Oppenheim also singled out the Wooden Slice & Play Fruit Crate and Wooden Press & Pop Toaster Set, both priced at $19.99 for ages 3 and up. - Oppenheim testers highlighted the Fruit Crate’s Velcro fruit pieces and the Toaster Set’s dial and pop-up mechanism. - The Wooden Off to the Rescue Vehicle Carrier, priced at $24.99 for ages 3 and up, was also among Oppenheim’s winners. - Good Housekeeping named the On-the-Go Wooden Workbench, priced at $89.99 for ages 12 months and up, a winner in its 2026 Toy Awards Baby & Toddler category. - Parents selected four Jasey’s Toy Chest products in its 2026 Best Toys Awards, including the Wooden Big City Train Adventure Set & Table, the Wooden Magnetic Mix & Match People, the Wooden Slice & Play Fruit Crate, and the Wooden Farm Easy-Grasp Peg Puzzle. - The company says its toys are sold in more than 1,000 stores in 50 states, including specialty toy shops, boutiques, gift and home stores, school-supply retailers, Barnes & Noble locations, and online. - Jasey’s Toy Chest is a Corporate Collective partner of The Kids Mental Health Foundation. - Nationwide Children’s Hospital welcomed the company to the Circle of Care level of its Annual Giving Society earlier this year. - The company also partners with The Jed Foundation. - Jasey’s offers free play tips and parenting suggestions developed with The Kids Mental Health Foundation.

Between the lines: - The award count spans both specialist toy-industry recognition and mainstream consumer media, which broadens the brand’s credibility. - The company is pairing product design with mental health messaging and philanthropy, which may help it connect with parents looking for purpose-driven brands. - Brian Bernstein’s prior toy-industry leadership at Melissa & Doug adds operational credibility to the company’s early commercial traction.

What's next: - Jasey’s Toy Chest is likely to keep leaning on awards, retail placement and its nonprofit ties as it grows. - The company’s broader challenge will be turning early recognition into durable demand across its national store base. - The full collection and family story are available on the company’s website.