The Winners Are In!

More than five hundred toy industry executives and guests from around the globe gathered to honor their peers at the 12th Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards program and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 

Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a significant mark on the toy industry.  Joining the more than 55 people already on the distinguished roster are Arnie Rubin, Founder and CEO of Funrise Toy, and the late Frederick August Otto Schwarz, founder of FAO Schwarz. 

LeapPad™ Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. received the coveted “Toy of the Year” title and was awarded Educational Toy of the Year and Preschool Toy of the Year.  The awards program included 77 finalists across the 11 categories.

And the 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.