News Summary
Greenville, S.C. is celebrating the recent recognition of Hexel, crafted by Plus-Plus USA, as the 2025 Specialty Toy of the Year. Designed by local talent Ryan Hamilton, Hexel promotes creativity and engagement in children, allowing them to build in various formats. This award highlights the impact of local companies on a national stage, contributing to the community’s pride and innovation in toy design.
Excitement in Greenville: Hexel by Plus-Plus USA Takes Home 2025 Specialty Toy of the Year!
Good news shines bright in Greenville, S.C. as the city proudly celebrates its local gem! The annual Toy of the Year awards took place recently, and making headlines is none other than the imaginative Hexel, crafted by Plus-Plus USA. This delightful creation has snagged the coveted title of 2025 Specialty Toy of the Year. That’s right, folks! This lovable toy is stirring up a buzz and proving that creativity knows no bounds.
A Local Masterpiece
For those who may not be familiar, Plus-Plus USA has its headquarters right in the heart of Greenville on Rutherford Road. The company is dedicated to sparking curiosity and imagination in children through its unique toys. Designed by local talent Ryan Hamilton in 2023, Hexel features a flexible and portable set made up of six Plus-Plus pieces cleverly connected by a cord. So, whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or having fun at a friend’s place, Hexel is ready for action!
What Makes Hexel So Special?
You might be wondering, what sets Hexel apart from other toys? Well, it’s all about creativity and engagement. Hamilton drew inspiration from the fidget toys his kids loved, and aimed to create something that would keep kids entertained while allowing them to express their imaginative flair. Hexel encourages children to build in two- and three-dimensional formats, which means the opportunities for creativity are limitless!
Plus-Plus toys themselves consist of identical pieces shaped like two plus signs joined together. These pieces fit together in exciting ways, allowing budding builders to create whatever their hearts desire, from simple figures to complex structures. With a focus on hands-on play, these toys definitely keep the fun alive!
A Rewarding Recognition
The Specialty Toy of the Year award by The Toy Association recognizes manufacturers who primarily sell through independent retailers or limited online channels, making it quite an achievement for Plus-Plus USA to receive this honor. Local companies making waves at a national level is a huge win for Greenville!
Sensory Friendly Initiatives at Greenville Zoo
The staff at the zoo has undergone special training to better understand the sensory needs of their guests, and their commitment really shows. As part of this initiative, sensory bags are available at the ticket booth and gift shop for free checkout. These bags are filled with essential items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, feelings cards for non-verbal communication, and lanyards to identify visitors with sensory issues.
A Navigable Oasis
To further support families, the zoo has designated quiet areas and “headphone zones” where visitors can relax away from the noise and hustle. These areas will be clearly marked on zoo maps, making it easier for families to navigate the sensory-rich environment.
This initiative is not just transforming the Greenville Zoo—a number of other organizations are already expressing interest in rolling out similar programs based on the success of this project. Plus, the KultureCity app can be downloaded to provide details on sensory-inclusive locations, including the Greenville Zoo.
Celebrating Community Spirit
The buzz around the city couldn’t be more uplifting. With Plus-Plus Japan driving imaginative toys and the Greenville Zoo providing a sensory-friendly experience, Greenville is truly a lovely place for families and kids to thrive. Here’s to more creative ventures and inclusive practices that make our community brighter!
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Fidget Toy Made in Greenville Wins 2025 Toy of the Year Award
- Greenville Online: When and Where to Shop Local in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson
- Burlington Free Press: Greenville Zoo Adopts Sensory Friendly Program
- Greenville Advocate: Free Classes in Greenville
- Google Search: 2025 Specialty Toy of the Year
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
