The 'Oscars' of the toy industry, this year's awards welcome a new category that reflects the soaring interest of kidults: Grown Up Toy of the Year.
The 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards has announced the 114 finalists it believes will be topping wish lists this holiday season, from creative construction toys and innovative collectibles to lovable plush and toys for grown-ups. The TOTY Awards programme recognises the top toys and games on the market and is a vital fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, which delivers the magic of play to millions of children in vulnerable situations.
Readers can head to www.ToyAwards.org to vote for their favourite toys & games in each of the 16 categories, browse toys, and download shopping lists for the holidays. Voting will close 4th January 2022. Every vote cast serves as an entry in the TOTY sweepstakes, giving consumers a chance to take home the winning toy in each category.
"Each and every finalist announced today demonstrates the incredible ability of toys and play to bring inspiration, laughter, and learning to children of all ages," said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. "We congratulate the outstanding finalists and look forward to announcing the winners in each category, as well as the coveted overall Toy of the Year winner and People's Choice honouree, at our gala in February. As the most critical annual fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, that night will be especially meaningful for the toy community, with 100% of the gala's proceeds benefitting programs that deliver toys, funds, and the healing power of play to children in need."
This year's TOTY finalists were selected from 623 nominees submitted in 16 different categories. A panel of 23 judges, including toy and play experts, retailers, academics, and journalists reviewed and ranked the products in categories relevant to their areas of expertise before determining the finalists, taking each product's creativity, design, and play value into consideration.
Winners will be announced at The Toy Foundation's TOTY Awards gala on Friday 18th February 2022. The celebration will include the induction of four industry trailblazers into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame and shine a spotlight on the inspiring philanthropic work of the toy industry and The Toy Foundation.
The finalists are as follows:
