They’re often considered to be the “Oscars” of the toy industry, and on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, the next Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards will be distributed at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City as Toy Fair New York gets underway. After carefully examining hundreds of nominees, a panel of industry experts determined this year’s finalists in 16 categories. One winner in each category, along with the consumer-chosen People’s Choice award and the overall Toy of the Year Award will be presented in February. Now it’s your chance to vote for your favorites.
– Here are the nominees for Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year! –
Honoring toys that are developed for kids ages 0-3.
Fisher-Price Linkimals (Mattel)
Linkimals work together with playful songs and phrases introduce baby to counting, colors, opposites, and the alphabet. Includes bright, colorful lights, fun music, and soft accents to engage babies’ visual, auditory, and tactile skills.
Ages: 9+ months, $9.99
Buy now on Amazon
InnyBin (Fat Brain Toys)
Babies can push the chunky, shaped blocks through the elastic bands of the cube. Each of the six shapes features a different texture, designed to help babies develop fine motor skills and tactile exploration.
Ages: 1+, $24.95
Buy now at Walmart | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
LeapBuilders 1-2-3 Fix-It Truck (LeapFrog)
LeapBuilders playsets combine fun songs and learning phrases with traditional block play for an interactive building experience. Kids can use the learning blocks and electronic Smart Star cube to build a truck and learn all about colors and numbers.
Ages: 2+, $24.99
Buy now on Amazon
Mix & Match-a-Saurus (VTech)
The PJ Masks vehicle ever, the PJ Seeker features a pull-out ramp, drop-down side door, and enough room for up to four vehicles in the detachable carrier. It has lights, sounds, a disk launcher, and a detachable cage. Includes Catboy and a mini Cat-Car.
Ages: 2+, $34.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Musical Lili Llama (The Manhattan Toy Co.)
This wooden llama is loaded with features for musical fun and activities. Includes 4 spinners, 2 gears, 1 maraca tail, a 5-bar xylophone, 1 set of notches/washboard for ratchet sound, 2 clacking saddle blankets, and 2 mallets that store in Lili’s head.
Ages: 12+ months, $49.99
Buy now at Kohls
Tinker Truck (Radio Flyer)
The Tinker Truck is a walk-and-ride vehicle that allows kids to build confidence and balance as they learn to walk. When kids are ready, they can sit and scoot around on their ride. Includes engagement features including clicking buttons, sliding beads, clicking dials, and folding mirrors.
Ages: 1+, $44.99
Buy now at Radio Flyer
World of Eric Carle Shape Activity Cube (KidKraft)
This activity cube has five sides for kids to explore, with features such as turnable gears, lift-up flaps, alphabet blocks, and a bead maze. It also features elements inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Ages: 9+ months, $59.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
– VOTE NOW! –
Public voting for the 2020 TOTY Awards is open to consumers, retailers, media, and members of The Toy Association through Jan. 5. For full details, rules, and additional information, please visit toyawards.org. Proceeds from the annual event benefit The Toy Foundation in its efforts to bring joy and comfort to children in need through the experience of toys and play.
