TIA Unveils Toy of the Year Finalists

The Toy Industry Association has unveiled the 84 finalists for the 2016 Toy of the Year Awards, about 27 percent of which are licensed.

April 6, 2018

Winners will be unveiled in February to kick off the 113th annual NY Toy Fair.

This year's finalists were selected from more than 700 nominees, submitted by over 200 companies. More than 40 mass and specialty retail buyers, youth experts, academics and journalists made up the nomination committees.

Through Jan. 17, consumers can vote for their favorite toys in 12 different categories and enter to win prizes. The winners in each of the categories and the overall Toy of the Year will be selected based on votes from mass and specialty toy retailers, media, TIA members and consumers. The People's Choice award winner will be selected solely by consumer votes.

"From innovative toys that talk and fly to enriching playthings that teach and inspire, this year's TOTY finalists have brought joy, laughter and learning to millions of children and families," says Steve Pasierb, president and chief executive officer, the Toy Industry Association. "The outstanding nominees are a testament to the toy industry's dedication to the happiness, healthy development and well-being of kids around the world. We wish each TOTY nominee the best of luck and look forward to honoring the winners in just a few months."

Activity Toy of the Year

Bunchems by Spin Master Corp.
Chocolate Pen by Skyrocket Toys
Roominate Amusement Park by Roominate
Shrinky Dinks Bake & Shape 3D Jewelry by Alex Brands
Strand Bands Designer Set by The Bridge Direct
Upcycling: Garbage to Glam by Fashion Angels
Yummy Nummies by Blip Toys

Boy Toy of the Year

Air Hogs Millennium Falcon Quad by Spin Master Corp.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage by Mattel
LEGO
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Millennium Falcon by The LEGO Group
Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster by Hasbro
Sky Viper Video Streaming Drone V950STR by Skyrocket Toys
Star Wars
Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber by Hasbro
XPV Hulk Smash RC by Jakks Pacific

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition by Disney
Hello Barbie by Mattel
Kidizoom Action Cam by VTech
"Skylanders SuperChargers" by Activision Publishing
Stikbot Studio by Zing
View-Master Virtual Reality Viewer by Mattel
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot by Wonder Workshop

Educational Toy of the Year

Foundation Chemistry Kit by Yellow Scope
Gears!Gears!Gears! Build & Bloom Building Set by Learning Resources
Kids First Physics Lab by Thames and Kosmos
Magnets in Motion 61Pc Set by Magformers
Mighty Makers Fun on the Ferris Wheel by K'Nex Brands
Number Lovin' Oven by LeapFrog Enterprises
VEX Robotics Robotic Arm by Hexbug

Game of the Year

Choice Words by MindWare
Chrono Bomb by Patch Products
"LEGO Dimensions" by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Pie Face Game by Hasbro
Rush Hour Shift by ThinkFun
Three Little Piggies by Smart Toys and Games
WOO! By Fat Brain Toy Co.

Disney's Frozen Sing-A-Long Elsa by Jakks Pacific
Furreal Friends Starlily, My Magical Unicorn by Hasbro
Girl Scouts Cookie Oven by Wicked Cool Toys
Nancy B's Science Club Black Light Illuminator & Nature's Mysteries Journal by Educational Insights
Nerf Rebelle Arrow Revolution Bow by Hasbro
Shopkins Scoops Ice Cream Truck by Moose Toys
Zoomer Kitty by Spin Master Corp.