Today, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced the 83 finalists for the prestigious 2015 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Between now and January 11, toy consumers of all ages can visit www.toyawards.org to vote for their favorite toys, games, and properties across 12 categories.
The 2015 finalists were selected from more than 600 nominees submitted for consideration by 159 companies. Sixty academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.
Votes from mass retailers, specialty toy retailers, media, TIA members, and consumers will be weighted and used to determine each of the 12 category winners. The winners—including the overall Toy of the Year and the People’s Choice awards—will be announced at the TOTY Awards ceremony held on February 13, 2015 as the kick-off to the 112th North American International Toy Fair.
Categories:
Activity Toy of the Year (Arts and crafts, construction, and other indoor toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity):
- Crayola Paint Maker, by Crayola
- Dohvinci Style & Store Vanity Kit, by Hasbro Inc.
- Hot Wheels Airbrush Auto Design, by Mattel Inc.
- It’s My Biz, by Fashion Angels
- Lego Mixels, by Lego Systems Inc.
- Roominate Chateau, by Roominate
- Washi Tape Stickers, by Klutz
Boy Toy of the Year (Toys developed for boys of any age):
- Air Hogs Rollercopter, by Spin Master
- Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Fire Blastin’ Dusty Crophopper, by Mattel Inc.
- Marvel Super Hero Mashers, by Hasbro Inc.
- Max Tow Truck, by Jakks Pacific Inc.
- Nerf N-Strike Mega Thunderbow, by Hasbro Inc.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Action Figures, by Playmates Toys
- Zoomer Dino, by Spin Master
E-Connected Toy of the Year (A physical toy or game that is app-enabled or otherwise interacts with a smartphone, tablet, or gaming device):
- Barbie Fashion Design Maker Doll, by Mattel Inc.
- Kurio Xtreme, by Techno Source
- LeapTV, by LeapFrog
- Lego Fusion, by Lego Systems Inc.
- Skylanders Trap Team, by Activision Publishing Inc.
- Tiggly Counts by Tiggly, Kidtellect Inc.
- Virtual Design Pro, by Crayola
Educational Toy of the Year (Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play):
- GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope, by Educational Insights
- GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit, by GoldieBlox Inc.
- InnoTab Max, by VTech
- LeapBand, by LeapFrog
- Lego Technic, by Lego Systems Inc.
- Little Scholar, by School Zone Publishing
- Remote-Control Machines DLX, by Thames & Kosmos
Game of the Year (Children’s board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles (does not include video games or apps)):
- Bounce-Off Game, by Mattel Inc.
- Disney Eye Found It Game, by Wonder Forge
- Kanoodle Genius, by Educational Insights
- Moustache Smash, by Spin Master
- Peek-A-Doodle Doo!, by Fat Brain Toy Co.
- Shark Mania, by Spin Master
- Simon Swipe, by Hasbro Inc.
Girl Toy of the Year (Toys developed for girls of any age):
- Barbie Endless Curls, by Mattel Inc.
- Cool Baker Magic Mixer, by Spin Master
- Design Your Own Jewelry–Charm Bracelet Kit, by Sugar Lulu
- Disney Princess Palace Pets: Magic Dance Pumpkin, by Blip Toys
- Doc McStuffins Walk N’ Talk Doc Mobile Doll, by Just Play
- Lego Disney Princess, by Lego Systems Inc.
- Shopkins Small Mart Playset, by Moose Toys
Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year (Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)):
- Go! Go! Smart Animals Zoo Explorers Playset, by VTech
- Gymotion Activity Playland, by Yookidoo
- In My Room Jr.–Mr. Happy Moon, by Uncle Milton Industries
- Lamaze Pippin the Push Along Pup, by Tomy International
- PipSquigz, by Fat Brain Toy Co.
- Tree Top Adventure, by The Manhattan Toy Company
- Twinkling Firefly Frog, by Cloud b
Innovative Toy of the Year (Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value):
- Hot Wheels Street Hawk, by Mattel Inc.
- Laser Maze, by ThinkFun Inc.
- Loopa, by Yvolution
- MiP, by WowWee
- OgoBild with AnimateIt! Studio Kit, by OgoSport LLC
- Osmo, by Tangible Play Inc.
- Ozobot, by Evollve Inc.
Outdoor Toy of the Year (Toys designed for outdoor play):
- Fantasia Bubble Machine by Bubble Blitz, by Imperial Toy
- Firetek Bow, by Zing Toys
- Fuze Cyclone Water Blaster, by Skyrocket Toys
- Kidoozie Hop & Squeak Pogo Jumper, by International Playthings
- Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow, by Hasbro Inc.
- Razor PowerRider 360, by Razor USA LLC
- Y Fliker Lift, by Yvolution
Preschool Toy of the Year (Toys developed for preschool-aged children (aged 3-5)):
- Camp Site, by Playmobil
- Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile, by Just Play
- Kidizoom Smartwatch, by VTech
- Lego Juniors, by Lego Systems Inc.
- Paw Patrol Lookout HQ, by Spin Master
- Razor Jr. Zombie and Monster Kix scooter, by Razor USA LLC
- Snow Glow Elsa, by Jakks Pacific Inc.
Property of the Year (Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry):
- Disney’s Frozen (The Walt Disney Company)
- Minecraft Series 2 (Mojang/Jazwares LLC)
- Paw Patrol (Spin Master)
- Skylanders Trap Team (Activision Publishing Inc.)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)
- The Lego Movie (The Lego Group)
Specialty Toy of the Year (Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers):
- Balance Boat: Endangered Animals Game, by BeginAgain
- Gravity Maze, by ThinkFun Inc.
- Green Toys Safe Seas Set, by Green Toys
- Magnetron, by Tegu
- Monster Sewing Workshop, by Thames & Kosmos
- Squigz, by Fat Brain Toy Co.
- VEX Robotics Spider, Hexbug by Innovation First International
