Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Launches ToyAwards.org
Consumer Voting Website, and Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame

New York City 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.

2011 Hall of Fame Inductees Join Toy Industry Icons
Also announced today were the next inductees into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Al Verrecchia, chairman of the Board of Directors at Hasbro, and the late Donald Duncan, founder of Duncan Toy Company, will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and service to the toy industry during the TOTY Awards ceremony in February.

The TOTY Awards is a TIA-administered event in support of the Toy Industry Foundation. More information about the TOTY Awards (including product images and descriptions), the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, the Toy Industry Association and the Toy Industry Foundation can be found in the online pressroom www.ToyAwards.org /Press.

Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY11.