Largest US Toy Fair Awards its Best for 2010

The 107th annual American International Toy Fair, the largest toy trade show in the US, revealed the Toy of the Year Awards for the best creativity and playful spirit in children's toys and entertainment at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The event draws more than 21,000 retailers, importers, licensers, wholesalers, and buyers from nearly 100 countries to check out the latest offerings from big-name toy giants as well as independent toy makers. Among the 100,000 products on display before heading to store shelves this fall and 2010 holiday season, 7,000 are debuts at this year's Toy Industry Association convention, running through February 17.

The "Oscars" of the toy industry, the awards program recognizes outstanding toys in 12 categories with more than 80 finalists. The Toy of the Year (TOTY) gala last weekend presented honors to the following toys, recognized as outstanding toys that inspires creative play:

Overall "Toy of the Year" winner: Zhu Zhu Pets Zhu Zhu Pets by Cepia. The sensation of the last Christmas season also took two other categories, winning most Innovative Toy and the Girl Toy of the Year.

Activity Toy of the Year: Crayon Town Crayon Town by Wild Planet.

The Boy Toy of the Year: Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid by Spin Master for helping children develop special skills and knowledge.

Educational Toy of the Year: Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Mindstorms NXT 2.0 by LEGO Systems merges high-technology with creativity and imagination.

Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year: Rubik's Touch Cube Rubik's TouchCube by Techno Source.

Game of the Year: Sort It Out! Sort It Out! by University Games was selected among all the children's board and card games, CD-ROM or electronic games.

Infant Toy of the Year: Crayola Beginnings Color Me a Song developed for infants.

Outdoor Toy of the Year: My 1st Scooter by Radio Flyer

The only tie went to the Preschool Toy of the Year, recognizing two outstanding toys developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5): Tonka Chuck & Friends Chuck My Talking Truck by Playskool and Bilibo by Active People.

Recognizing the greatest success at spreading its brand, Property of the Year was presented to Bakugan by Cartoon Network

Specialty Toy of the Year: Captain Owen's Dolphin Explorer Boat by Sprig Toys made with earth-friendly materials.

http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=toy_Fair