Positively Parenting

New York City recently served as the backdrop today for the unveiling of 70 highly anticipated nominees for the 2011 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.  Along with the announcement, the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) launched a new website, ToyAwards.org, that allows kids of all ages to vote for their favorite toys.  Now through January 14, 2011, families can vote, download a Holiday Gift Guide, and register to win fantastic prizes.

“The TOTY Awards not only celebrate the creativity and innovation of the toy industry,” said Carter Keithley, TIA president, “they also support the philanthropic efforts of the Toy Industry Foundation whose mission it is to give the gift of play to children in need.”

The finalists were selected by Nomination Committees from a record 500+ toys, games and properties submitted for consideration across 11 TOTY categories.  The committees – one for each category – were comprised of high-stature experts such as journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers.

In addition to the consumer vote, ballots were launched for retailers, media, and members of the toy industry.
Each will be weighted and used to determine the TOTY 2011 winners, including the coveted overall “Toy of the Year” award. Winners will be announced during the TOTY Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 12, 2011, as the kick-off to the 108th American International Toy Fair.

ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR

Toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio (Crayola, LLC)

LEGO® Atlantis Neptune Carrier (LEGO Systems, Inc.)

LEGO® Toy Story Western Train Chase (LEGO Systems, Inc.)

Paper Jamz™ Guitar (WowWee)

Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory (Hasbro, Inc.)

Real Construction™ Deluxe Workshop (JAKKS Pacific, Inc.)