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Charity organization Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) will partner with Fashion Delivers to host the seventh annual Women In Industry Luncheon fundraiser, which will honor four women from the fashion, real estate, entertainment and philanthropy arenas at an event on June 6. The honorees include Margaret Hayes, President of Fashion Group International; Kelly Neal Mariotti, CEO of First Candle; Joanne Podell, Vice Chairman, Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield; and Maura Regan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Consumer Products, Sesame Workshop.

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child New Product Awards last week at the New York International Gift Fair. The awards recognize excellence in four categories: toy, decor, gear and apparel. The winners were: Home Grown Book's collection of eight books by artist Sara Woster (toy); 3 Sprouts' laundry hamper (decor); MadPax Blok backpack (gear); and Zipit playsuits (apparel). The Blogger's Best award was presented to Benbini for its silicone watches with patented double bezel design for easy timing of naps and feedings.

JPMA was honored at the 44th Annual Public Relations Society of America Philadelphia Chapter's Pepperpot & Achievement Awards. The association received first place in both the Marketing Communications and Public Service Announcement categories for its baby monitor safety campaign and PSA. The Pepperpots recognizes the best public relations campaigns from the Philadelphia region.

Five companies were awarded with Baby & Child "Best New Product Awards." Box Play for Kids received the "Blogger's Best" distinction for Kids' Stickers. Other winners include: Plan Toys Inc. for Play House, a 3-story doll house (Best Toy); Haba Usa for Teepee Play Tent (Best Decor); Aden + Anais for the 5-in-1 electronic sleep and feeding system Serenity Star (Best Gear); and Pipopipo for socks in a reusable bamboo package (Best Apparel). 

Companies exhibiting at the ABC Kids Expo show have until Wednesday, Aug. 15 to submit products for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association's Innovation Awards. Products must be new entries and have been on the market for no more than one year. Finalists will be notified around Sept. 14. Judging will take place on Oct. 13 and will be announced on Oct. 14.

The gaming app took away three awards at the Licensing Excellence Awards during the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, NV, last week, including a win for Best Licensed Program and for Best Character or Toy Brand Program. The In Thing also announced last week that they will be creating a new range of products for the Rovio Entertainment app. Merchandise includes stationery sets, Plush Fingers and erasers.

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association is accepting nominations for the 2012 Best Toys for Kids awards. ASTRA members can nominate play products and toys that were introduced during the past year in 10 categories divided by age and specific product segments. The deadline for nominations is March 30.

Toys are judged on uniqueness, engagement, open-ended play potential and fun and safety aspects. Finalists will be selected in May. Winners will be announced during ASTRA's Marketplace & Academy in June.