NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From creative construction toys and innovative collectibles to lovable plush and toys for grown-ups, the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards finalists announced today will be topping wish lists this holiday season. Known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards program recognizes the top playthings 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.
The 114 finalists were announced this morning by a group of kid & family influencers. Families can now head to www.ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite toys & games in each of the 16 categories, browse toys, and download shopping lists for the holidays. Voting will close January 4, 2022, and 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' honoree, 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. Twenty-three 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. They considered each product's creativity, design, and play value.
Winners will be announced at The Toy Foundation's TOTY Awards gala on Friday, February 18, 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.
And the 2022 TOTY Finalists Are…
Images available at ToyAwards.org/Press
More 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 YEAR
Toys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative, and narrative-based play
COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR
Toys that compose a set and can be collected in multiples; can include novelty playthings, miniature versions of existing lines, licensed collectibles, etc.
CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that include building as the primary play pattern
CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that allow kids to build and/or make items that are unique to them
DOLL OF THE YEAR
Toys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls
GAME OF THE YEAR
For families and children's (ages 0-14) games including board, card, electronic, or other physical game formats and puzzles, exclusive of video or app games
*NEW* GROWN-UP TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys and games developed primarily for grown-ups/kidults, including party games, board games, collectibles, arts and crafts, and more. These toys are often fueled by fandoms, social media, and adult humor while they are not "adult toys" nor sexual in nature
INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that are developed for ages 0-3 (0-18 months infant/18 months-3 years toddler)
LICENSE OF THE YEAR
Character or property that has had success spreading its brand through the development and merchandising of products developed from the intellectual property
OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that are designed for outdoor play, including ride-ons
PLAYSET OF THE YEAR
Toys that are designed to work together to enact some action or event, including characters and role play
PLUSH TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that are made of fabric and stuffed with cotton or similar filling, including toys with interactive or electronic features
PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that are developed for ages 3-5
SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys from manufacturers that primarily do business through independent retailers (neighborhood toy stores, museum shops, vacation destinations and similar venues) or in limited quantities online
STEAM TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that encourage kids to develop, strengthen and integrate skills across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
VEHICLE OF THE YEAR
Toy cars, trucks, trains and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles but exclusive of ride-ons
All proceeds from the TOTY program are donated to The Toy Foundation, which delivers the magic of play to millions of children in vulnerable situations through industry-wide toy donations and cash contributions.
About The Toy Foundation www.toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)3 children's charity whose mission is to provide philanthropic support and the vital commodity of play to children and families under stress and in dire situations, across the country and globe. TTF's donations represent the charitable works of TTF and the toy industry. Last year, TTF provided $360K in cash grants to nearly 4 million children severely impacted by the pandemic. Since its inception in 2003, TTF's signature Toy Bank has provided $225 million in toys to more than 26 million underserved children coping with serious illness, enduring temporary home placements in the foster care system, living with domestic violence, and/or dealing with natural disasters. TTF is also broadening its mission to provide grant funding to children's hospitals to encourage healing through play and to foster a diverse and inclusive culture and pipeline of talent for the toy industry.