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Born on a 114-foot mural in Belgrade, Serbia.

Chris kept noticing people everywhere growing disconnected — from themselves, and from each other.

So he painted a world reminding us to be present.

Brooklyn-based artist Chris Zaccaria was on a trip abroad painting a mural when he visited the pyramids in Egypt, and found everyone on their phones. An American traveler told him the Parthenon wasn't worth seeing. "You can't get a photo by yourself there." Back in NYC he watched people bump, push, and dismiss each other on the street. He realized he needed to do something about how we interact with ourselves, each other, and our world. The answer: Schnerds.

To gently remind us all to be present, and to love ourselves and one another for who we are and where we are, despite our differences.

Practicing together. Not preaching.

Chris Zaccaria at Toy Fair 2026

Chris Zaccaria at Toy Fair 2026

Warm Welcome Award, Toy Fair New York 2026 — As Seen in The Toy Book

From a painted wall to a herd you can hold

Before Schnerds became plush toys, Chris Zaccaria was making art. While traveling, he kept noticing moments when people seemed more interested in capturing an experience than being in it. Back in New York, small everyday interactions raised the same question: how could we make more room for ourselves and each other?

His answer was a world of curious creatures. In 2023, a 114 foot mural in Belgrade brought Schnerds into view. Their bright colors and unusual shapes were an invitation to look a little closer. You do not have to look or feel like everybody else to belong.

Different characters, familiar feelings

Darlene, also known as the Blue Schnerd, is figuring out how to love herself as she is. Hobart, the Trash Schnerd, is in a moment of change. JimBob is learning about listening, and Juniper is finding a way to steer through the world. They are characters to meet through stories, music and play, each with room to keep learning.

Meet Darlene plushMeet Hobart plush

The world keeps growing through books, plush toys, artwork and character gifts. A Schnerd might become part of an imaginary adventure, a gift for someone you love or a familiar face during story time. The point is to make space for connection, with a little playfulness along the way.

A practice we can share

Schnerds invites us to be present and to love ourselves and one another for who we are and where we are. That is something to practice in little everyday moments. Say hello. Listen. Try again. Let someone be a little different. There is room in the herd.

At Toy Fair New York 2026, Schnerds received the LaunchPad Warm Welcome Award for its booth design. It was a fitting recognition for a world built around making people feel welcome. Read the original coverage and get to know the artist behind it.

Press and awardsAbout Chris Zaccaria