Read on as we dive into the stories behind our favorite toys, the friendships that inspired them, and the joy they bring to children everywhere. So grab your best friend, and join us on this heartwarming journey of laughter, love, and, of course, lots of play!
Can you share the story behind your first product and how you worked together to bring it to life?
Jack Miller (JM): Our original goal was to get kids moving with a screen-free toy that was more fun than video games… super challenging. Essentially we wanted to gamify movement, which first meant recognizing movement. We put some smart sensors in a foam ball, duct taped it together, and sharpied a slightly scary face over the tape. A crude prototype to say the least, but it was actually really engaging. We programmed over 30 games, and kids loved them… Well, some of them. (We quickly found out kids are very honest product testers).
Eventually, that duct taped ball became a tech embedded series of stuffed animals. Our partnership calcified into a company called Move2Play, and we took our first terrifying step into the world of making toys.
What role does friendship play in the development of your toys and overall company philosophy?
JM: I think being friends first and partners second affords a level of trust that is crucial for a small business.
What is your process for designing toys that promote cooperative play and social skills?
JM: Growing up, we found sports and games to be a natural catalyst in the formation of friendships. In many of our toys, we try to gamify cooperative play to make it more fun and engaging.
Can you share a memorable moment or milestone that reaffirmed your mission to support friendships through play?
JM: Last weekend, my daughter and her friend were having a blast with our unicorn bubble toy. They would hide in the backyard and wait for the “monster” (daddy) to find them. Then they would shoot the bubbles at the monster to make it run away (because monsters are allergic to bubbles, of course). It was so heartwarming to see them working together as two little teammates to save each other from the bubble-phobic monster.
From the very beginning, our mission has been to design toys that not only spark imagination but also foster the bonds of friendship. Whether it's through collaborative games, imaginative adventures, or just good old-fashioned fun, our toys are crafted to bring kids together, helping them build connections that last a lifetime. Here's to many more days of laughter, shared adventures, and the beautiful friendships that make our world a brighter place. Happy National Friendship Day!
