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 / Playset of the Year
Toys that include building as the primary play pattern and/or playsets with pieces that are designed to work together to enact some action or event, including characters and role play.
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.
Educational Toy of the Year
Recognizing that all toys have learning benefits, this category is meant for toys and games that go above and beyond and are designed specifically to meet an educational purpose such as helping a child develop a particular skill or teaching a child about a particular subject area (including but not limited to STEM).
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 mature humor.
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, including ride-ons, i.e. motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, wagons, bubbles, sports toys, role play etc.
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.
Tech Toy of the Year
Toys created in any category that have a meaningful tech element involved, that is directly related to or extremely enhances the play pattern.
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. Voted on exclusively by specialty retailers through Astra.
Vehicle of the Year
Toy cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles but exclusive of ride-ons.