Cuboro Wave wins Gold in A' Toy, Game and Hobby Industry Awards

Cuboro Wave by Sebastian Etter has won a Gold A' Design Award in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design category. The recognition spotlights a Swiss-made wooden marble run extension that blends dynamic play, educational value, and sustainable materials.

Why it matters: - The Gold A' Design Award puts Cuboro Wave in front of families, schools, and educational buyers looking for durable, educational toys. - The award underscores demand for sustainable play products made with natural materials and long product life. - The recognition also signals continued interest in modular toys that add new play value without replacing existing systems.

What happened: - The A' Design Award named Cuboro Wave by Sebastian Etter a Gold winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design category. - The announcement was made in Como, Italy, on September 10, 2026. - The design is an extra set for the Cuboro marble run system. - A dedicated project page is available here.

The details: - Cuboro Wave uses wave-shaped wooden elements that send marbles through smooth up-and-down motion before they move to the next level. - The set uses untreated, Swiss Wood certified beech wood. - The elements are air-dried and precision-milled for a tight fit and smooth play. - The design works with existing Cuboro cubes and starter sets. - The reduced geometric form is intended to combine aesthetics with function. - The design was inspired by sailing across gentle waves and translating that motion into a marble run. - The A' Design Award said the Gold recognition reflects rigorous and impartial evaluation. - The award category evaluates innovation, user engagement, safety, educational value, aesthetics, durability, quality, playability, sustainable materials, inclusivity, age appropriateness, creativity, and originality.

Between the lines: - The win fits a broader toy-industry shift toward products that are both open-ended and educational. - Cuboro Wave extends a long-running system instead of starting from scratch, which can make innovation feel familiar rather than disruptive. - The emphasis on Swiss beech wood and precision manufacturing positions the product around sustainability and craftsmanship as much as play. - Sebastian Etter serves as CEO of Cuboro AG, the Bern-based Swiss family company behind Cuboro. - Cuboro began in 1986, when Matthias Etter invented the modular marble run system.

What's next: - The recognition may lead to more attention for dynamic add-on sets within the Cuboro system. - Cuboro says the award reinforces its commitment to sustainability, education, and social responsibility. - The company also points to ongoing innovation while maintaining the brand's original modular design. - More information about the broader competition is available on the A' Design Award website.

The bottom line: - Cuboro Wave won a Gold A' Design Award by turning a familiar wooden marble run into a more dynamic, educational play experience.