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 Preschool Toy of the Year! –
Honoring toys that are developed for kids ages 3-5.
Coding Critters (Learning Resources)
These interactive pets introduce preschoolers to critical thinking, problem-solving, and other STEM skills through fun play sets, storybook coding adventures, and two interactive modes. The full-color, 20-page storybook includes coding challenges.
Ages: 4+, $39.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Demo Duke (Spin Master)
Kids can crash and demolish this self-repairing vehicle featuring more than 100 sounds. Align the vehicle and press the throttle to send it flying, then press the repair button to automatically rebuild the crashed vehicle.
Ages: 4+, $49.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Kid Trax Rideamals Unicorn (Pacific Cycle)
Make playtime even more magical with the Rideamals Unicorn by Kid Trax! This little bundle of cuteness features multiple types of interactive play: feed, brush, walk, and ride. Watch your child’s eyes light up as their new friend responds to them – including 20 unique sounds. A brush and (plastic) cupcake are included for extra grooming and feeding fun. Riding this mythical pony is fun and easy thanks to the simple push-button drive system and Power Trax rubber traction strips that keep the ride smooth and steady. With a maximum speed of 1.5 MPH, this ride-on toy provides the perfect blend of fun and safety.
Ages: 18 months+, $99.99
Buy now at Walmart | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Kindi Kids (Moose Toys)
These bobblehead dolls spark imagination and come with interactive food-themed accessories, such as a bowl of cereal that magically disappears from its spoon. Kids can choose from Marsha Mello, Jessicake, Peppa-Mint, and Donatina (sold separately).
Ages: 3+, $24.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Myla the Magical Unicorn (VTech)
This interactive unicorn comes with a wand kids can touch to the butterfly palette to choose a color, then apply it to Myla’s eyes, wings, and horn. Plus, sing a duet using the microphone, braid Myla’s mane, and more.
Ages: 4+, $59.99
Buy now on Amazon | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Peppa Pig’s Magical Parade (Jazwares)
Kids can press the wand to make the parade follow them. This set features three interchangeable, moving floats; a moving smokestack; music and sounds; and exclusive Peppa Pig and George figures.
Ages: 2+, $39.99
Buy now on Target | Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide Winner
Wild Ones (Razor USA)
Toddlers can learn to balance on this two-wheeled kick scooter. The ride-on has extra-wide, slow-rolling wheels for kids to practice indoors or outdoors. Available in shark, dinosaur, and unicorn designs.
Ages: 2+, $34.99
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.