RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic takes home coveted “Toy of the Year” & Story Time Backgammon wins “People’s Choice” Award
The most creative and innovative toys and games earned top honours at the 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year (TOTY) in the evening of February 28. Nearly 800 toy, play, and youth professionals gathered to celebrate excellence in play, as well as the industry icons inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the awards programme and event support The Toy Foundation (TTF), the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, which delivers play to millions of children when they need it most.
The RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic (WOW Stuff!) – a cuddly animatronic puppet based on the popular alien character – earned the prestigious “Toy of the Year” award, in addition to taking home the “Tech Toy of the Year” award. Story Time Backgammon (Story Time Learning), a unique story-based board game teaching kids as young as 3 how to play one of the world’s most popular games, took home the “People’s Choice” award for pulling in the most online votes from consumers.
TOTY awards were also handed out in 16 categories and given to the following:
Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime (Orion Pax) (Hasbro) – Action Figure of the Year
Deddy Bears Plush in Coffin (Innov8 Academy) – Collectible of the Year
Gecko Run: Marble Run (Thames & Kosmos) – Construction Toy/Playset of the Year
Mini Brands Create MasterChef (Zuru) – Creative Toy of the Year
12” Rainbow Brite Doll (The Loyal Subjects) – Doll of the Year
National Geographic Epic Circuits Science Kit (Blue Marble) – Educational Toy of the Year
Uno Show ’em No Mercy (Mattel) – Game of the Year
Lego Ideas Jaws (Lego Systems) – Grown-Up Toy of the Year
Scan & Sort Grocery Cart with Lights and Sounds (The Radio Flyer Company) – Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year
Bluey (BBC Studios) – Licence of the Year
PoppinColorz Hydra 2-in-1 Blaster (South Beach Bubbles) – Outdoor Toy of the Year
Emotional Baggage (Solobo Toys) – Plush Toy of the Year
Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set (Spin Master) – Preschool Toy of the Year
Hexel (Plus-Plus USA): Specialty Toy of the Year
RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic (WOW! Stuff) – Tech Toy of the Year
RoboRails: The Robot Monorail System (Thames & Kosmos) – Vehicle of the Year
Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation, said: “The TOTY Awards celebrate the best of what the toy industry has to offer — innovation, imagination, and the ability to bring joy to kids and families. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees on their tremendous achievements. The toy industry is deeply passionate about bringing play to all children, and we are proud to unite this collective philanthropy at the TOTY Awards and year-round to deliver comfort and positively impact children when they need it most.”
During the evening, toy industry Professor Erno Rubik, inventor of the Rubik’s Cube, was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
The Toy Foundation unites the toy industry’s philanthropic spirit for the benefit of all children in need. There are immediate opportunities to have an impact, including by participating in the TOTY Awards online auction of stand-out products, collectibles, and experiences (open through March 4) and making a cash donation online.
