The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is now accepting toy, game and property submissions in 12 product categories for consideration for the 2013 Toy of the Year Awards. The nominations period will close on Friday, October 12th. [Submit a product or property for consideration on the TOTY 2013 ballot]

New for 2013 is the “e-Connected Toy of the Year” category, which will recognize the top “app-cessory” or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device. The TOTY Committee has also modified and broadened the description for “Innovative Toy of the Year” to include toys that utilize innovative design or manufacturing processes, in addition to technological components, to enhance play value.

“TOTY 2013 will put a renewed emphasis on play value, creativity, originality and innovation across all market sectors,” said Stacy Leistner, TIA vice president for strategic communications. “We have also streamlined the nomination process so that submitters can dedicate more of their time and energy to providing key information about their products. For example, a single form can now be used for entry in multiple categories, which will also alert Nomination Committee members if a product is being considered cross-category.”

Each product nomination must include a brief (75 word) product description plus a statement (up to 300 words) explaining why the product is deserving of recognition on the TOTY Awards ballot. Nomination Committees comprised of play experts, journalists, academics, retailers, and other toy experts will determine which toys and products for each category will be selected for the official TOTY ballots; they will consider a product’s creativity, originality and innovation; design and promotion; excellence of product; and marketplace acceptance.

On November 19th, a national press conference in New York City will unveil the finalists and launch five ballots – Consumers, Retailers (one each for mass and specialty), Media, and TIA members – which will each be weighted and used to determine the TOTY 2013 winners. At that time, public voting will open at ToyAwards.org through mid-January 2013.

One winner in each category – as well as an overall Toy of the Year – will be announced at the awards ceremony held Saturday, February 9th at The Plaza Hotel. The annual celebration will also salute the industry icons being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame and support the inspiring work of the Toy Industry Foundation.

For more information, visit the TOTY website or email toty@toyassociation.org