2020 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award Finalists Unveiled

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Association today unveiled 114 toy and game finalists for the prestigious 2020 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. Known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards program recognizes the top playthings on the market – from STEM/STEAM and innovative toys to dolls, action figures, creative toys, and more. The program is also a vital fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, which annually delivers toys to millions of children in need.

Finalists were announced this morning by a group of well-known online influencers who serve as TOTY ambassadors. Between now and January 5, 2020 play-lovers of all ages can visit www.ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings in each of the 16 categories, browse toys, download shopping lists for the holidays, and enter for a chance to win one of 16 toy prize packages.

"From an extraordinary field of nominees carefully reviewed by expert judges, this year's TOTY finalists truly represent our members' ability to bring fun, laughter, discovery, and learning to kids across America and around the world," said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. "We are proud to unveil these playthings in advance of the holiday season and celebrate the toy community's enduring ability to inspire generations of play. Everyone is encouraged to cast their votes at ToyAwards.org and help decide the winners!" 

Winners in each category, as well as the coveted overall Toy of the Year winner and the People's Choice winner (based solely on consumer votes), will be announced at the TOTY Awards gala on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The celebration will kick off Toy Fair New York and include the induction of three trailblazers into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

2020 TOTY FINALISTSImages available at ToyAwards.org/PressMore information about the TOTY voting and selection process can be found in the "About the Awards" section of www.ToyAwards.org.

ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEARToys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative and narrative-based playBakugan Dragonoid Maximus Transforming Figure by Spin MasterDisney Pixar Toy Story Basic Figures by Mattel, Inc.Heroes of Goo Jit Zu by Moose ToysJurassic World Destroy 'N Devour™ Indominus Rex by Mattel, Inc.Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro, Inc.My Hero Academia Katsuki Bakugo Action Figure by McFarlane ToysPower Rangers Beast Morphers Beast-X Ultrazord Figure by Hasbro, Inc.

COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEARToys that compose a set and can be collected in multiples; can include novelty playthings, miniature versions of existing lines, licensed collectibles, etc.Blume by Skyrocket ToysHairdorables Dolls Series 3 by Just PlayL.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Series by MGA EntertainmentLucky Fortune by WowWeeMy Singing Monsters Collectible Musical Figures by PlayMonsterPulp Heroes Snap Bots by Far Out ToysShopkins Real Littles Lil' Shopper Pack by Moose Toys

CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEARToys that include building as the primary play patternErector by Meccano, Inventor Set, Intro to Robotics by Spin MasterFisher-Price® Wonder Makers™ design system Build Around Town™ Starter Kit by Mattel, Inc.LeapBuilders® ABC Smart House™ by LeapFrogLEGO® CITY Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control by LEGO Systems, Inc.LEGO® MARVEL Iron Man Hall of Armor by LEGO Systems, Inc.My Robotic Pet - Tumbling Hedgehog by Thames & KosmosVEX Catapult 2.0 by HEXBUG

CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEARToys that allow kids to build and/or make items that are unique to themBlinger by Wicked Cool ToysCool Maker GO GLAM Nail Stamper by Spin MasterCrayola Glitter Dots by CrayolalittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit by SpherosmART Pixelator™ by Flycatcher Inc.Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Droid Depot Custom Astromech Units by Disney ParksY'Art® Craft Kit by Kahootz

DOLL OF THE YEARToys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls Ballerina Dreamer Dancing Ballerina by Hunter Products USA LLCCandylocks Basic Doll by Spin MasterCreatable World by Mattel, Inc.Cry Babies - Kristal Gets Sick & Feels Better by IMC ToysDisney Frozen 2: "Into the Unknown" Elsa Doll by JAKKS PacificDisney Princess Ralph Breaks the Internet - Comfy Princess Assortment by Hasbro, Inc.L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Fashion Dolls by MGA Entertainment

GAME OF THE YEARFor families and children's (ages 0-14) games including board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles, exclusive of video or app gamesFunkoverse Strategy Game by Funko GamesHeist by Megableu USAMS. MONOPOLY Board Game by Hasbro, Inc.Orangutwang by PlayMonsterPictionary Air by Mattel, Inc.Ravensburger's Disney Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared by RavensburgerThrow Throw Burrito by Exploding KittensUNO Braille by Mattel, Inc.

INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEARToys that are developed for ages 0-3 (0-18 months infant/18 months-3 years toddler)Fisher-Price® Linkimals™ by Mattel, Inc.InnyBin by Fat Brain Toy Co.KidKraft World of Eric Carle Shape Activity Cube by KidKraftLeapBuilders® 123 Fix-It Truck™ by LeapFrogMix & Match-a-Saurus™ by VTech®Musical Lili Llama by The Manhattan Toy CompanyTinker Truck by Radio Flyer

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEARToys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play valuecomicam® the Instant Comic Camera by Hangzhou Rulei Technology Co., LtdHarry Potter Invisibility Cloak by Wow! StuffHot Wheels™ id Smart Track™ Kit by Mattel, Inc.Hot Wheels™ TechMods by Mattel, Inc.RockIt Twist™ by LeapFrogShashibo (The Shape Shifting Box) by Fun In Motion Toystori™ Explorer Pack by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America

LICENSE OF THE YEARCharacter or property that has had success spreading its brand through the development and merchandising of products developed from the intellectual propertyBaby Shark by PinkfongBarbie 60th Anniversary Program by Mattel, Inc.JoJo Siwa by NickelodeonMarvel Avengers Endgame by Disney / Marvel LicensingPAW Patrol Mighty Pups Super PAWs by Spin Master / NickelodeonPokémon by The Pokémon Company InternationalRyan's World by pocket.watchToy Story 4 by The Walt Disney Company

OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEARToys that are designed for outdoor play, including ride-onsCrazy Cart® Shift™ by Razor USACreate A Castle by Create A CastleEzyRoller Drifter X by EzyRoller LLCGlobber GoUp COMFORT by Incredible NoveltiesMy Buddy Wheels by Yvolution USA, Inc.Toilet Paper Blasters™ Sheet Storm™ by JAKKS PacificZURU X-Shot Fast-Fill by ZURU

PLAYSET OF THE YEARToys that are designed to work together to enact some action or event, including characters and role playBeyblade Burst Turbo Slingshock Cross Collision Battle Set by Hasbro, Inc.Disney Frozen Ultimate Arendelle Castle Playset by Hasbro, Inc.Hape Fire Station by Hape International IncHot Wheels® Colossal Crash™ Track Set by Mattel, Inc.L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Chalet by MGA EntertainmentPLAYMOBIL Mars Space Station by PLAYMOBILTimber Tots by Fat Brain Toy Co.

PLUSH TOY OF THE YEARToys that are made of fabric and stuffed with cotton or similar filling, including toys with interactive or electronic featuresCutetitos by Basic Fun!Dolce Safari Adventure by Magformers/DOLCELittle Live Scruff-A-Luvs Real Rescue Electronic Pet by Moose ToysPinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets with Tempo Control by WowWeePomsies Lumies by Skyrocket ToysShimmer Stars by KD GroupZURU Rainbocorns Ultimate Sequin Surprise Series 2 by ZURU

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEARToys that are developed for ages 3-5Demo Duke by Spin MasterCoding Critters by Learning Resources®Kid Trax Rideamals Unicorn by Pacific CycleKindi Kids by Moose ToysMyla the Magical Unicorn™ by VTech®Peppa Pig's Magical Parade Floats by JazwaresWild Ones™ by Razor USA

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR|Toys that are distributed through independent retailers, i.e. neighborhood toy stores, and not sold at mass brick and mortar stores.  Toys that are sold only online do not qualifyAirFort by AirFortHape Emergency Services Headquarters by Hape International IncLEGO® Ideas Central Perk by LEGO Systems, Inc.LEGO® Stranger Things The Upside Down by LEGO Systems, Inc.littleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit by SpheroOombeeBall by Fat Brain Toy Co.ThinkFun's Thinking Putty Puzzle by ThinkFun, Inc.

STEM/STEAM TOY OF THE YEARToys that encourage kids to develop skills (foundational or curricular) in the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematicsAmazing Rescue 50Pc Set by MagformersArtie 3000™ by Educational Insights®Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab by Learning Resources®Crayola Color Chemistry Arctic Lab by CrayolaGumball Machine Maker by Thames & KosmosLEGO® BOOST Star Wars™ Droid Commander by LEGO Systems, Inc.Mech-5 Mechanical Coding Robot by Elenco

VEHICLE OF THE YEARToy cars, trucks, trains and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles but exclusive of ride-onsGrrrumball by Alpha Group USHot Wheels Mario Kart Die-Cast Vehicle Assortment by Mattel, Inc.L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper by MGA EntertainmentMonster Jam Mega Grave Digger Remote Control Vehicle by Spin MasterPJ Masks PJ Seeker by Just PlaySTAR WARS D-O Interactive Droid by Hasbro, Inc.X-Power Dozer™ by JAKKS Pacific

The finalists were selected from 633 nominees submitted by 236 companies. Eighteen judges, including toy and play experts, retailers, academics, and journalists, reviewed and ranked the products in categories relevant to their areas of expertise. The judges then participated in a discussion to determine the finalists in each category. They considered each product's creativity, design, play value, and marketing.

The TOTY Awards gala is open only to toy industry professionals. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase on December 2; all TOTY proceeds are donated to The Toy Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies throughout the year to bring brand-new toys to children who are sick, at-risk, in foster care, impoverished, or otherwise in need.

About The Toy Association               www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org / http://www.playsafe.org/Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $110.9 billion, and its 1,000+ members drive the annual $28 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play, and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned North American International Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

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SOURCE The Toy Association