Step2 Toy Brands Win Record Number of Top Awards in 2008

Toy Experts Deem Retro Play Kitchen & Infant Activity Center Hot Picks for the Holidays

STREETSBORO, OHIO (November 12, 2008) — Holiday shopping season is here, and the nation's toy experts have made their top-toy list and parents are checking them twice. For The Step2® Family of Companies, more Step2, Infantino and Thinkativity toys are featured on premiere toy lists than ever before making hot prospects for parents and grandparents.

Step2 50's Diner Wins Unprecedented 11 Awards... and Counting

The Step2 50's Diner play kitchen was honored early on as a holiday favorite, rocking its way to the top of the Toys "R" Us "Fabulous 15 of 2008" holiday toy list, ranking among Parenting magazine's "Toys of the Year," and receiving an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Adding to the list of accolades, the retro diner play kitchen has now been "Recommended" by the Parents' Choice Foundation, awarded three stars from the Canadian Toy Testing Council (their highest honor), as well as being named one of iParenting Media Awards "Greatest Products of 2008" and Today's Parent "Top Toys of 2008."

Similarly, the Step2 Creative Projects Table also recently received three stars from the Canadian Toy Testing Council, and was named an iParenting Media Awards "Greatest Products of 2008."

Infantino and Thinkativity Take Top Honors

The Infantino PlayTime Activity Center and Infantino Lil' Chef Set made the iParenting Media Awards list as well, while the Infantino PlayTime Activity Center garnered an additional honor of being deemed Parents' Choice Foundation "Approved." Thinkativity's Pretend & Play Storyteller was also honored as one of the one of iParenting Media Awards "Greatest Products of 2008," making it a sweep for The Step2 Company brands.

"We appreciate this recognition from such important industry and retail leaders," said Step2 President and CEO Scott Levin. "We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. Across our brands, Step2, Infantino and Thinkativity, our products stand-out because they take a fresh look at multi-dimensional play and foster creativity for children from infancy to elementary school-age."

Award-Winning Products from the Step2 Family:

Step2 50's Diner — This new retro style 50's play kitchen will have toddlers boppin' to the oldies from the tabletop jukebox! Whether they're the waitress, fry-cook or customer, the Diner's 2-sided design offers numerous pretend play options while the realistic sounds made by the grill and coffee pot make it all the more fun. Ages 2+.

Step2 Creative Projects Table — Creative fun never ends with this art project table built for two. The large surface is big enough for friends and siblings to create masterpieces together. The cup holders and side storage keep supplies organized and ready. Ages 3+.

Infantino Play Time Activity Center — Great for tummy time and seated play, this activity center includes four action-packed sides with a large peek-a-boo mirror, put-and-take bird's nest and a textured fish tank. A great, compact and portable product that grows with baby! Ages: 3 Months.

Infantino Lil Chef Set — It's never too early to start testing out baby's culinary skills! Three piece cooking set with textured clacker spoons, rattling peek-and-see pot and a bouncing bead "salt shaker" rattle makes the perfect gift for your new chef. Ages: 3 Months+.

Pretend & Play Storyteller — This princess castle allows children to create their own fairytale complete with a fairy godmother all while promoting creative storytelling and language development. Ages: 2 years+.

For more information about Step2, Infantino, and Thinkativity brand toys, visit: www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com.