Remembering Stevanne Auerbach, Dr. Toy

October 21, 2022 | The Toy Association and its members mourn the recent passing of Stevanne Auerbach, PhD, known throughout the toy community as Dr. Toy. She died peacefully on October 19 at the age of 84.

For the past 45 years, Dr. Auerbach has had a presence in the toy industry as a leading professional on children’s play and educational toys. Her Dr. Toy Best Products annual awards program highlighted educational and skill-building products from companies of all sizes to provide parents, teachers, and toy buyers with gift recommendations.

Since completing her doctoral degree in child development and psychology from the Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio, she published 16 books about parenting, childcare, toys, and play. Throughout her career, she contributed hundreds of articles for national and regional magazines, newspapers, and websites.

In 1986, Dr. Auerbach founded and directed the San Francisco International Toy Museum, which was shut down four years later after the Loma Prieta earthquake. She also worked for the U.S. government, where she approved the first federal funding program for Sesame Street and established the first childcare center for the children of federal employees. She was honored by Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment in 2007 with the Wonder Women Entrepreneur award.

A celebratory memorial service will be held in November on Zoom for members of the industry who would like to commemorate Dr. Auerbach’s life. Anyone interested in attending may RSVP to Amy, Dr. Auerbach’s daughter, by November 14.