The Children’s and Family Emmys have found the perfect theme for the fourth annual awards show: joy.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has partnered with the Lego Group, FAO Schwarz, and the Museum of Ice Cream as sponsors and brand collaborators to bring “physical play, experiential design, and imagination-driven activations … beyond the screen and into real-world engagement.”
“In our fourth year, the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards have quickly emerged as a central gathering point for trusted family storytelling,” says Rachel Schwartz, head of the Children’s & Family Emmys. “CAFE offers a distinctive opportunity to engage families through creativity, joy, and shared moments.”
In addition to a life-sized Lego Emmy statue appearing on the red carpet, winners will receive their own mini version, made in collaboration between NATAS and the Lego Group. Jazz at Lincoln Center will be decorated with a 50-foot sprinkle pool, FAO Schwarz toy soldiers and oversized plush installations, a candy-colored Museum of Ice Cream arrival experience, and hands-on Lego build stations.
Attendees will receive gift bags that include the following:
Lego Disney Peter Pan & Wendy’s Flight Over London — a build-and-play set celebrating classic storytelling and childhood imagination
Museum of Ice Cream experience tickets — provided to all guests, inviting families to continue the celebration beyond awards weekend
Mini ice cream truck toy — a collectible inspired by MOIC’s signature pastel vehicle
Golden ice cream scoop — a novelty, display-worthy souvenir inspired by MOIC’s playful “treat culture”
Piñata plush toy — a soft collectible reflecting the brand’s sprinkle-filled, celebratory atmosphere
FAO Schwarz branded ollyball — a lightweight, family-friendly play item designed as a playful memento
Plush toy soldier bear — a collectible keepsake reflecting FAO Schwarz’s heritage and iconic flagship store experience
Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll — inspired by beloved educator and first-time nominee Ms. Rachel, translating joyful learning from screen to real-world play
The Unfunny Bunny by Kenan Thompson (hardcover) — a laugh-filled picture book from the Emmy-winning performer — because every awards night needs a little comedy
Toniebox 2 playset — a screen-free audio player made for little hands and big independence
Chick-fil-A plush cow — a playful nod to a first-time nominee, celebrating Chick-fil-A Play, the family entertainment app
Bombas socks — comfort for the morning after the celebration, from a brand known for giving back
Room to Grow — a special keepsake and a printed mission card highlighting how the nonprofit organization partners with families to provide personalized guidance and supports during a child’s critical first three years of life
The Baby-Sitters Club stage musical friendship bracelets — inspired by the beloved CAFE-winning series, these collectible bracelets celebrate Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey as the iconic friends return in an upcoming stage musical for a new generation
Friendship braceletsNATAS
“We’re creatives first, and so is the team building these partnerships,” says Cara Fortuna, producer of digital content and partnerships. “The CAFE nominees are always the most game to play along — whether they’re building Lego creations, meeting their childhood FAO Schwarz heroes, or jumping into a sprinkle pool to celebrate together. We can’t wait for them to reconnect with the sense of wonder their work inspires in kids.”
Taking place March 1 and 2 in New York for the first time, the Children’s & Family Emmys will be hosted by actor-director-puppeteer John Tartaglia, while Grammy-nominated artist Regina Spektor will perform.
Presenters include Rachel and Aron Accurso (Ms. Rachel), Jennifer Barnhart and “Zoe” (Sesame Street), Monique Coleman (High School Musical), Frankie Cordero and “Purple Panda” (Donkey Hodie), Stephanie d’Abruzzo and “Duck Duck” (Donkey Hodie), Ava Joyce McCarthy (The Primrose Railway Children), Tori Prentice and Adrianna Walker (Harlem Ice), Chanel Stewart (Win or Lose), June Squibb (Storyline Online), and Kari Wahlgren (Legends of Evergreen Hills).
The red carpet coverage will be presented by Live From Snacktime, the international platform known for spotlighting kids’ voices and quotes with humor and heart. Founder Alyssa will be reporting live from the carpet, offering a rare, kid-first lens on the awards show.