The Toy Foundation has unveiled the winners of its 22nd annual Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY)
during a virtual event attended by play professionals and toy fans from around the world.
The awards ceremony included the induction of four industry trailblazers into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, as well
as a spotlight on The Toy Foundation’s charitable initiatives. One hundred percent of the award programme’s proceeds
support the work of The Toy Foundation, which funds children’s hospitals in disadvantaged communities, provides
grant relief to non-profits assisting families impacted by COVID-19, and supports vital diversity, equity and inclusion
initiatives in the toy industry.
During the TOTY ceremony, Squishmallows from Jazwares took home the coveted “Toy of the Year” award, as well
as the “People’s Choice” award and “Plush Toy of the Year.”
TOTY awards were handed out in 16 categories and given to the following:
Action Figure of the Year – Masters of the Universe: Masterverse (Mattel)
Collectible of the Year – LEGO Minifigures MARVEL Studios (The LEGO Group)
Construction Toy of the Year – LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Daily Bugle (The LEGO Group)
Creative Toy of the Year – Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron (Moose Toys)
Doll of the Year – Ada Twist, Scientist Lab Doll (Just Play)
Game of the Year – A Game of Cat and Mouth (Exploding Kittens)
Grown-Up Toy of the Year – LEGO Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (The LEGO Group)
Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year – Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot (Mattel)
License of the Year – Pokémon (The Pokémon Company International)
Outdoor Toy of the Year – ZURU Crazy Bunch O Balloons (ZURU)
Playset of the Year – LEGO Star Wars Boba Fett’s Starship (The LEGO Group)
Plush Toy of the Year – Squishmallows (Jazwares)
Preschool Toy of the Year – LEGO Disney Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Tiana’s Storybook Adventures (The LEGO Group)
Specialty Toy of the Year – LEGO Everyone is Awesome (The LEGO Group)
STEAM Toy of the Year – LEGO CREATOR 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel (The LEGO Group)
Vehicle of the Year – PLAYMOBIL Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus (PLAYMOBIL)
“We are thrilled to unveil this year’s much-anticipated TOTY winners, all of which are outstanding examples
of the toy community’s talent in designing innovative, magical, and creative playthings for kids and adults alike,”
said Pamela Mastrota, executive director ofThe Toy Foundation. “We congratulate Squishmallows, each of
the category winners, and all the nominees for their wonderful achievements and thank the industry for coming
together in support of The Toy Foundation and its critical work of bringing toys, play, and healing to millions
of children in need.”
During the event, four toy industry visionaries were officially inducted into the esteemed Toy Industry
Hall of Fame – thelate Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy; the late Lucille King,
founder of the Playskool Institute;Jim Pressman, president of Pressman Toy Corporation; and
Bob Wann (retired) of PlayMonster.
More than 600 TOTY Award nominees poured in late last summer. Of those, 114 finalists were selected
by a panel of expert judges. Category winners were then determined based on votes from toy retailers
(mass and specialty), media, Toy Association members, and consumers. The “Toy of the Year” winner
was determined by an expert panel that discussed all the finalists before rendering a decision based on
TOTY votes, holiday sales, and media buzz (traditional, online, and social). The “People’s Choice” award
winners were uniquely selected by online consumer votes. All results were audited for accuracy,
including the judging and voting process, and The NPD Group validated marketplace acceptance.
Descriptions of all TOTY finalists can be found at ToyAwards.org.