We’re thrilled to announce that The Bedtime Board Game has been honored with two SPARKS Play Awards this year: the Community Award and the Connection Award. These awards celebrate play-based products that promote emotional well-being, family connection, and positive social development — and we’re proud to be recognized for doing exactly that.
What Are the SPARKS Play Awards?
The SPARKS Play Awards, hosted by the nonprofit Play First Coalition, recognize products that reflect the six pillars of healthy play: Social, Playful, Active, Relational, Kind, and Supportive. Judges include early childhood experts, child psychologists, play advocates, and families — making these awards a unique blend of research-driven and real-world feedback.
Let’s take a closer look at why The Bedtime Board Game stood out and won not just one, but two meaningful SPARKS honors.
The SPARKS Play Community Award
This award goes to a product that supports shared experiences, positive routines, and a sense of belonging. The Bedtime Board Game was recognized for the way it transforms a traditionally stressful part of the day — bedtime — into something playful, calm, and cooperative.
Instead of power struggles or repeated reminders, kids follow a simple, visual game path that rewards progress with connection — not conflict. Parents have told us they no longer dread the nighttime routine; instead, it’s something they look forward to. That sense of shared purpose and calm cooperation is what the Community Award is all about.
The SPARKS Play Connection Award
The Connection Award celebrates products that strengthen emotional bonds between caregivers and children. The Bedtime Board Game does this in subtle but powerful ways:
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It invites teamwork, turning bedtime into a shared mission rather than a solo task.
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It creates space for small moments of joy — connecting over cloud card topics, giving goodnight hugs, celebrating progress.
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It encourages consistency and predictability, which helps kids feel safe and secure.
This connection isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential for healthy emotional development. That’s why we built connection into every step of the game.
Why It Matters
Sleep is crucial for children’s brain development, mood regulation, and overall health — but for many families, bedtime is the hardest part of the day. We designed the Bedtime Board Game to bring calm, connection, and play to those challenging hours. These SPARKS Play Awards confirm what so many families have told us: this game doesn’t just help kids fall asleep — it helps them feel seen, supported, and loved.
Thank you to the SPARKS Play Awards committee, and to every parent, caregiver, and educator who believes in the power of playful connection. We’re honored to be part of your bedtime routine.