#141 - Melissa & Doug®: Designing Toys That Inspire Learning

In today’s episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m joined by Sofia Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug® Toys. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating timeless, high-quality toys that truly support children’s development, you’re going to love this conversation. We dive into the importance of open-ended play, how toys can spark language and connection, and why durability, inclusivity, and sustainability matter so much in toy design. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll come away with fresh inspiration for using play as a powerful tool for learning and connection.

Sofia also explains Melissa & Doug’s commitment to inclusivity, durability, and safety, including their extensive testing process and collaborations with occupational therapists. We discuss how sensory elements and realistic designs make their toys appealing to children of all abilities, while also easing fears and building confidence. Finally, we highlight surprising ways their toys have been used in therapy and at home, and how play—when led with joy and creativity—strengthens relationships and creates rich learning opportunities.

About Sofia Dumery

As Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug®, Sofia Dumery oversees the creation of all toys and ensures those toys deliver on the brand's mission to ignite imagination and wonder in all children so they discover their passions and their purpose. She leads a team across blue-sky innovation, product, and licensing design. The team is committed to ensuring its inclusive, open-ended products help kids of all abilities build confidence and develop essential skills.

In addition to setting the product's vision and strategy, Sofia is responsible for all new toy innovations, working with independent inventors, external partners, and in-house creative team. She holds 17 patents and is always searching for breakthrough innovations. Sofia works closely to ensure toys not only meet children's play patterns and market expectations but also deliver on key sustainability goals.

Prior to joining Melissa & Doug® in 2011, Sofia was Design Director at Callaway Arts & Entertainment. There, she built the product strategy and growth of Sunny Patch, at that time an exclusive line for Target.

Sofia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Masters in Industrial Design from Pratt University. She, her daughter and their cat Kiwi live in Westport, Connecticut. When it comes to play, Sofia's passions include biking, camping, and reading.

About Melissa & Doug®

From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug® products inspire creative thinking through screen-free, open-ended play! We make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. When kids play with Melissa & Doug® toys, anything is possible!

Melissa & Doug® Links:

Website: https://www.melissaanddoug.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaanddougtoys/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaAndDoug/

Takeaways

1. Purposeful, open-ended play matters – Melissa & Doug focus on toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and engagement rather than passive entertainment

2. Classic play patterns never go out of style – Blocks, pretend play, and exploratory play still hold the same developmental value they did generations ago

3. Toys support language development – Hands-on play is deeply connected to building speech, language, and social skills, making it especially valuable for young learners

4. Designing with inclusivity in mind – Melissa & Doug avoid rigid age labels, build toys with realistic details, and create open-ended opportunities for all children to play at their own level

5. Durability and quality are key – Toys are tested extensively (even “gorilla tested”) to ensure they perform well, reducing frustration and supporting consistent learning experiences

6. Neurodiversity is part of the mission – The company researches child development, collaborates with occupational therapists, and designs toys that avoid overwhelming sensory input while still providing tactile experiences

7. Realism helps children learn about their world – From the dentist set to ice cream counters, realistic details prepare kids for real-life experiences and help ease fears
   
   Sustainability and safety are priorities – Melissa & Doug use FSC-certified wood, focus on long-lasting design, and test rigorously to meet the highest safety standards

8. Unexpected ways toys are used – From sensory bins with puzzle pieces to elderly adults using Water Wow! for calming effects, Melissa & Doug toys support creativity across ages and abilities

9. Play builds connection – When adults model joy, silliness, and curiosity with toys, it deepens relationships with children and enriches their learning

You may also be interested in these supports

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2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

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