As a toy expert and the founder of the annual Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Awards, The Toy Industry Association has invited me to sit on their prestigious  Toy of the Year (TOTY) nomination committee for two years running.  I’m so proud to participate because the TIA is recognized for its tireless efforts on behalf of the toy industry and the consumers it serves. 

While I announce the Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Awards before the holiday season so Savvy Aunties know which toys are most coveted by nieces and nephews, the TIA’s TOTYs, known as the Oscars of the toy industry, are nominated by a range of toy experts from a number of perspectives and announced at the International Toy Fair New York in February. The 2012 awards program included 77 finalists across the 11 categories. I’m happy to confirm that both the Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Awards list and the Toy of the Year list credit many of the same toys and brands for their contribution to the industry and making children happy.

It was no surprise that LeapPad™ Explorer by LeapFrog received the coveted “Toy of the Year” title. An outstanding innovation by Leapfrog, I’m eager to see what the company has in store for 2012. This toy was also awarded Educational Toy of the Year and Preschool Toy of the Year. 

The other winners are:

Recognizing an outstanding toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity, the Activity Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® NINJAGO Fire Temple by LEGO Systems, Inc.

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for boys of any age, the Boy Toy of the Year was presented to Hot Wheels® Wall Tracks™ by Mattel, Inc.

Recognizing an outstanding toy that helps children develop special skills and knowledge through play, the Educational Toy of the Year was presented to LeapPad™ Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Recognizing an outstanding children’s board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game, the Game of the Year was presented to Angry Birds Knock On Wood Game by Mattel, Inc.

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for girls of any age, the Girl Toy of the Year was presented to Fijit Friends™ Interactive Figures by Mattel / Radica®.

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for infants and toddlers up to 36 months, the Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year was presented to Elefun Busy Ball Popper by Hasbro / Playskool.

Recognizing an outstanding toy that combines innovation and play value, the Innovative Toy of the Year was presented to Hot Wheels® Wall Tracks™ by Mattel, Inc.

Recognizing an outstanding toy that is designed for outdoor play, the Outdoor Toy of the Year was presented to Rockboard® Scooter – Mini by M.Y. Products LLC.

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) the Preschool Toy of the Year was presented to LeapPad™ Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Recognizing a property that has had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry, Property of the Year was presented to Angry Birds™ by Rovio Entertainment Ltd/ Striker Entertainment (Licensing Agent).

Recognizing an outstanding toy that is distributed primarily through specialty toy retailers, the Specialty Toy of the Year was presented to HEXBUG® Nano® Hive(TM) Habitat Set by Innovation First Labs, Inc.