The TOTY Awards recognizes the top toys, games, and licenses across 17 categories of play. Category winners are determined by votes from Toy Association members, retailers, media, and the consumer voting website.

The People’s Choice Award is uniquely decided by votes on the consumer voting website. The Toy of the Year is determined by a panel of expert judges.

Action Figure of the Year

Toys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative, and narrative-based play.

Collectible of the Year

Toys that compose a set and are designed to be collected in multiples; can include novelty playthings, miniature versions of existing lines, licensed collectibles, etc.

Construction Toy of the Year

Toys that include building as the primary play pattern

Creative Toy of the Year

Toys that allow kids to build and/or make items that are unique to them

Doll of the Year

Toys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls

Game of the Year

For families and children’s (ages 0-14) games including board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles, exclusive of video or app games

Grown-Up Toy of the Year

Toys and games developed primarily for grown-ups/kidults, including party games, board games, collectibles, arts and crafts and more. These toys are often fueled by fandoms, social media, and adult humor while they are not "adult toys" nor sexual in nature

Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year

Toys that are developed for ages 0-3 (0-18 months infant/18 months-3 years toddler)

License of the Year

Character or property that has had success spreading its brand through the development and merchandising of products developed from the intellectual property

Outdoor Toy of the Year

Toys that are designed for outdoor play, excluding ride-ons

Playset of the Year

Toys that are designed to work together to enact some action or event, including characters and role play

Plush Toy of the Year

Toys that are made of fabric and stuffed with soft filling, including toys with interactive or electronic features

Preschool Toy of the Year

Toys that are developed for ages 3-5

*NEW* Ride-On Toy of the Year

Toys that are designed to be ridden outdoors, i.e., motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, wagons, etc.

Specialty Toy of the Year

Toys from manufacturers that primarily do business through independent retailers (neighborhood toy stores, museum shops, vacation destinations and similar venues) or in limited quantities online

STEAM Toy of the Year

Toys that encourage kids to develop, strengthen and integrate skills across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics

Vehicle of the Year

Toy cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles but exclusive of ride-ons