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Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2014 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards
Consumers invited to vote for their favorites at ToyAwards.org - now until January 13, 2014
NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today the 84 toy, game and property finalists for the prestigious 2014 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). The annual awards program is sponsored by the toy industry itself to recognize the top toys available across 12 categories -- from e-Connected and Activity to Educational and Outdoor toys. Because the finalists have been nominated from within the industry and winners are selected by a combined vote of toy manufacturers, retailers, media and consumers, the TOTY Awards are known as the "Oscars" of the industry.
"This year's TOTY finalists embody the innovative spirit of the toy industry and transport children to magical worlds through play," said Carter Keithley, TIA President. "The TOTY Awards program also supports the philanthropic work of the Toy Industry Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies to bring brand new toys to deserving kids throughout the year."
The 2014 finalists -- representing 68 unique products or properties from 41 companies -- were selected from more than 520 nominees submitted for consideration by 153 companies. Sixty academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.
Beginning today through January 13, 2014, toy lovers of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings. Each vote is a chance to win one of twelve TOTY prize packages filled with the toys and games featured in each category.
Four additional ballots -- for mass retailers, specialty toy retailers, media, and TIA members -- were also launched today and will remain open through January 13, 2014. All five ballots will be weighted and used to determine each of the category winners. The overall "Toy of the Year" award will be selected based on votes received from journalists and bloggers, retailers and TIA members; the "People's Choice Award" will be selected based on votes solely from consumers on ToyAwards.org.
See the finalists in each category below.
The winners will be announced during an awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 as the kick-off to the 111th American International Toy Fair.
ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR
Arts and crafts, construction and other indoor toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity
BOY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for boys of any age
E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR
A physical toy or game that is app-enabled or otherwise interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device
EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play
GAME OF THE YEAR
Children's board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles (does not include video games or apps).
GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for girls of any age
INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)
INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value
OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys designed for outdoor play
PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for preschool-aged children (aged 3-5)
PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry
SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, representing more than 600 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.
Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY14
Submitted by News on Sun, 2013-12-01 16:45