The Toy of the Year Awards from the Toy Foundation in the US returned to a live event in Dallas, Texas, for the 23rd annual event.
The Foundation unveiled 18 winners across 17 featured categories, with the overall Toy of the Year winner due to be unveiled in November.
More than 550 submissions were whittled down by panels of experts, retailers, academics and journalists, with the 122 finalists being judged by Toy Association members, retailers, consumes and the media.
The event also celebrated the charity fundraising efforts of the Toy Foundation, which aids children around the world, with local Texas non-profit children’s organisations in attendance.
“We are excited to have the industry in-person to celebrate the TOTY winners, all of which are extraordinary examples of creativity and imagination that deliver the benefits of play to children and adults alike”
Executive director of The Toy Foundation Pamela Mastrota
Executive director of The Toy Foundation Pamela Mastrota said: “We are excited to have the industry in-person to celebrate the TOTY winners, all of which are extraordinary examples of creativity and imagination that deliver the benefits of play to children and adults alike. We congratulate each of the category winners, and all the innovative nominees, on receiving this incredible honor and we thank the industry for continuing to choose this award ceremony to support the Foundation’s programming and raise funds for the benefit of children in need.”
Jazwares was among those celebrating success after picking up two gongs for its successful Squishmallows brand, ending the evening with both License of the Year and Plush of the Year, the latter for its 16 inch SKU. “There was significant competition in these categories from an incredible roster of world-renowned brands, which makes our recognition for license of the year and plush toy of the year that much more significant for Jazwares,” said Jeremy Padawer, Chief Brand Officer, Jazwares. “As Squishmallows continues to thrive around the globe, we are so honored to be recognized in these categories by our peers and The Toy Foundation.”
The full list of winners is as follows…
- Action Figure of the Year: Jurassic World Dominion Super Colossal Giganotosaurus (Mattel)
- Collectible of the Year: LEGO Minifigures The Muppets (LEGO Systems)
- Construction Toy of the Year: LEGO MARVEL I am Groot (LEGO Systems)
- Creative Toy of the Year: Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball (Moose Toys)
- Doll of the Year: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fresh Fierce Collection by The Fresh Dolls (World of EPI Company)
- Game of the Year: Pokémon Trading Card Game: Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Box (The Pokémon Company International)
- Grown-Up Toy of the Year: LEGO Ideas The Office (LEGO Systems)
- Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year: CoComelon Ultimate Learning Adventure Bus (Just Play)
- License of the Year: Squishmallows (Jazwares)
- Outdoor Toy of the Year: Twister SPLASH (WowWee)
- Playset of the Year: LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Peach Starter Course (LEGO Systems)
- Plush Toy of the Year: 16” Squishmallows (Jazwares)
- Preschool Toy of the Year: Crayola Color & Erase Reusable Mat (Crayola)
- Ride-On Toy of the Year: Mario Kart 24V Ride-On Racer (JAKKS Pacific)
- Specialty Toy of the Year: Ann Williams Craft-tastic Nature Scavenger Hunt Potions (PlayMonster Group) and Snap Circuits: Green Energy (ELENCO)
- STEAM Toy of the Year: Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit (Abacus Brands)
- Vehicle of the Year: LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car (LEGO Systems)
