In the US, The Toy Foundation has announced the winners of the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, with the top toys announced in 16 categories.
The winners of the 22nd annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards were unveiled during a virtual event attended by play professionals and toy fans from around the world, following the cancellation of this year’s New York Toy Fair.
In keeping with tradition, the awards ceremony included the induction of four industry trailblazers into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, as well as a spotlight on The Toy Foundation‘s charitable initiatives. One hundred percent of the award programme’s proceeds support the work of The Toy Foundation, which funds children’s hospitals in disadvantaged communities, provides grant relief to non-profits assisting families impacted by Covid-19, and supports vital diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the toy industry.
Squishmallows from Jazwares took home the coveted Toy of the Year award, as well as the People’s Choice award and Plush Toy of the Year.
TOTY awards were handed out in 16 categories and given to the following:
Action Figure of the Year
Masters of the Universe: Masterverse (Mattel)
Collectible of the Year
Lego Minifigures Marvel Studios (The Lego Group)
Construction Toy of the Year
Lego Marvel Spider-Man Daily Bugle (The Lego Group)
Creative Toy of the Year
Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron (Moose Toys)
Doll of the Year
Ada Twist, Scientist Lab Doll (Just Play)
Game of the Year
A Game of Cat and Mouth (Exploding Kittens)
Grown-Up Toy of the Year
Lego Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (The Lego Group)
Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot (Mattel)
Licence of the Year
Pokémon (The Pokémon Company International)
Outdoor Toy of the Year
Zuru Crazy Bunch O Balloons (Zuru)
Playset of the Year
Lego Star Wars Boba Fett’s Starship (The Lego Group)
Plush Toy of the Year
Squishmallows (Jazwares)
Pre-school Toy of the Year
Lego Disney Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Tiana’s Storybook Adventures (The Lego Group)
Specialty Toy of the Year
Lego Everyone is Awesome (The LegoGroup)
STEAM Toy of the Year
Lego Creator 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel (The Lego Group)
Vehicle of the Year
Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus (Playmobil)
“We are thrilled to unveil this year’s much-anticipated TOTY winners, all of which are outstanding examples of the toy community’s talent in designing innovative, magical, and creative playthings for kids and adults alike,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We congratulate Squishmallows, each of the category winners, and all the nominees for their wonderful achievements and thank the industry for coming together in support of The Toy Foundation and its critical work of bringing toys, play and healing to millions of children in need.”
During the event, four toy industry visionaries were officially inducted into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame – the late Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy; the late Lucille King, founder of the Playskool Institute; Jim Pressman, president of Pressman Toy Corporation and Bob Wann (retired) of PlayMonster. Read more about the Hall of Fame inductees here.
A panel of expert judges selected 14 finalists from over 600 Toy of the Year Award nominees. Category winners were then determined based on votes from toy retailers (mass and specialty), media, Toy Association members and consumers. The Toy of the Year winner was determined by an expert panel that discussed all the finalists before rendering a decision based on TOTY votes, holiday sales and media buzz (traditional, online, and social). The People’s Choiceaward winners were uniquely selected by online consumer votes. All results were audited for accuracy, including the judging and voting process, and The NPD Group validated marketplace acceptance. Descriptions of all Toy of the Year finalists can be found at ToyAwards.org.
